Polyxena enters from the tent.
Polyxena
Oh! mother, mother, why do you call so loud? what news is it you have proclaimed, scaring me, like a cowering bird, from my chamber by this alarm?
Hecuba
[180]
Alas, my daughter!
Polyxena
Why this ominous address? it means sorrow for me.
Hecuba
Woe for your life!
Polyxena
Tell it, hide it no longer. Ah mother! how I dread, I dread
[185]
the import of your loud laments.
Hecuba
Ah my daughter! a luckless mother's child!
Polyxena
Why do you tell me this?
Hecuba
The Argives with one consent are eager for your sacrifice to the son of Peleus
[190]
at his tomb.
Polyxena
Ah! my mother! how can you speak of such a horror? Tell me all, mother, yes all!
Hecuba
It is an ill-boding rumor I tell, my child;
[195]
they bring me word that sentence is passed upon your life by the Argives' vote.