They're resting from their journey, they're coming to see me later.
PPandarus
He stole her away in a chest. We had no idea she was inside until we set sail. I tried to persuade him to return her, he threatened to throw me into the sea.
How could you not notice what was going on?
PPandarus
[sarcastically] I apologize, my lady. I should have foreseen that while the King of Sparta was burying his dead father, your new son would try to sleep with his wife!
Don't you use that tone with us! We put him in your charge!
AndromacheBy now, Menelaus will know they've eloped; he'll have told his brother. Agamemnon needs no excuse for a fight. She must be sent back, before they do something foolish.
Andromache's right. Agamemnon will have rallied all the kings of Greece, we can't waste any time. We'll send a message that we regret the discourtesy, return Helen, and send gifts of our own.
Why should I bow to him? We made this city prosperous through sweat and blood! This city bows to no one.
And will continue to do so. Your pride can afford to take one hit, if it's to save the city from any future harm. (pause) She must go back, Priam.
Leave us. [Pandarus and Andromache exit]
SServant
Forgive me, Your Majesty. The Spartan queen requests an audience.
[Helen walks in]
My Lord. My Lady. [Bows] If my fate is to be decided, I would like you to hear me first.
You have a nerve, my lady.
I hear, my Queen, that you rule Troy alongside your husband. That in this city, man and woman are equal in respect and power. I humbly claim that respect now. I was married at fourteen against my will, to a man I had not met and would never love. Not for one moment, have I been happy with Menelaus. I didn't choose him, and never would have. I do choose... to be with your son. I'm not a possession, I'm a woman. I think, I feel. And I'm here... because I want to be.
CCassandra
Their army's gone back to the beach.
Andromache
Yes.
CCassandra
I liked it when they were outside the walls. I liked being able to see them. I think the things that you can't see are much scarier than the things that you can.
Andromache
My husband... Tell me. What do you see of Hector? Does Achilles come for him?
Andromache
What do you see?
CCassandra
I don't see anything. Just blackness.
Andromache
Then the curse has been lifted?
[As Achilles kills several of his prisoners outside the gates of Troy while calling for Hector to face him]
AAinia
I saw your man die on the beach. He begged for mercy like a raped servant girl. I've never seen a soldier die with less dignity.
[Achilles walks over to her and holds his knife to her throat]
AAinia
[sneering] My Queen will open your heart and drink your blood, you son of a whore.
Son of a goddess, actually. [he slits her throat] HECTOR!!
Andromache
Please, don't go out there. Not today! Don't fight that man.
Andromache
Stay here with me, with our son! Please-
I would chose a short life as your husband, over a long life alone. [kisses her, their newborn son begins crying] I fight for you both. :[walks on]
Andromache
Please...
[The gate opens and he comes out to face Achilles, as his family watch from the walls. Achilles and Hector fight, with each of them taking wounds to the left shoulder]
You bleed like the rest of us!
[Enraged, Achilles charges Hector and they clash again. As Hector makes a counterattack, he over-extends his thrust and Achilles slashes across his sword hand, cutting off four fingers and causing Hector to scream in pain. Priam, Andromache and Hecuba begin to weep]
[pointing his sword at the helpless Hector] On your knees.
[Achilles stalks around Hector and slashes both his hamstrings, causing him to collapse in agony]
You will die on your knees.
[Andromache begins to sob; Paris stares at Achilles with murder in his eyes. Achilles glances up at them as he circles around Hector, then stabs him through the chest]
[leans close to Hector] When you get to the riverman, pause a while. Your wife and your son will be there shortly.
Troy: Fall of a City · 20 quotes
