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PYRRHUS.
Is it not Orestes? Who is it?
HERMIONE.
This is some poor half-mad, wandering minstrel-man. I know him not. He is not Orestes!
A VOICE FROM THE WATCH-TOWER.
There are no men near the castle.
ALCIMEDON.
Well, strike him down!
HERMIONE.
What profit to break the guest-oath for such as he? He is not Orestes!
PYRRHUS.
Now the Furies that haunt Orestes dog you, woman, if you lie! [ORESTES _gives a cry_.
PRIEST.
If he be mad, it were a great sin to slay him. And the G.o.d has been strong in him to-day.
HERMIONE.
[_After gazing at_ ORESTES _steadily_.] May the Furies that haunt Orestes be ever with me if I lie. [_Recklessly._] Is that enough? If you would have another oath, behold, I will go this night to the altar of Thetis----
PYRRHUS.
Hush, Queen, lest the G.o.ddess hear!
HERMIONE.
[_Continuing._] And there by the altar I will swear oaths, and Thetis may work upon me what she will!
PYRRHUS.
Nay, daughter of Helen, no such wild words! I mistrust you not.--Guest, get you gone in peace.
ORESTES.
[_Subdued by mention of the Furies._] I go, not fearing you, but lest I see Them. I am no guest of yours. [_Throwing down armour._] Take back your shield and helmet. Aught else I have had from your hands, my gold will more than repay [_With horror._] Apollo, Averter of Evil! keep them back!--Oh, why did you not slay me while you might?
[_Exit_ ORESTES.
A RETAINER.
Shall we not stone him from the Court?
PRIEST.
He is possessed! Stricken of G.o.d! Touch him not if you fear the G.o.ds'
anger.
HERMIONE.
[_Terrified, staring in front of her._] No, no, I see nothing!
END OF THE SECOND ACT.
THE THIRD ACT
SCENE: _As in Act I. Night._ ANDROMACHE _on the steps of the altar of Thetis, with_ MOLOSSUS _asleep. Enter from the back, one after another, three armed men, with bows and arrows as well as spears; they pa.s.s silently behind rocks or bushes and disappear. Enter_ ORESTES, _armed, by path at back: a_ MAN _comes from behind a rock to meet him_.
ORESTES.
Is the watch set?
MAN-AT-ARMS.
Everywhere.
ORESTES.
And the path to the ship safe?
MAN-AT-ARMS.
Yes. We have but to wait till they are drawn off from the castle.
ORESTES.
Which way will Pylades lure them?
MAN-AT-ARMS.
He will feign flight northwards, to leave our way clear to the ship.
ORESTES.
