Hecuba (1245-1280)

but to keep that gold in your own house. In your trouble you make a case in your own interests. Perhaps among you it is a light thing to murder guests, but with us in Hellas it is a disgrace. How can I escape reproach if I judge you not guilty?

I could not. No, since you endured your horrid crime, endure as well its painful consequence.

Woe is me! worsted by a woman and a slave, I am, it seems, to suffer by unworthy hands.

Is it not just for your atrocious crime?

Ah, my children! ah, my blinded eyes! woe is me!

You grieve; but what of me? Do you think I do not grieve for my son?

You wicked wretch! Is your delight in mocking me?

Yes, for I am avenged on you; have I not cause for delight?

It will soon cease, when ocean’s flood—

Shall convey me to the shores of Hellas?

No, but will close over you when you fall from the masthead.

Who will force me to take the leap?

Of your own accord you will climb the ship’s mast.

With wings upon my back, or by what means?

You will become a dog with bloodshot gaze.

How did you know of my transformation?

Dionysus, our Thracian prophet, told me so.

And did he prophesy to you nothing of your present trouble?

No, for you would never have caught me thus by guile.

Dead or alive shall I complete my life here?

Dead; and to your tomb shall be given a name—;

Recalling my form, or what will you tell me?

The hapless hound’s grave, a mark for mariners.

It is nothing to me, now that you have paid me the penalty.

Further, your daughter Cassandra must die.

I scorn the prophecy! I give it to you to keep for yourself.

The wife of Agamemnon, grim keeper of his palace, shall slay her.

Never may the daughter of Tyndareus do such a frantic deed!

And she shall slay this man as well, lifting high the axe.

You creature, are you mad? are you so eager to find sorrow?