Thou sawest me in weal: shame's thrall I am,970
Found in such plight wherein I am this day.
I cannot look on thee with eyes undrooped.
Yet count it not as evil-will to thee,
Polymestor; therebeside is custom's bar
That women look not in the eyes of men.975
Polymestor.
No marvel:—but what need hast thou of me?
For what cause from mine home hast sped my feet?
Hecuba.
A secret of mine own I fain would tell
To thee and thine. I pray thee, bid thy guards
Aloof from these pavilions to withdraw.980
Polymestor.
Depart ye, for this solitude is safe.[Exeunt guards.
My friend art thou, well-willed to me this host
Achaian. Now behoves thee to declare
Wherein the prosperous must render help
To friends afflicted: lo, prepared am I.985
Hecuba.
First, of the son whom in thine halls thou hast,
Polydorus, of mine hands, and of his sire's—
Liveth he?—I will ask thee then the rest.
Polymestor.
Surely: as touching him thy lot is fair.
Hecuba.
Dear friend, how well thou speak'st and worthy thee!990
