Act 2 Scene 1 The Voyage

Act 2 Scene 1 The Voyage


(This scene takes place on Pyrrhus' boat six months later. On board are ten Greek men and ten captive women. The vessel has just made landfall.)

PYRRHUS
Six months at sea and I still can't get over it.
Yet despite everything that happened,no moment was worse
than taking the boy from Andromache.
If you had seen the look that she gave me
and heard the sobbing and pleading.
It was gut wrenching.
Only that I would dare to save the boy
gave me the strength to take him away
and still I trembled and my heart went out.
For I saw in her beauty such as I had never seen before.
So, from my share of the spoils
I bought eight of her friends to give company to her sorrows.
It was the least I could do.

BRISEIS
I'm captured in a strange role.
In part, the women see me as a sister,
taken earlier, but in the same situation.
As for the rest, they don't realize my affection for Pyrrhus,
thinking I've already suffered a fate that's soon to be theirs.
When I walk the child on deck, the avoid me with a look of dread.
I suppose this is good for our purpose,
for I don't want them getting too good a look, especially Andromacha.
Yet when the child sleeps and I come by myself, they welcome me
and I do what I can to answer their questions
and prepare them for all that lies ahead.

(Briseis leaves center rail fading out and Andromacha walks up taking her place and giving voice to her thoughts)

ANDROMACHE
Six months at sea, since that terrible night,
when the streets of Troy rang to the clash of steel,
and the gutters ran red with the blood of innocents.
Already my recollections, once sharp and vivid,
begin to dim, even though I try hard not to forget.
Once I was married to a man admired by everyone.
Hector protected me and brought order to my life.
Now he's gone and I'm slave to my enemies.
Once I had a baby, taken by my new master
and thrown cruelly, from atop the city wall.
Soon he'll take me and there's nothing I can do.

PYRRHUS
So now, with my commanders' and the captive women
we're sailing home to Thessaly, by the southern route,
giving us all some rest and our wounds time to heal.
Ten men and ten women, not counting the pilot and his son,
and a good ship, "The Porpoise", built by my father,
seventy feet long, fourteen to the beam and twelve at the keel.

ANDROMACHE
(Comes back to rail, Pyrrus walks off)
Under any other sail, this would be a wonderful voyage.
An adventure of a lifetime; the kind women dream about.
There's a fresh ocean breeze and crisp scent of salty air.
I have the company of dear friends who are ever about.
Our ship's new and brightly painted, and seaworthy too.
The hewn timbers carry the smell of fresh cut pine.
The men are cordial and treat the women with respect.
We've a regime of daily exercise, rowing at the oars,
where everyone's expected to pull together in harmony.
It takes my mind away, from what the future portends.
Each morning for an hour, we practice our maneuvers.
Under every condition you could possibly imagine.
And it's not seen as a chore, but rather a ritual we enjoy.
One with unexpected results, for our skin's now tanned
and our fat has turned to a slim and muscled firmness,
that's pleasing to look upon, and not lost on the men.

PYRRHUS
Every morning I go for the "Exercise," and take my seat next to Andromache.
The importance of this drill was evident from the outset.
We had but ten men to row a vessel of twenty oars,
which meant that the women had to learn the sweeps,
while at the same time gaining stamina and strength.
I would have preferred the men on one side and the women on the other,
but such a course would have had us rowing in circles.
So, to be practical, I mixed them up and to my surprise it worked.

ANDROMACHE
Each morning he comes down and sits next to me on the bench.
In all that time he's not spoken a single word.
Where the other men were generous in their instruction,
Pyrrhus offered me not the slightest bit of advice.
Where the others offered patience and encouragement,
Pyrrhus showed me nothing but indifference.
In the storm he sat beside me for two days and nights,
as we hauled on the oars straining with all our might.
Trojan women and Greek men pulling hard together,
In his eyes was a desperation to match his strength
and it soon became a contest to see which of us would surrender first.
And yes, I thrilled to it, not caring if we lived or died,
fearing only my weaknesses.
Finally, when at last we stood clear
and the other men were filled with praises for my sisters,
Pyrrhus had nothing for me,
not even a shrug.

