Andromache, Gilbert Murray [short books for teens .TXT] 📗

Nay, old friend--[to ALCIMEDON, who wants to break in; then to ORESTES again]--though you slay us all, you have but lost the food and shelter we had given you; and the shedder of blood escapes not the Dread Watchers.

ORESTES.

[Who had been cooling, starts and threatens her.] What know you of the Dread Watchers?

ANDROMACHE.

And there is little glory in the slaying of a woman, and little gain.

ORESTES.

[Wildly.] What woman? Who are you that taunt me? Priest, is this your witch?

ALCIMEDON.

[Angrily.] She is no witch! You lie, both stranger and priest!

ANDROMACHE.

I am a bondwoman of the King.

ALCIMEDON.

Andromache, once wife of Hector, Prince of Troy.

ORESTES.

And am I to be the guest of a bondwoman?

ANDROMACHE.

There are others of free estate who will take you in. I only sought to save men's lives.

ORESTES.

What worth are men