O Hecuba, what shall I do?—or fall
At the king's feet, or silent bear mine ills?
Agamemnon.
Wherefore on me dost turn thy back, and mourn,
Nor tellest what is done, and who is this?740
Hecuba (aside).
But if, a slave and foe accounting me,
He thrust me from his knees, 'twere pang on pang.
Agamemnon.
No prophet born am I, to track the path
Of these thy musings, if I hear them not.
Hecuba (aside).
Lo, surely am I counting this man's heart745
O'ermuch my foe, who is no foe at all.
Agamemnon.
Sooth, if thou wilt that nought hereof I know,
At one we are: I care not, I, to hear.
Hecuba (aside).
I cannot, save with help of him, avenge
My children—wherefore do I dally thus?750
I must needs venture, or to win or lose:—
Agamemnon, I beseech thee by thy knees,
And by thy beard, and thy victorious hand—
Agamemnon.
What matter seekest thou? Wouldst have thy days
Free henceforth? Sooth, thy boon is lightly won.755
