[Talthybius, followed by some Soldiers, enters from the left.
Talthybius.
Thou know'st me, Hecuba. Often have I crossed
Thy plain with tidings from the Hellene host.
'Tis I, Talthybius. . . . Nay, of ancient use
Thou know'st me. And I come to bear thee news.
Hecuba.
Ah me, 'tis here, 'tis here,
Women of Troy, our long embosomed fear!
Talthybius.
The lots are cast, if that it was ye feared.
Hecuba.
What lord, what land. . . . Ah me,
Phthia or Thebes, or sea-worn Thessaly?
Talthybius.