Parodos
[Choral]
On to the Prince’s quarters!—Ho!
VARIOUS VOICES.
Who is awake? What man-at-arms,
Or squire or groom?—Let Hector know
From sentinels who stand at mark
The four long watches of the dark,
5
While others sleep.—Uplift thine head,
O Hector! On thine elbow rise,
Unhood the eagle of thine eyes,
Up from thy leaf-strewn bed!—
HECTOR
Who goes there? Who cries?
A friend? The watchword! . . . By what right
Do men come prowling in the night
Across my quarters? Come! Speak out.
LEADER.
A picket, Lord.
15
HECTOR.
In such a rout?
15
LEADER.
Be not afraid, Lord.
Is there an ambush? No? Then what,
In God’s name, brings you from your post
With no clear tale to speak,
To spread this turmoil through a host
That lies in harness—do ye all
20
Know nothing?—out against the wall
And gateways of the Greek?
CHORUS.
To arms! To arms, Lord Hector!—Send
First where the allied armies lie,
Bid them draw sword and make an end
25
Of sleep.—Let someone fly
