Its inmost secrets bring. Necessity580

Doth often prove more strong than piety.

Andromache: Prepare thy flames, thy blows, and all the arts

Devised for cruel punishment: dire thirst,

Starvation, every form of suffering;

Come, rend my vitals with the sword's deep thrust;

In dungeon, foul and dark, immure; do all585

A victor, full of wrath and fear, can do

Or dare; still will my mother heart, inspired

With high and dauntless courage, scorn thy threats.