Page:Tragedies of Seneca (1907) Miller.djvu/372

354 "He perished in the city's overthrow." This cause alone ere now hath safety found For many from the stroke of death belief That they have died. Andromache: But scanty hope is left; Too huge a weight of race doth press him down. Besides, what can it profit him to hide Who must his shelter leave and face the foe? Old Man: The victor's deadliest purposes are first. Andromache: What trackless region, what obscure retreat Shall hold thee safe? Oh, who will bring us aid In our distress and doubt? Who will defend? O thou, who always didst protect thine own, My Hector, guard us still. Accept the trust Which I in pious confidence impose; And in the faithful keeping of thy dust May he in safety dwell, to live again. Then son, betake thee hither to the tomb. Why backward strain, and shun that safe retreat? I read thy nature right: thou scornest fear. But curb thy native pride, thy dauntless soul, And bear thee as thine altered fates direct. For see what feeble forces now are left: A sepulcher, a boy, a captive band. We cannot choose but yield us to our woes. Then come, make bold to enter the abode, The sacred dwelling of thy buried sire. If fate assist us in our wretchedness, 'Twill be to thee a safe retreat; if life The fates deny, thou hast a sepulcher. [The boy enters the tomb, and the gates are closed and barred behind him.] Old Man: Now do the bolted gates protect their charge. But thou, lest any sign of fear proclaim Where thou hast hid the boy, come far away. Andromache: Who fears from near at hand, hath less of fear; But, if thou wilt, take we our steps away. [Ulysses is seen approaching.] Old Man: Now check thy words awhile, thy mourning cease;