My Hector's child, to manhood and great aid
For Ilion. So her stones may yet be laid
One on another, if God will, and wrought
Again to a city! Ah, how thought to thought
Still beckons! . . . But what minion of the Greek
Is this that cometh, with new words to speak?
[Enter Talthybius with a band of Soldiers. He comes forward slowly and with evident disquiet.
Talthybius.
Spouse of the noblest heart that beat in Troy,
Andromache, hate me not! 'Tis not in joy
I tell thee. But the people and the Kings
Have with one voice . . .
Andromache.
What is it? Evil things
Are on thy lips!
Talthybius.
'Tis ordered, this child . . . Oh,
How can I tell her of it?
Andromache.
Doth he not go
With me, to the same master?
Talthybius.
There is none
In Greece, shall e'er be master of thy son.
Andromache.
How? Will they leave him here to build again
The wreck? . . .
