Agamemnon.
How? what wouldst do? Wouldst in thy wrinkled hand
A dagger clutch, and yon barbarian slay?—
With poisons do the deed, or with what help?
What arm shall aid thee? whence wilt win thee friends?
Hecuba.
These tents a host of Trojan women hide.880
Agamemnon.
The captives meanest thou, Greek hunters' prey?
Hecuba.
By these will I avenge me on my slayer.
Agamemnon.
How?—women gain the mastery over men?
Hecuba.
Mighty are numbers: joined with craft, resistless.
Agamemnon.
Ay, mighty, yet misprize I womankind.885
Hecuba.
What? did not women slay Aigyptus' sons?—
The males of Lemnos wholly extirpate?
Yet be it so: forbear to reason this.
But to this woman give thou through the host
Safe passage.
(To a servant) Thou, draw nigh our Thracian guest,890
Say, "Hecuba, late Queen of Ilium,
