Hecuba 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.
Polymestor Yes, you still have a share in fortune there.
Hecuba Well said, dear friend! how worthy of you!
Polymestor What next would you learn of me?
Hecuba has he any recollection of me his mother?
Polymestor Yes, he was longing to steal away here to you.
Hecuba Is the gold safe, which he brought with him from Troy?
Polymestor Safe under lock and key in my halls.
Hecuba Do save it, but do not desire your neighbor’s goods.
Polymestor Not I; may I benefit by what I have, lady!
Hecuba Do you know what I wish to say to you and your children?
Polymestor No; your words will declare it.
Hecuba O you who are as dear to me as you now are, there are—
Polymestor What is it that I and my children must learn?
Hecuba Ancient vaults filled full of gold by Priam’s ancestors.
Polymestor Is it this you would tell your son?
Hecuba Certainly, through you; for you are a righteous man.
Polymestor What need then of these children’s presence?
Hecuba It is better they should know it, in case of your death.
Polymestor Well said; it is also the wiser way.
Hecuba Then do you know where the shrine of Trojan Athena is?
Polymestor Is the gold there? what is there to mark it?
Hecuba A black rock rising above the ground.
Polymestor Is there anything else you want to tell me about the place?
Hecuba I wish to keep safe the treasure I brought from Troy.
Polymestor Where can it be? inside your dress, or have you hidden it?
Hecuba It is safe among a heap of spoils within these tents.
Polymestor Where? This is the station built by the Achaeans to surround their fleet.
Hecuba The captive women have huts of their own.
Polymestor It is safe to enter? are there no men about?
Hecuba 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.
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