PYRRHUS
Love came overwhelming and unsolicited;
like a serpent's coil with unrelenting grip;
The crush of it choaks my heart with anguish.
(A punishment the gods must find amusing.)
The thought of her makes me pace fretfully,
and seeing her leaves my heart breathless.
It's not just her beauty, but all that she is.
Her pride, that never gives coin to compromise,
A rich purse, that could redeem misfortune,
and return dignity to the honor she deserves.
What for the others is humiliation and disgrace,
she accepts with the most sublime indifference;
Emerging unscathed, strong and undiminished.
And herein lies the crux of this miserable tale.
She's the only woman I can never hope to win;
For between us is insurmountable bitterness;
One act so damning, that no mother can forgive.
And for this I'm condemned, an innocent man.

ANDROMACHE
I should be grateful that he chooses to ignore me
because it's always easier to do the right thing
when the opportunity for wrong is nowhere about.
As it was that night, when breathing hard together,
we sat shoulder to shoulder, spent and exhausted,
and the smell of his perspiration filled my nostrils,
masking my own, probably not much different,
and I found the scent, not altogether unpleasant
and further, as we sat there, uncomfortably close,
my eyes were drawn to the cloth about his loins.
I wasn't happy to find myself in that frame of mind
and as the others clapped and cheered our salvation,
each showing the other, many appropriate sentiments,
we sat mute, while opportunity drummed her fingers.
Lucky for me, he didn't realize how vulnerable I was
and smile, or speak kindly, or gently take my hand.
I might have responded, to my eternal regret.

PYRRHUS
I've decided how to deal with the captive women.
My captains are getting anxious.
I see it in their eyes and looks say better than words
what men desire most. It was one thing at sea,
where I had to impose the strongest sanctions on sexual intercourse,
for I knew it would lead to bitterness and anger
when our lives depended on cooperation and teamwork.
But now, here at Andros, the ship lies safe at anchor.
Since I can defer no longer, I've prepared a roster
which should do wonders for everyone's morale.

PHOENIX
(Walks up to Andromacha)
My lady Andromacha, a word with you please.

ANDROMACHE
That's not my title. What do you want with me Captain?

PHOENIX
Just a few words in private.
(Andromacha takes his arm and they step aside.)
I hardly know where to start.

ANDROMACHE
The beginning's a good place.

PHOENIX
My lady,
we've been together on this voyage for some time and faced many hardships.
Not the least of which was that storm where we nearly floundered off Chios.
In our days at the oars, my friends and your ladies have become acquainted,
sharing thoughts and chasing boredom, in the banter of innocent speech.

ANDROMACHE
Go on.

PHOENIX
As your witness can attest, we've gotten to know each other quite well.
In the most formal of ways, beyond the slightest whisper of any scandal,
we've developed friendly and mutual interests, that grow stronger each day.
As a consequence of our trials we overcame the stress of adversity,
And discovered that special bond... of comrades drawn to a single purpose.
As it often is, when men and women abide together the chores of survival,
They have the opportunity to reflect upon their common interests,
As they pass the idle hours in pleasant conversation.

ANDROMACHE
What are you getting at Phoenix?

PHOENIX
This isn't easy to say.

ANDROMACHE
Then talk like a man!

PHOENIX
Well, since no one else dares...We'd be proud to take your women as wives, particularly the one that shares our interest most.

ANDROMACHE
Wives? First you murder us and now you want to marry us?

PHOENIX
(Laughs)
Reason doesn't make love.

ANDROMACHE
Well spoken! The problem is that these women are not mine to give. They belong to Pyrrhus. Why aren't you discussing this with him?

PHOENIX
It isn't easy, for the captive women will fetch a price at auction, far beyond anything we can afford.

ANDROMACHE
Doesn't he owe your for your services?

PHOENIX
Its we who owe him.

ANDROMACHE
Why don't you simply tell him what's on your minds?

PHOENIX
We're afraid he will say "NO." It would be our answer in his place.

ANDROMACHE
He must have some concern for your feelings.

PHOENIX
Indeed he does. For he's made up a roster. His intention is to pass the women around, beginning tonight.

ANDROMACHE
Chattel?

PHOENIX
It's the custom.

ANDROMACHE
To a different man each night?

PHOENIX
It's the way.

ANDROMACHE
Dear gods! I feared as much.

PHOENIX
So do I, for what man could suffer a wife used like that?

ANDROMACHE
Let me think about that.... How about a man that loved her?

PHOENIX
Don't shame me while my heart's at your feet.

ANDROMACHE
Is there nothing to be done?

PHOENIX
I was hoping you might prevail on him to change his mind.

ANDROMACHE
ME! What have I to offer that's not his already?

PHOENIX
I've seen his eyes when he thinks no one is watching. Being older, I can tell he has deep feelings for you.

ANDROMACHE
Deep feelings?

