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.