Hecuba (244-260)

I well remember the great risk I ran.

Did you embrace my knees in all humility?

Yes, so that my hand grew dead and cold upon your robe.

Was it I that saved and sent you forth again?

You did, and so I still behold the light of day.

What did you say then, when in my power?

Doubtless I found plenty to say, to save my life.

Are not you then playing a sorry part to plot against me thus, after the kind treatment you by your own confession received from me, showing me no gratitude but all the ill you can? A thankless race! all you who covet honor from the mob

for your oratory. Oh that you were unknown to me! you who harm your friends and think no more of it, if you can say a word to win the mob. But tell me, what kind of cleverness did they think it, when against this child they passed their bloody vote?

Was it duty that led them to slay a human victim at the tomb, where sacrifice of oxen is more fitting? or does Achilles, if claiming the lives of those who slew him as his recompense, show his justice by marking her out for death? No! she at least never injured him.