Eksodos
Hecuba
Do save it, but do not desire your neighbor’s goods.
Polymestor
Not I; may I benefit by what I have, lady!
Hecuba
Do you know what I wish to say to you and your children?
Polymestor
No; your words will declare it.
Hecuba
O you who are as dear to me as you now are, there are—
1000
Polymestor
What is it that I and my children must learn?
Hecuba
Ancient vaults filled full of gold by Priam’s ancestors.
Polymestor
Is it this you would tell your son?
Hecuba
Certainly, through you; for you are a righteous man.
Polymestor
What need then of these children’s presence?
1005
Hecuba
It is better they should know it, in case of your death.
Polymestor
Well said; it is also the wiser way.
Hecuba
Then do you know where the shrine of Trojan Athena is?
Polymestor
Is the gold there? what is there to mark it?
Hecuba
A black rock rising above the ground.
1010
Polymestor
Is there anything else you want to tell me about the place?
Hecuba
I wish to keep safe the treasure I brought from Troy.
Polymestor
Where can it be? inside your dress, or have you hidden it?
Hecuba
It is safe among a heap of spoils within these tents.
Polymestor
Where? This is the station built by the Achaeans to surround their fleet.
1015
