just as I was starting from my home for the same purpose, your maid fell in with me, and gave me your message, which brought me here at once.HecubaPolymestor, I am held in such wretchedness that I blush to meet your eye;for my present evil case makes me ashamed to face you who saw me in happier days, and I could not look on you with unfaltering gaze. Do not then think it ill-will towards you, Polymestor; there is another cause as well,I mean the custom which forbids women to meet men’s gaze.PolymestorNo wonder, surely. But what need do you have of me? Why did you send for me to come here from my house?HecubaI wish to tell you and your children a private matter of my own; please bid your attendants withdraw from the tent.Polymestorto his attendantsRetire; this desert spot is safe enough. The guards go out; to Hecuba You are my friend, and this Achaean army is well-disposed to me. But you must tell me how prosperity is to help its unlucky friends; for I am ready to do so.HecubaFirst tell me of the child Polydorus, whom you are keeping in your house, received from me and his father; is he alive? The rest I will ask you after that.PolymestorYes, you still have a share in fortune there.HecubaWell said, dear friend! how worthy of you!PolymestorWhat next would you learn of me?Hecubahas he any recollection of me his mother?PolymestorYes, he was longing to steal away here to you.HecubaIs the gold safe, which he brought with him from Troy?PolymestorSafe under lock and key in my halls.HecubaDo save it, but do not desire your neighbor’s goods.PolymestorNot I; may I benefit by what I have, lady!HecubaDo you know what I wish to say to you and your children?