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Talthybius
You that once were the wife of Hector, bravest of the Phrygians,
do not hate me, for I am not a willing messenger. The Danaids and sons of Pelops both command—
710
You that once were the wife of Hector, bravest of the Phrygians,
do not hate me, for I am not a willing messenger. The Danaids and sons of Pelops both command—
710
Andromache
What is it? your prelude bodes evil news.
What is it? your prelude bodes evil news.
Talthybius
It is decreed your son is—how can I tell my news?
It is decreed your son is—how can I tell my news?
Andromache
Surely not to have a different master from me?
Surely not to have a different master from me?
Talthybius
None of all
Achaea
’s chiefs shall ever lord it over him.
715
None of all
Achaea
’s chiefs shall ever lord it over him.
715
Andromache
Is it their will to leave him here, a remnant of
Phrygia
’s race?
Is it their will to leave him here, a remnant of
Phrygia
’s race?
Talthybius
I know no words to break the sorrow lightly to you.
I know no words to break the sorrow lightly to you.
Andromache
I thank you for your consideration, unless indeed you have good news to tell.
I thank you for your consideration, unless indeed you have good news to tell.
Talthybius
They mean to slay your son; there is my hateful message to you.
They mean to slay your son; there is my hateful message to you.
Andromache
Oh me! this is worse tidings than my forced marriage.
720
Oh me! this is worse tidings than my forced marriage.
720
Talthybius
So spoke Odysseus to the assembled Hellenes, and his word prevails.
So spoke Odysseus to the assembled Hellenes, and his word prevails.
Andromache
Oh, once again alas! there is no measure in the woes I bear.
Oh, once again alas! there is no measure in the woes I bear.
Talthybius
He said they should not rear so brave a father’s son.
He said they should not rear so brave a father’s son.
Andromache
May such counsels prevail about children of his!
May such counsels prevail about children of his!
Talthybius
He must be thrown from
Troy
’s battlements. Let it be so, and you will show more wisdom; do not cling to him, but bear your sorrows with heroic heart, nor in your weakness think that you are strong. For nowhere do you have any help; consider this you must;
725
your husband and your city are no more, so you are in our power, and I alone am match enough for one woman; therefore I would not see you bent on strife, or any course to bring you shame or hate, nor would I hear you rashly curse the Achaeans.
730
For if you say anything to anger the army, this child will find no burial nor pity either. But if you hold your peace and with composure take your fate, you will not leave his corpse unburied, and you yourself will find more favor with the Achaeans.
735
He must be thrown from
Troy
’s battlements. Let it be so, and you will show more wisdom; do not cling to him, but bear your sorrows with heroic heart, nor in your weakness think that you are strong. For nowhere do you have any help; consider this you must;
725
your husband and your city are no more, so you are in our power, and I alone am match enough for one woman; therefore I would not see you bent on strife, or any course to bring you shame or hate, nor would I hear you rashly curse the Achaeans.
730
For if you say anything to anger the army, this child will find no burial nor pity either. But if you hold your peace and with composure take your fate, you will not leave his corpse unburied, and you yourself will find more favor with the Achaeans.
735
The Trojan Women. Euripides. Edward P. Coleridge (Translator). London. 1906.
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