Andromache. We may not hide him without heavy fear
Lest some one find him.
Old Man. Cover up the trace
Of our device.
Andromache. And if the foe should ask?
Old Man. In the destruction of the land he died,— 505
It oft has saved a man that he was deemed
Already dead.
Andromache. No other hope is left.
He bears the heavy burden of his name;
If he must come once more into their power
What profits it to hide him? 510
Old Man. Victors oft
Are savage only in the first attack.
Andromache. [To Astyanax] What distant, pathless land will keep thee safe,
Or who protect thee, give thee aid in fear?
O Hector, now as ever guard thine own,
Preserve the secret of thy faithful wife, 515
And to thy trusted ashes take thy child!
My son, go thou into thy father's tomb.
What, do you turn and shun the dark retreat?
I recognize thy father's strength of soul,
Ashamed of fear. Put by thy inborn pride, 520
Thy courage; take what fortune has to give.
See what is left of all the Trojan host:
A tomb, a child, a captive! We succumb
To such misfortunes. Dare to enter now
Thy buried father's sacred resting-place; 525
If fate is kind thou hast a safe retreat,
If fate refuse thee aid, thou hast a grave.
Old Man. The sepulcher will safely hide thy son;
Go hence lest thou shouldst draw them to the spot.
Andromache. One's fear is lightlier borne when near at hand,530
But elsewhere will I go, since that seems best.
Old Man. Stay yet a while, but check the signs of grief;
This way the Grecian leader bends his steps.