name and the fair name of Greece by assassinating the king of Epirus. But Hermione is very imperative that Pyrrhus should die at once. She feels that though he has cruelly wronged her, her old passion for him may return unless he is quickly punished. Unless he dies today she may forgive him, and love him again tomorrow. Orestes consents at last with reluctance and dread of the revolution that must follow, but still asks for delay. He will do it at night, not now. But Hermione is not to be put off.HERMIONE: Today he weds Andromache. Already in the temple the throne is raised, and my shame complete. Come back covered with the blood of the traitor. Go! And thus make sure of my heart.ORESTES: But, lady, think--HERMIONE: Oh, it is too much, prince! Go vaunt your constancy to other ears than mine, and leave me to my revenge. I will go alone into the temple when the marriage rites are prepared, and where you dare not go to win me. There I shall find means to approach my enemy. I will pierce the heart which I could not touch; and my bloody hands, turned on myself, will unite us in spite of him. Thankless as he is, it will be sweeter to die with him than live with you.ORESTES: No; I will take this fatal pleasure from you, lady. He shall die only by the hand or Orestes. Your enemies shall be sacrificed by me, and you shall then reward my care, if it so pleases you.HERMIONE: Go! leave me the guidance of your fate, and let your ships be ready for our flight.In the last act Orestes announces the death of Pyrrhus, but not by his hand:ORESTES: Lady, it is done! You are obeyed. Pyrrhus at the altar-steps has breathed forth his false life.HERMIONE: He is dead!Orestes then tells her the story. He went into the temple, and there saw Pyrrhus standing at the altar with Andromache at his side. Pyrrhus recognized him, but only to show greater boldness. The presence of the Greeks, whose ambassador he had defied, made his marriage more splendid. He took his dia...
