Stasimon 4
[Episode]
Of your own accord you will climb the ship’s mast.
Hecuba
With wings upon my back, or by what means?
Polymestor
You will become a dog with bloodshot gaze.
1265
Hecuba
How did you know of my transformation?
Polymestor
Dionysus, our Thracian prophet, told me so.
Hecuba
And did he prophesy to you nothing of your present trouble?
Polymestor
No, for you would never have caught me thus by guile.
Hecuba
Dead or alive shall I complete my life here?
1270
Polymestor
Dead; and to your tomb shall be given a name—;
Hecuba
Recalling my form, or what will you tell me?
Polymestor
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!
