Epeisodion 1
Chorus
Mistress mine, be persuaded to come to terms with her, as far as readily comes within thy power.
Hermione
Why this haughty tone, this bandying of words, as if, forsooth, thou, not I, wert the virtuous wife?
Andromache
Thy present claims at any rate give thee small title thereto.
Hermione
Woman, may my bosom never harbour such ideas as thine!
Andromache
Thou art young to speak on so delicate a subject.
Hermione
As for thee, thou dost not speak thereof but, as thou canst, dost put it into action against me.
Andromache
Canst thou not conceal thy pangs of jealousy?
240
Hermione
What! doth not every woman put this first of all?
Andromache
Yes, if her experiences are happy; otherwise, there is no honour in speaking of them.
Hermione
Barbarians’ laws are not a standard for our city.
Andromache
Alike in Asia and in Hellas infamy attends base actions.
Hermione
Clever, clever quibbler! yet die thou must and shalt.
245
Andromache
Dost see the image of Thetis with her eye upon thee?
Hermione
A bitter foe to thy country because of the death of Achilles.
Andromache
’Twas not I that slew him, but Helen that mother of thine.
Hermione
Pray, is it thy intention to probe my wounds yet deeper?
Andromache
Behold, I am dumb, my lips are closed.
250
Hermione
Tell me that which was my only reason for coming hither.
Andromache
No! all I tell thee is, thou hast less wisdom than thou needest.
Hermione
Wilt thou leave these hallowed precincts of the sea-goddess?
