For from the wretched, death is first to flee.

Hecuba [reviving]: Still dost thou live, Achilles, for our bane?955

Dost still prolong the bitter strife? O Paris,

Thine arrow should have dealt a deadlier wound.

For see, the very ashes and the tomb

Of that insatiate chieftain still do thirst

For Trojan blood. But lately did a throng

Of happy children press me round; and I,

With fond endearment and the sweet caress

That mother love would shower upon them all,