PHOENIX
There's looks my lady and there's looks; Some from the belly and some from the heart. I know the difference.

ANDROMACHE
I think sir, you're badly mistaken.

PHOENIX
If you haven't seen it then your vision is impaired.

ANDROMACHE
And if it is, then what would you have me do?

PHOENIX
It's not for me to say, for a woman's honor is a precious thing. Still, I ask that you search your heart for the answer. Your leave my lady...
(Departs, Andromacha returns to women)

BRISEIS
What was that all about?

ANDROMACHE
Our fears are answered; it begins tonight; Pyrrhus has made a roster.
(Women begin weeping and moaning)

BRISEIS
I expected as much, my only surprise is the delay.

ANDROMACHE
Why are you wailing? Did you expect any less?

LAODICE
I dared hope for more?

ANDROMACHE
Hope for what?

LAODICE
That it would be with Eudorus.

DAPHNE
And I with Alcmedon.
(Others shake heads in affirmation, naming names.)

ANDROMACHE
(Incredulous)
You would have "this one" instead of "that one?" These are the men that ravaged Troy and killed our loved ones. Have you no recollection? And you , Dora, Would you choose?

DORA
It's easy for you to condemn us. Your name won't be on the list.

ANDROMACHE
What makes you so sure?

DORA
Because you're set aside for Pyrrhus.

ANDROMACHE
(Sarcastically)
I suppose, "You've seen it in his eyes?"

BRISEIS
We all have, Andromacha, haven't you?

ANDROMACHE
I take no notice of these men's eyes!

BRISEIS
(Clears throat)
Since the worst is about to happen, what's so terrible about wanting to be a slave wife instead of a drudge? I'd rather be the property of one man than each night, having the prospect of a new dread.

ANDROMACHE
The wrong's in choosing. It's one thing to accept fate and another to welcome it with open arms.

BRISEIS
I've been captive longer than any of you and this is getting absurd. It's a fine thing for philosophers but a luxury no slave can afford.

ANDROMACHE
So you would have them choose?

BRESIS
Of course.

ANDROMACHE
And who's your favorite?

BRISEIS
Philistes.

ANDROMACHE
I hadn't realized this had gone so far.

BRISEIS
Your eyes were on the past while ours were turning to the future.

ANDROMACHE
What future?

BRISEIS
The only hope left to us. The last chance for our lineage. The legacy entrusted to our safekeeping.

ANDROMACHE
Hope? Chance? Legacy? (Looks about). What am I missing here?

BRISEIS
Something you refuse to think about. Something that's hidden.

ANDROMACHE
Hidden?

BRISEIS
In the wombs of these women.

ANDROMACHE
(Puts hands over face... then looks up)
Perhaps...In any case I was wrong to judge.
I've lagged behind and my burden was no heavier than anyone's.
Be patient with me, my shoulders ache...
I need to readjust the yoke.
Bear my heartache with your determination.
(Walks to center stage and speaks to audience.)
How was I so blind and who am I to question?
They've suffered as much as I have.
Never again will my pride tear them down;
For all they have left is their self-respect
and how long will that survive a whore's treatment?
If I hold back now I could never forgive myself.
Briseis was right, they're the last shreds of our legacy.
All that remains is ventured on their future.
No doubt they'll make the best of things
and if anyone can reach up through the ashes,
it's the companions of my misery.
For my part I'll do what I can to make amends,
for I judged with my hand on the scale.
Phoenix said I might make a difference
and if he's right, then, what's to lose in trying?
How? He didn't say, but the implication was clear.
That I could use my honor to rescue their hope.
It seems a small enough price to pay.
For what is honor weighed against self-respect?
The dilemma answers its own question.
Since I can't keep one without losing the other,
then honor must be sacrificed.
For it derives from others,
who can give it or take it away,
while self-respect, is mine alone...forever.

PYRRHUS
We were six months at the oar and she said nothing.
The hate she bears me turns her heart to stone.
How do I overcome those sentiments?
In her place, would I feel differently?
If I could explain, there would be the difference.
She'd see me as a savior, instead of a murderer.
But I must not dwell on that... the risk's too great.
For the sake of the boy, my friends, and my house,
I must be silent, for if the truth gets out we're lost.

ANDROMACHE
I must put aside the happiness of a gentler time
and gird my resolve for what lies ahead.
Already I've weathered the worst part of it,
and the future's a footnote, taken with the rest.
Is any man so heavy his weight can't be borne?
Is any man so endowed his torment not endured?
Who says you have to love a man? Nobody I know!
For what is love but the flower of our hopes,
drowned in the tears of many a sad consequence.
Was losing our loved ones not the greater pain?
Was the drop from prominence not a harder fall?
As suffering becomes familiar, I take it for granted
And with calloused heart, fear is easier to manage.

