ACT II. SCENE IV

605, For a king to seek an ambassador was contrary to the étiquette of 1667, but is a concession necessary to préserve theunity of place. See Introduction, page xiv. We must assume that Andromache has not responded to the threats of Pyrrhus, in I. 4, with encouragement to his passion. In his pique he is now ready to comply with the demands of the Greeks, thus reconciling Hermione to him in a moment and adding to the despairing jealousy of Orestes.

610. A . . . contraire, opposedto the spirit, traditions and policy of, etc.

611. Note the indicative for the conditional, for vividness, as also in 728, 738, 1266. Cp. 490, 641, 987.

615, 616. This false construction (anacolouthon) is used to suggest the confused state of Orestes's mind at this unexpected décision. In his reply, Pyrrhus shows his knowledge of Orestes's love with the most courteous mocking irony. Cp. 246.