HERMIONE.
It cannot be that; it cannot. I have hated her too sore. It is all witchwork or else madness.
[_She looks up and sees the sword; suddenly clutches it and moves towards_ ANDROMACHE.
ANDROMACHE.
And afterward go and seek Hector, and he will tell thee more, for he was wiser and greater than other men. And some day this woman, too, will be broken and dying; and then she will see what thou and I have seen, and will know what mercy is. [HERMIONE _stabs her_.] Ah!
[ANDROMACHE _falls over the body of_ PYRRHUS. ORESTES _starts forward and grasps_ HERMIONE.
ORESTES.
[_To the men holding_ MOLOSSUS.] Hold this wild beast! Let the boy free.
[ORESTES _and_ MOLOSSUS _bend together over the body of_ ANDROMACHE. _The men-at-arms seize_ HERMIONE.
MOLOSSUS.
Mother, speak!--Is she dead?
ORESTES.
No, but there is death in her face.
MOLOSSUS.
Mother, mother, speak!
ORESTES.
[_Standing up._] We know what she would say---- Young King of Phthia, I never sought to slay your father; and for this woman, I would give all my wealth to have her alive again.--But I will make atonement: take all my gold--[_takes off his chain, and throws it at_ MOLOSSUS" _feet_.
MOLOSSUS _stands silent_]--and this dagger likewise. There is a bright stone in the hilt that keeps off the venom of snakes. [MOLOSSUS _is still silent_.] And my cloak was woven by women of Sidon. [_Throws down the cloak._
MOLOSSUS.
[_In a struggling sullen voice._] It was not you that slew her.
ORESTES.
Is it the woman? There is your sword. [_Picks it up and gives it him. To the men holding_ HERMIONE.] Hold back her arms, men, that the King may slay her as he will!
[_The men bring forward_ HERMIONE, _dazed and stupefied; they hold her so that either breast or throat may receive the sword_.
MOLOSSUS.
Oh, take her away, or I will verily slay her! Let her never set foot upon this land again.
ORESTES.
Begone with her to the ship!
[_The men move off with her._
HERMIONE.
[_Suddenly struggling._] I will not go! Let me free! I will stay and he shall slay me!
[_The men drag her off._
ORESTES.
And for mine own atonement. [_He looks round._] Men, get you gone!--If you would have more, here is my sword; and here is my shield, and my helmet. [_He lays the arms one by one at_ MOLOSSUS" _feet_.]--My men are all gone. The rest is for you to take.
MOLOSSUS.
[_Looking at_ ANDROMACHE.] I will take no more. I will have peace.
[_Kneels down, bending over the body._
ORESTES.
Peace let it be!--Her face seems strangely joyful.
MOLOSSUS.
I never saw her looking so full of happiness.
ANDROMACHE.
[_Half raising herself, with a radiant smile._] Hector! Hector!