This is the opening song (also known as the “Parodos”) of the Chorus, the Greek citizen women of Phthia–they are sympathetic to the Asian woman Andromache, but fearful of Hermione’s wrath should they help Andromache in any substantial way. They advise her not to fight with the masters.

LYRICS: I am a woman of Phthia, woman of Greece
You are a woman of Asia, daughter of Troy
I hope to help you somehow, to find some relief, a cure for struggles;
I am a woman of Phthia, woman of Greece
Friend, you have taken your seat here at Thetis’ shrine;
I am a woman of Greece, and yet I approach you, daughter of Troy:
to help you find some relief, a cure for the struggles,
struggles that bind you
in hateful conflict with Hermione, sharing a husband, the child of Achilles
You are a daughter of Troy, the Spartans are your masters—
Ah, will you fight the masters? you are a daughter of Troy,
now realize just where you stand, daughter of Asia, daughter of Troy:
They will use force:
Why fight when fighting is useless? You are nothing, you are nothing
Now leave this glorious shrine, the sea goddess’ home:
you are a stranger, slave, a captive, held in a foreign city;
sorrowful bride;
Your loved ones are nowhere to be seen;
they will use force;
I feel compassion for you, but fear holds me back: they will use force:
I am a woman of Phthia, woman of Greece
You are a woman of Asia, daughter of Troy
They will use force:
Why fight when fighting is useless? You are nothing, you are nothing, nothing