THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

antistrophe 1
Not even in states is dual monarchy better to bear than undivided
rule; it only doubles burdens and causes faction amongst the citizens.
Often too will the Muse sow strife 'twixt rivals in the art of
minstrelsy.
strophe 2
Again, when strong winds are drifting mariners, the divided counsel
of the wise does not best avail for steering, and their collective wisdom
has less weight than the inferior mind of the single man who has sole
authority; for this is the essence of power alike in house and state,
whene'er men care to find the proper moment.
antistrophe 2
This Spartan, the daughter of the great chief Menelaus, proves
this; for she hath kindled hot fury against a rival, and is bent on
slaying the hapless Trojan maid and her child to further her bitter
quarrel. 'Tis a murder gods and laws and kindness all forbid. Ah!
lady, retribution for this deed will yet visit thee.
But lo! before the house I see those two united souls, condemned
to die. Alas! for thee, poor lady, and for thee, unhappy child, who
art dying on account of thy mother's marriage, though thou hast no
share therein and canst not be blamed by the royal house.
(ANDROMACHE enters, her arms bound. Her son clings to her. MENE-
LAUS and the guards follow, intent on accomplishing the murder.
The following lines are chanted responsively.)
ANDROMACHE
Behold me journeying on the downward path, my hands so tightly
bound with cords that they bleed.
MOLOSSUS
O mother, mother mine! I too share thy downward path, nestling
'neath thy wing.
ANDROMACHE
A cruel sacrifice! ye rulers of Phthia!
MOLOSSUS
Come, father! succour those thou lovest.
ANDROMACHE
Rest there, my babe, my darling! on thy mother's bosom, e'en
in death and in the grave.