Andromache

Euripides

Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. II. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1891.

  1. Barbarians’ laws are not a standard for our city.
Andromache
  1. Alike in Asia and in Hellas infamy attends base actions.
Hermione
  1. Clever, clever quibbler! yet die thou must and shalt.
Andromache
  1. Dost see the image of Thetis with her eye upon thee?
Hermione
  1. A bitter foe to thy country because of the death of Achilles.
Andromache
  1. ’Twas not I that slew him, but Helen that mother of thine.
Hermione
  1. Pray, is it thy intention to probe my wounds yet deeper?
Andromache
  1. Behold, I am dumb, my lips are closed.
Hermione
  1. Tell me that which was my only reason for coming hither.
Andromache
  1. No! all I tell thee is, thou hast less wisdom than thou needest.
Hermione
  1. Wilt thou leave these hallowed precincts of the sea-goddess?
Andromache
  1. Yes, if I am not to die for it; otherwise, I never will.
Hermione
  1. Since that is thy resolve, I shall not even wait my lord’s return.
Andromache
  1. Nor yet will I, at any rate ere that, surrender to thee.
Hermione
  1. I will bring fire to bear on thee, and pay no heed to thy entreaties.
Andromache
  1. Kindle thy blaze then; the gods will witness it.
Hermione
  1. And make thy flesh to writhe by cruel wounds.