Stasimon 3
[Episode]
Unhappy one! in naming you I name myself; Hecuba, what shall I do? throw myself here at Agamemnon’s knees, or bear my sorrows in silence?
Agamemnon
Why do you turn your back towards me and
weep, refusing to say what has happened? Who is this?
740
Hecuba
But if he should count me as a slave and foe and spurn me from his knees, I would add to my anguish.
Agamemnon
I am no prophet born; therefore, if I am not told, I cannot learn the current of your thoughts.
Hecuba
Can it be that in estimating this man’s feelings I make him out too ill-disposed, when he is not really so?
745
Agamemnon
If your wish really is that I should remain in ignorance, we are of one mind; for I have no wish myself to listen.
Hecuba
Without his aid I shall not be able to avenge
my children. Why do I still ponder the matter? I must do and dare whether I win or lose. Turning to Agamemnon Agamemnon, by your knees, by your beard and conquering hand I implore you—
750
Agamemnon
What is your desire? to be
set free? that is easily done.
755
Hecuba
Not that; give me vengeance on the wicked, and I am willing to lead a life of slavery forever.
Agamemnon
Well, but why do you call me to your aid?
Hecuba
It is a matter you little know of, king.
Do you see this corpse, for whom my tears now flow?
760
Agamemnon
I do; but what is to follow, I cannot guess.
Hecuba
He was once my child; I bore him in my womb.
Agamemnon
Which of your sons is he, poor sufferer?
Hecuba
Not one of Priam’s race who fell beneath Ilium’s walls.
Agamemnon
Did you indeed have another son besides those, lady?
765
