O misery! woe to us Trojan women, soon to hear of our troubles: Come out of the house, the Argives are preparing to return.HecubaOh! please do not bid the wild Cassandra leave her chamber, the frantic prophetess, for Argives to insult, nor to my griefs add yet another. Woe to you, ill-fated Troy, Troy, your sun is set; and woe to your unhappy children, living and dead alike, who are leaving you behind!

Second Semi-ChorusWith trembling step, alas! I leave this tent of Agamemnon to learn of you, my royal mistress, whether the Argives have resolved to take my wretched life, or whether the sailors at the prow are making ready to ply their oars.HecubaMy child, your wakeful heart!