Hecuba (999-1040)

No; your words will declare it.

O you who are as dear to me as you now are, there are—

What is it that I and my children must learn?

Ancient vaults filled full of gold by Priam’s ancestors.

Is it this you would tell your son?

Certainly, through you; for you are a righteous man.

What need then of these children’s presence?

It is better they should know it, in case of your death.

Well said; it is also the wiser way.

Then do you know where the shrine of Trojan Athena is?

Is the gold there? what is there to mark it?

A black rock rising above the ground.

Is there anything else you want to tell me about the place?

I wish to keep safe the treasure I brought from Troy.

Where can it be? inside your dress, or have you hidden it?

It is safe among a heap of spoils within these tents.

Where? This is the station built by the Achaeans to surround their fleet.

The captive women have huts of their own.

It is safe to enter? are there no men about?

There are no Achaeans within; we women are alone. Enter then the tent, for the Argives

are eager to set sail from Troy for home; and, when you have accomplished all that you must do, you shall return with your children to the place where you have lodged my son. Hecuba leads Polymestor and his children into the tent.

Not yet have you paid the penalty, but perhaps you will.