Archive of Our Own

TEXT

ANDROMACHE

Look around,

look around, how this ruinous war

Rages outside right now

Look around, look around

HECTOR

Why did you come here?

ANDROMACHE

I couldn’t wait

HECTOR My dear, this is not your place

ANDROMACHE

I watched the war from above these walls; That point there resists all assaults

HECTOR

I cannot do it;

ANDROMACHE

Please, I beg you I know you' ll fight until the war is won

HECTOR

(the war's not done);

ANDROMACHE

But have pity on me and your son; Look around, look around, how the war is raging outside right now; Look around, look around;

HECTOR

Will you relish being a coward's wife

How could I look you in your eyes?

ANDROMACHE

I relish being your wife

Look around, look around,

I know your noble heart

nothing you must prove

The fact you’re alive is a miracle

Just stay alive, that would be enough

You’d take my smile? make an orphan of your child; and a widow of your wife

Look at that

Would that be enough?

My family is gone; You are my everything

And I'm left wondering 'bout what will happen if you die

I am so afraid, for you that I married; I pray that you come home at the end of the day

That would be enough

I don't need those spoils of war

I don't need glory

Could I convince you to stay inside?

For the compassion you have for me,

Oh promise me you’ll stay away from peril; in the field, where you fight everyday

So your son will grow with a father

I’m praying you to stay

And I could be enough

And we could be enough

That would be enough