Page:The Plays of Euripides Vol. 2- Edward P. Coleridge (1913).djvu/165

HECUBA. 153 avenge my children. Why ^ do I still ponder the matter ? I must do and dare whether I win or lose. {Turning to Agamemnon.) O Agamemnon ! by thy knees, by thy beard and conquering hand I implore thee. Aga. What is thy desire ? to be set free ? that is easily done. Hec. Not that ; give me vengeance on the wicked, and evermore am I willing to lead a life of slavery. Aga. Well, but why dost thou call me to thy aid ? * Hec. 'Tis a matter thou little reckest of, O king. Dost see this corpse, for whom my tears now flow ? Aga. I do ; but what is to follow, I cannot guess. Hec. He was my child in days gone by ; I bore him in my womb. Aga. Which of thy sons is he, poor sufferer ? Hec. Not one of Priam's race who fell 'neath Ilium's walls. Aga. Hadst thou any son besides those, lady ? Hec. Yes, him thou seest here, of whom, methinks, I have small gain. Aga. Where then was he, when his city was being destroyed ? Hec. His father, fearful of his death, conveyed him out of Troy. Aga. Where did he place him apart from all the sons he then had ? Hec. Here in this very land, where his corpse was found. Aga. With Polymestor, the king of this country ? Hec. Hither was he sent in charge of gold, most bitter trust ! Aga. By whom was he slain ? what death o'ertook him ? ^ Ti ; Nauck ttoI. " Hirzel conjectures with much probability that a line has been lost here. Paley supplies the necessary connection thus, * * well, suppose I consent, say how I am to help thee."