HECUBA [9]
this man's feelings I make him out too ill-disposed, when he is not really so? AGAMEMNON If thy wish really is that I should remain in ignorance, we are of one mind; for I have no wish myself to listen. HECUBA (aside) Without his aid I shall not be able to avenge my children. Why do still ponder the matter? I must do and dare whether I win or lose. (Turning to AGAMEMNON) O Agamemnon! by thy knees, by thy beard and conquering hand I implore thee. AGAMEMNON What is thy desire? to be set free? that is easily done. HECUBA Not that; give me vengeance on the wicked, and evermore am I willing to lead a life of slavery. AGAMEMNON Well, but why dost thou call me to thy aid? HECUBA 'Tis a matter thou little reckest of, O king. Dost see this corpse, for whom my tears now flow? AGAMEMNON I do; but what is to follow, I cannot guess. HECUBA He was my child in days gone by; I bore him in my womb. AGAMEMNON Which of thy sons is he, poor sufferer? HECUBA Not one of Priam's race who fell 'neath Ilium's walls. AGAMEMNON Hadst thou any son besides those, lady? HECUBA Yes, him thou seest here, of whom, methinks, I have small gain. AGAMEMNON Where then was he, when his city was being destroyed? HECUBA His father, fearful of his death, conveyed him out of Troy. AGAMEMNON Where did he place him apart from all the sons he then had? HECUBA Here in this very land, where his corpse was found. AGAMEMNON With Polymestor, the king of this country? HECUBA Hither was he sent in charge of gold, most bitter trust! AGAMEMNON By whom was he slain? what death o'ertook him? HECUBA By whom but by this man? His Thracian host slew him. AGAMEMNON The wretch! could he have been so eager for the treasure? HECUBA Even so; soon as ever he heard of the Phrygians' disaster. AGAMEMNON Where didst find him? or did some one bring his corpse? HECUBA This maid, who chanced upon it on the sea-shore. AGAMEMNON Was she seeking it, or bent on other tasks? HECUBA She had gone to fetch water from the sea to wash Polyxena. AGAMEMNON It seems then his host slew him and cast his body out to sea. HECUBA Aye, for the waves to toss, after mangling him thus. AGAMEMNON Woe is thee for thy measureless troubles! HECUBA I am ruined; no evil now is left, O Agamemnon. AGAMEMNON Look you! what woman was ever born to such misfortune? HECUBA There is none, unless thou wouldst name misfortune herself. But hear my reason for throwing myself at thy knees. If my treatment seems to thee deserved, I will be content; but, if otherwise, help me to punish this most godless host, that hath wrought a deed most damned, fearless alike of gods in heaven or hell; who, though full oft he had shared my board and been counted first of all my guest-friends and after meeting with every kindness he could claim and receiving my consideration, slew my son, and bent though he was on murder, deigned not to bury him but cast his body forth to sea. I may be a slave and weak as well, but the gods are strong, and custom too which prevails o'er them, for by custom it is that we believe in them and set up bounds of right and wrong for our lives. Now if this principle, when referred to thee, is to be set at naught, and they are to escape punishment who murder guests or dare to plunder the temples of gods, then is all fairness in things human at an end. Deem this then a disgrace and show regard for me, have pity on me, and, like an artist standing back from his picture, look on me and closely scan my piteous state. I was once queen, but now I am thy slave; a happy mother once, but now childless and old alike, reft of city, utterly forlorn, the most wretched woman living. Ah! woe is me! whither wouldst thou withdraw thy steps from me? (as AGAMEMNON is turning away) My efforts then will be in vain, ah me! ah me! Why, oh! why do we mortals toil, as needs we must, and seek out all other sciences, but persuasion, the only real mistress of mankind,