PYRRHUS
Could she be trusted? She's always at the center of attention.
If she suffered a change of heart would that pass unnoticed?
No! It would beg questions. First she would want to see the boy.
Could she hide her happiness? I don't think so. Not on this ship.
Ignorance tosses and frets, but it's a light and restless sleep.
I don't suffer fools for Captains. How would it seem to them,
Hector's wife warming to me and making much ado over the baby?
No woman's that fickle and Andromache's not just any woman.
How long does it take someone, a little smarter than the rest
To recall the plague and how my son "miraculously" recovered?
And then to puzzle a fresh attitude and inexplicable behavior?
And what does he say as awareness conjures up the truth,
And his jaw hit's the deck? "Ahhhh Hahhh!" that's what he says.
We've been fortunate thus far. Three with a secret's two too many.
Andromacha, would push our good fortune right over the edge.

ANDROMACHE
So he has affection for me. I'm surprised.
For if it's true he certainly keeps it well hidden.
And no one can hold me responsible!
Everyone knows I've done nothing to encourage him.
But does it really change anything?
No! It only explains why he's been so slow in acting.
He must think that given time I'll forget my sorrow
And with a new dawn, see him in a better light..
That my disgust will evaporate like the dew,
That I 'll look to him with loving eyes, hand on brow.
(By the gods is he really that stupid?).
I've been duped by impression, lulled by restraint,
believing his nobility had something to do with honor.
He must think me shallow, and dumb of all recollection,
or maybe it's only the small stature of his mind.
No doubt he wants me to return his "love"
believing our differences might be resolved
with a wave of his hand or a snap of his fingers.
As if all the evil he wrought, never really happened.
That at issue are fleeting memories, lightly laid aside.
Dear god, if I did that the specter of my loved ones
would rise from the grave and drag me off to darkest hell.
Pyrrhus has no love for me; only a strong and abiding will
that gives leash to his lust.
I was a gull to ever think otherwise.

PYRRHUS
She's the pride of any man's ambition
and her quiet dignity commands all.
Look at her there with the captives;
How they admire her, and my men too.
She casts her subtle spell on everyone.
So why should my heart be any different?
Damn! My situation's hopeless, no worse,
for her burden of woe is not unjustified,
and my father and I are some to blame...
not that our actions need any apology!
War's chaos and while I know it well,
my sword's not tarnished by any shame.
I feel no guilt for what I did in battle,
or for any of my conduct afterwards.
On the contrary, faced with hard choice,
I chose good, blind to all consequence.
It was my duty to obey that infamous order
and in refusing, acted most unsoldierly.
Choosing intrigue, the lowest of guile,
to cheat fate, of her bloody retribution.

BRISEIS
(Enters walking baby on deck . Child is about a year and a half old)
I must do something soon. Philistes has that look and it's not unwelcome. Pyrrhus is taken with the love sickness and Andromacha has everyone bewitched. It's easy to see why. She's beautiful, with a grace I could never match. There's no shame in losing out to her, though I might have tried harder. Has Pyrrhus grown cold, because I haven't gone to him; Or haven't I gone to him because he's grown cold? Wait, forget that! The answer goes in circles. No, it's simply this. On the wall something changed. In some ways the affection remains, even stronger. When we talk now, it's with more esteem and I feel his pride in me, like a comrade who shares the trials of a long campaign; But our new sentiments no longer reach out in desire. For that we have both started looking elsewhere. To be honest I knew it couldn't go on forever. That when the war ended, there would be no hope for our situation. Further, I do not find the role of mistress very fulfilling. Better the wife of a cobbler than the consort of a prince. Still, I loved my prince and was happy to serve. Now that's over. Andromacha's a good match. They have more in common than she knows. She'll come around when it's safe to tell the secret. There she is now; maybe it's time she knew.

ANDROMACHE
It's Briseis. What a dear friend... but that baby of hers. Its crying fills my heart with sad recollections. How familiar that sound, how haunting. I mustn't think of that now. She didn't ask for that child but she's got it and all the maternal love that goes with it. I fear the same fate lies in wait for me. The thought makes me tremble. How I wish he would stop crying. Wait she comes over to show him off. Ohhhh, No! I can't bear to look. How do I keep from hurting her feelings?

