Stasimon 4
[Episode]
The hapless hound’s grave, a mark for mariners.
Hecuba
It is nothing to me, now that you have paid me the penalty.
Polymestor
Further, your daughter Cassandra must die.
1275
Hecuba
I scorn the prophecy! I give it to you to keep for yourself.
Polymestor
The wife of Agamemnon, grim keeper of his palace, shall slay her.
Hecuba
Never may the daughter of Tyndareus do such a frantic deed!
Polymestor
And she shall slay this man as well, lifting high the axe.
Agamemnon
You creature, are you mad? are you so eager to find sorrow?
1280
Polymestor
Kill me, for in Argos there awaits you a murderous bath.
Agamemnon
Ho! servants, drag away him from my sight!
Polymestor
Do my words pain you?
Agamemnon
Stop his mouth!
Polymestor
Close it now; for I have spoken.
and cast him upon some desert island, since his mouth is full of such exceeding presumption. Go, unhappy Hecuba, and bury your two corpses; and you, Trojan women, must draw near your masters’ tents, for lo! I perceive a breeze
1285
just rising to waft us home. May we reach our country well and find all well at home, released from troubles here! Polymestor is dragged away by Agamemnon’s guards.
1290
Chorus
Away to the harbour and the tents, my friends, to prove the toils of
slavery! for such is fate’s relentless hest.
1295
