THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

HECUBA
At least then slaughter me with my child; so shall there be a double
draught of blood for the earth and the dead that claims this sacrifice.
ODYSSEUS
The maiden's death suffices; no need to add a second to the first; would
we needed not e'en this!
HECUBA
Die with my daughter I must and will.
ODYSSEUS
How so? I did not know I had a master.
HECUBA
I will cling to her like ivy to an oak.
ODYSSEUS
Not if thou wilt hearken to those who are wiser than thyself.
HECUBA
Be sure I will never willingly relinquish my child.
ODYSSEUS
Well, be equally sure I will never go away and leave her here.
POLYXENA
Mother, hearken to me; and thou, son of Laertes, make allowance for
a parent's natural wrath. My poor mother, fight not with our masters.
Wilt thou be thrown down, be roughly thrust aside and wound thy aged
skin, and in unseemly wise be torn from me by youthful arms? This wilt
thou suffer; do not so, for 'tis not right for thee. Nay, dear mother mine!
give me thy hand beloved, and let me press thy cheek to mine; for never,
nevermore, but now for the last time shall I behold the dazzling sun-god's
orb. My last farewells now take! O mother, mother mine! beneath the
earth I pass.
HECUBA
O my daughter, I am still to live and be a slave.
POLYXENA
Unwedded I depart, never having tasted the married joys that were
my due!
HECUBA
Thine, my daughter, is a piteous lot, and sad is mine also.