What can I answer? The King might slay me, but not this man.
Orestes.
It was the same but now, when I held death over her.
Hermione.
She has passed through death! She has no fear, no anger, as the living have. Why does she never ask for anything? [Almost beside herself with terror.] Faugh! the smell of death clings about all her garments! Kill her, kill her! [Orestes looks at Hermione with a shudder. Hermione, breaking down, continues.] Oh, friend, friend, I was not like this in Sparta.
Andromache.
Queen, I know my heart is with the dead of Troy. Why should that anger you?
Orestes.
[Looking at Hermione.] In very truth there is a shadow come over you. You seem to be shrunken, and scarce so wondrous beautiful.
Hermione.