Polymestor, Hecuba, chorus.

Poly.  O Priam, thou dearest of men, and thou most dear Hecuba, at thy sight I weep for thee, and thy city, and thy daughter who has lately died.  Alas! there is nothing secure, neither glory, nor when one is faring well is there a certainty that he will not fare ill.  But the Gods mingle these things promiscuously to and fro, making all confusion, so that we through ignorance may worship them.  But wherefore should I utter these plaints, which in no way tend to free thee from thy former calamities.  But thou, if thou hast aught to blame for my absence, forbear; for I chanced to be afar off in the middle of my Thracian territories, when thou camest hither; but soon as I returned, as I was already setting out from my house, this maid of thine met me for the self-same purpose, and delivered thy message, which when I had heard, I came.

Hec.  O Polymestor, I am ashamed to look thee in the face, sunk as I am in such miseries; for before one who has seen me in prosperity, shame overwhelms me, being in the state in which I now am, nor can I look upon thee with unmoved eyes.  But impute not this to any enmity I bear thee; but there are other causes, and in some degree this law; “that women ought not to gaze at men.”

Poly.  And ’tis indeed no wonder; but what need hast thou of me? for what purpose didst thou send for me to come from home?

Hec.  I am desirous of communicating a private affair of my own to thee and thy children; but order thy attendants to retire from these tents.

Poly.  Depart, for here to be alone is safe.  Friendly thou art, this Grecian army too is friendly toward me, but it is for thee to signify, in what manner I, who am in good circumstances, ought to succor my friends in distress; since, on my part, I am ready.

Hec.  First then tell me of my son Polydore, whom thou retainest, receiving him from mine, and from his father’s hand, if he live; but the rest I shall inquire of thee afterward.

Poly.  He lives, and in good health; as far as regards him indeed thou art happy.

Hec.  O my best friend, how well thou speakest, and how worthily of thyself!

Poly.  What dost thou wish then to inquire of me in the next place?

Hec.  Whether he remembers at all me, his mother?

Poly.  Yes:  and he even sought to come to thee by stealth.

Hec.  And is the gold safe, which he brought with him from Troy?

Poly.  It is safe, at least it is guarded in my house.

Hec.  Preserve it therefore, nor covet the goods of others.

Poly.  Certainly not.  May I enjoy what is mine own, O lady.

Hec.  Knowest thou then, what I wish to say to thee and thy children?

Poly.  I do not:  this shalt thou signify by thy speech.