BRISEIS
I wanted you to see the baby.

ANDROMACHE
I see him, from afar, every day, as you walk him on the deck.

BEISEIS
No, I mean up close.

ANDROMACHE
Please don't, he brings back sad memories.

BRISEIS
Please, take a closer look.

ANDROMACHE
I can't bear it.

BRISEIS
(Shaking her head affirmatively)
Indeed you could.

ANDROMACHE
No! Take him away
(Briseis turns away)
Forgive me, it's not your fault.

BRISEIS
Fault?

ANDROMACHE
You were but a slave-girl, forced to her master's bed and left holding the consequences.

BRISEIS
Huh? You're mistaken! I was willing, "Enthusiastic," is a better word. Conceiving this child was my greatest hope. He's the pride of my life!

ANDROMACHE
That puts it in a different light.

BRISEIS
And what light is that?

ANDROMACHE
Must I spell it out... Just take the bastard and go!
(Briseis flees in tears and runs into Philistes.)

PHILISTES
Why are you so upset?

BRISEIS
She call him a "Bastard!"

PHILISTES
(Aside)
She should know.

BRISEIS
(Glares!)
What did you say?

PHILISTES
That her words were very insensitive.
(Briseis exits with angry look. Philistes walks over to Andromache)

ANDROMACHE
(Regains composure)
Its been a long time since we spoke. Are you avoiding me?

PHILISTES
Of all those I served in Priam's household, it was only you that never had an unkind word. I'm amazed by your behavior. Briseis is your best friend.

ANDROMACHE
(Mad at self)
If I could take it back I would. I never intended to be so cruel. She lashed out and I answered back and there's no undoing it... at least not for now.

PHILISTES
What did she say to provoke you?

ANDROMACHE
It was more the crying that strained my nerves, and then the shock to discover she had deep feelings for Achilles.

PHILISTES
(Sarcastically)
I can see you are really on top of everything. But hold that thought anyway. So what if she did? Hector and Achilles were cast from the same hot fire. The were both men of violence, driven by a mad and unrelenting energy. Why should she feel any different that you do?

ANDROMACHE
Don't compare Achilles to my beloved Hector!

PHILISTES
Spare me that "Beloved Hector" nonsense!

ANDROMACHE
(Very angry)
If it weren't for him you'de be dead!

PHILISTES
So you found out he was behind my release; And you're goint to tell me he intervened for humanitarian reasons?

ANDROMACHE
He never told me why

PHILISTES
No, and why doesn't that surprise me? You don't suppose there could have been a woman behind it?

ANDROMACHE
Who?

PHILISTES
Helen.... who do you think?

ANDROMACHE
She told you?

PHILISTES
Menelaus did everything but tattoo it on my forehead. There was a secret communication between them. Achilles asked Menelaus help, he got word to Helen, she told Hector and your husband did the rest.

ANDROMACHE
But why would Hector do that?

PHILISTES
(Throws up hand in disbelief)
For two years I emptied chamber pots, gathered soiled linens, and had access to all the gossip of the court. Your Hector was sweet on her.

ANDROMACHE
No! I don't believe it...not then and not now!

PHILISTES
When are you going to stop kidding yourself? When are you going to pop that huge bubble of credulity and admit to yourself what he was?

ANDROMACHE
I refuse to listen to all that gossip!

PHILISTES
You never listen to anything you don't want to hear. Do you really expect me to believe that the truth of his philandering was lost on you? How do you reconcile nursing your son on one breast and his bastard on the other?
(Andromache begins to shake.)
You were too good for Hector. He had his hands up every girdle in the palace and the men were too scared to do anything about it. Helen, Polyxena, even disheveled Cassandra, were no strangers to his bed.

ANDROMACHE
Why do you torture me?

PHILISTES
To wake you from your dream world.

ANDROMACHE
Hector was kind.

PHILISTES
All men show kindness. Honor that memory but don't get too carried away. Hector and Achilles were only men, subject to all their failings, but neither had a coin of the goodness that Pyrrhus spends so freely and never seems to miss. Ironic isn't it, that he's the man you despise most?

ANDROMACHE
He MURDERED my son!

PHILISTES
Your son was condemned.

ANDROMACHE
He carried it out.

PHILISTES
You weren't there.

ANDROMACHE
And you were?

PHILISTES
I saw everything.

ANDROMACHE
Then tell me I'm mistaken.

PHILISTES
If only I could.

ANDROMACHE
Good day, Philistes.

PHILISTES
My Lady.