This is Homer's version, where Andromache is taken as a slave by Achilles' son after Troy was sacked. She first thought that the Greeks would let her son live because he was only a baby. But Achilles' son flings her child over the walls of Troy, saying that if he let him live, the baby would later kill him to avenge his father. She is told of the order for her son's execution by an old man, who comforts her and tells her to be brave - "Look around you, good woman, there is no one around to help.". Andromache realises this to be true, and then hands her baby over to the Greeks.
LAMENT
What will you feel, sweet child,
As you fall from these walls?
These walls your father carried you upon to behold
All that you would one day rule and own?
Hush, darling, cry not,
Your father awaits you in the fields of Elysia
So let me kiss your soft cheek a last time
For soon it will be over and done.
Oh Cruel Fate!
They took away Hector, greatly loved by all
But most loved by I,
Yet they will not leave me my son!
Old man, have you no heart?
How dare you tell a weeping widow her son must die?
But wise father, you are right
No one around to help I, and no use to fight.
He, loathesome monster, sacked my home city
Murdered my father, and all seven dear brothers,
And my beloved mother in her darkest grief
By the maiden Artemis, was given sweet release.
Oh child of Leto, if only you could be as kind to I!
Look he comes, the son of that dog
His father slew my birth family and husband both
And now his son comes to kill my son.
My child! My baby boy..
Ripped from my arms to die,
Flung from the walls built to keep you safe
While gleeful shouts of the enemy are raised in hate.
Down down down down..
You fall.
I, Andromache of Thebes, Princess of Troy
Now slave to the boy murderer of my only child.
Princess by birth, and to be Queen by Hector's side
I watched my husband's body be dragged through dust.
I, who knew only the gentle touch of so good a man
Now bound to the couch of he with bloodied hands.
LAMENT
What will you feel, sweet child,
As you fall from these walls?
These walls your father carried you upon to behold
All that you would one day rule and own?
Hush, darling, cry not,
Your father awaits you in the fields of Elysia
So let me kiss your soft cheek a last time
For soon it will be over and done.
Oh Cruel Fate!
They took away Hector, greatly loved by all
But most loved by I,
Yet they will not leave me my son!
Old man, have you no heart?
How dare you tell a weeping widow her son must die?
But wise father, you are right
No one around to help I, and no use to fight.
He, loathesome monster, sacked my home city
Murdered my father, and all seven dear brothers,
And my beloved mother in her darkest grief
By the maiden Artemis, was given sweet release.
Oh child of Leto, if only you could be as kind to I!
Look he comes, the son of that dog
His father slew my birth family and husband both
And now his son comes to kill my son.
My child! My baby boy..
Ripped from my arms to die,
Flung from the walls built to keep you safe
While gleeful shouts of the enemy are raised in hate.
Down down down down..
You fall.
I, Andromache of Thebes, Princess of Troy
Now slave to the boy murderer of my only child.
Princess by birth, and to be Queen by Hector's side
I watched my husband's body be dragged through dust.
I, who knew only the gentle touch of so good a man
Now bound to the couch of he with bloodied hands.
