Hecuba (965-986)

just as I was starting from my home for the same purpose, your maid fell in with me, and gave me your message, which brought me here at once.

Polymestor, I am held in such wretchedness that I blush to meet your eye;

for my present evil case makes me ashamed to face you who saw me in happier days, and I could not look on you with unfaltering gaze. Do not then think it ill-will towards you, Polymestor; there is another cause as well,

I mean the custom which forbids women to meet men’s gaze.

No wonder, surely. But what need do you have of me? Why did you send for me to come here from my house?

I wish to tell you and your children a private matter of my own; please bid

your attendants withdraw from the tent.

Retire; this desert spot is safe enough. The guards go out; to Hecuba You are my friend, and this Achaean army is well-disposed to me. But you must tell me how prosperity

is to help its unlucky friends; for I am ready to do so.

First tell me of the child Polydorus, whom you are keeping in your house, received from me and his father; is he alive? The rest I will ask you after that.