Enter the Chorus of Trojan guards.
Chorus
Go to Hector's couch. Which of you squires that tend the prince, or you armor-clad men, is awake? He ought to receive fresh tidings
[5]
from the warriors who were set to guard the assembled army during the fourth watch of the night. Calls to Hector in the tent. Lift up your head! Prop your arm beneath it! Unseal that fierce eye from its repose; quit your lowly couch of scattered leaves,
[10]
Hector! It is time to hearken.
Hector
Who is this? Is it a friend who calls? Who are you? Your password? Speak! Who are these who come near my couch in the night? You must tell me.
Chorus
[15]
Sentinels of the army.
Hector
Why this tumultuous haste?
Chorus
Be of good courage.
Hector
I am. Is there some midnight ambush?
[Chorus
No
Hector.]
Why do you desert your post and rouse the army, unless you have some tidings of the night?
[20]
Are you not aware how near the Argive army we take our night's repose clad in all our armor?
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Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, translated by E. P. Coleridge. Volume I. London. George Bell and Sons. 1891.
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