Leader: Thy tale with pity fills me; for every man alike, stranger
though he be, feels pity for another's distress. Menelaus, 'tis thy
duty to reconcile thy daughter and this captive, giving her a respite
from sorrow.
Menelaus: Ho! sirrahs, seize this woman (His attendants swiftly carry
out the order.) ; hold her fast; for 'tis no welcome story she will
have to hear. It was to make thee leave the holy altar of the goddess
that I held thy child's death before thy eyes, and so induced thee
to give thyself up to me to die. So stands thy case, be well assured;
but as for this child, my daughter shall decide whether she will slay
him or no. Get thee hence into the house, and there learn to bridle
thy insolence in speaking to the free, slave that thou art.
Andromache: Alas! thou hast by treachery beguiled me; I was deceived.
Menelaus: Proclaim it to the world; I do not deny it.
Andromache: Is this counted cleverness amongst you who dwell by the
Eurotas?
Studies
