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. and she hath recognized the villainy of her former deeds. As for me, friends, I am weary of keeping my mistress from the fatal noose; do ye go in and try to save her life; for if strangers come, they prove more persuasive than the friends of every day.
Chorus
  1. Ah yes! I hear an outcry in the house amongst the servants, confirming the news thou hast brought. Poor sufferer! she seems about to show a lively grief for her grave crimes; for she has escaped her servants’ hands and is rushing from the house, eager to end her life.
Hermione
  1. rushing wildly on to the stage. Woe, woe is me! I will tear my hair and scratch cruel furrows in my cheeks.
Nurse
  1. My child, what wilt thou do? Wilt thou disfigure thyself?
Hermione
  1. Ah me! ah me!
  2. Begone, thou fine-spun veil! float from my head away!
Nurse
  1. Daughter, cover up thy bosom, fasten thy robe.
Hermione
  1. Why should I cover it?
  2. My crimes against my lord are manifest and clear, they cannot be hidden.
Nurse
  1. Art so grieved at having devised thy rival’s death?
Hermione
  1. Indeed I am; I deeply mourn my fatal deeds of daring; alas! I am now accursed in all men’s eyes!
Nurse
  1. Thy husband will pardon thee this error.