Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1894) v1.djvu/274

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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?

These tents a host of Trojan women hide.

The captives meanest thou, Greek hunters' prey?

By these will I avenge me on my slayer.

How?—women gain the mastery over men?

Mighty are numbers: joined with craft, resistless.

Ay, mighty, yet misprize I womankind.

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,

Say, "Hecuba, late Queen of Ilium,