[Richard Wilbur's translation of the entire text of Racine's Andromaque will be published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich later this year.]

Act I, Scene iv

PYRRHUS, ANDROMACHE, CEPHISA

PYR: Madam, is it me you're seeking?
    Dare I let such a sweet hope cross my mind?

AND: I'm going to where you keep my son confined.
     Since once a day you let me be alone
     With all of Hector and of Troy I own,
     I was about to weep an hour away
     With him. I have not kissed him yet today.

PYR: Madam, the Greeks are frightened, it appears,
     And soon may give you other grounds for tears.

AND: My lord, what fear afflicts them? Tell me, do.
     Did some poor Trojan get away from you?

PYR: Their enmity for Hector is not dead.
     They fear his son.

AND: A worthy cause for dread!
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