translatedbyE。P。ColeridgeCHARACTERSINTHEPLAY
　　AMPHITRYON，husbandofAlcmena，themotherofHERACLES
　　MEGARA，wifeofHERACLES，daughterofCreonLYCUS，unlawfulKingofThebesIRIS
　　MADNESS
　　MESSENGER
　　HERACLES，sonofZeusandAlcmenaTHESEUS，KingofAthensCHORUSOFOLDMENOFTHEBES
　　SonsofHERACLES，guards，attendantsHERACLES
　　HERACLES
　　（SCENE:—BeforethepalaceofHERACLESatThebes。NearbystandsthealtarofZeus，onthestepsofwhicharenowseatedAMPHITRYON，MEGARA
　　andhersonsbyHERACLES。Theyareseekingrefugeatthealtar。）
　　AMPHITRYON
　　WHATmortalhathnotheardofhimwhosharedawifewithZeus，AmphitryonofArgos，whomonadayAlcaeus，sonofPerseusbegat，AmphitryonthefatherofHeracles？HeitwasdwelthereinThebes，wherefromthesowingofthedragon’steethgrewupacropofearth—borngiants；foroftheseAressavedascantyband，andtheirchildren’schildrenpeoplethecityofCadmus。HencesprungCreon，sonofMenoeceus，kingofthisland；andCreonbecamethefatherofthisladyMegara，whomonceallCadmus’raceescortedwiththegladmusicoflutesatherwedding，inthedaythatHeracles，illustriouschief，ledhertomyhalls。Nowhe，myson，leftThebeswhereIwassettled，lefthiswifeMegaraandherkin，eagertomakehishomeinArgolis，inthatwalledtownwhichtheCyclopesbuilt，whenceIamexiledfortheslayingofElectryon；sohe，wishingtolightenmyafflictionandtofindahomeinhisownland，didofferEurystheusamightypriceformyrecall，eventofreetheworldofsavagemonsters，whetheritwasthatHeragoadedhimtosubmittothis，orthatfatewasleaguedagainsthim。Diversarethetoilshehathaccomplished，andlastofallhathhepassedthroughthemouthofTaenarusintothehallsofHadestodragtothelightthathoundwithbodiesthree，andthenceisheneverreturned。NowthereisanancientlegendamongsttheraceofCadmus，thatoneLycusindaysgonebywashusbandtoDircebeingkingofthiscitywithitsseventowers，beforethatAmphionandZethus，sonsofZeus，lordsofthemilk—whitesteeds，becamerulersintheland。Hisson，calledbythesamenameashisfather，albeitnoThebanbutastrangerfromEuboea，slewCreon，andafterthatseizedthegovernment，havingfallenonthiscitywhenweakenedbydissension。SothisconnectionwithCreonislikelytoprovetousaseriousevil；fornowthatmysonisinthebowelsoftheearth，thisillustriousmonarchLycusisbentonextirpatingthechildrenofHeracles，toquenchonebloodyfeudwithanother，likewisehiswifeandme，ifuselessagelikemineistorankamongstmen，thattheboysmaynevergrowuptoexactablood—penaltyoftheiruncle’sfamily。SoI，leftherebymyson，whilstheisgoneintothepitchydarknessoftheearth，totendandguardhischildreninhishouse，amtakingmyplacewiththeirmother，thattheraceofHeraclesmaynotperish，hereatthealtarofZeustheSaviour，whichmyowngallantchildsetuptocommemoratehisgloriousvictoryovertheMinyae。Andherewearecarefultokeepourstation，thoughinneedofeverything，offood，ofdrink，andraiment，huddledtogetheronthehardbareground；forwearebarredoutfromourhouseandsithereforwantofanyothersafety。Asforfriends，someIseeareinsincere；whileothers，whoarestaunch，havenopowertohelpusfurther。Thisiswhatmisfortunemeanstoman；Godgrantitmayneverfalltothelotofanywhobearstheleastgoodwilltome，toapplythisnever—failingtestoffriendship！
　　MEGARA
　　Oldwarrior，whoerstdidrazethecitadeloftheTaphiansleadingonthetroopsofThebestoglory，howuncertainareGod’sdealingswithman！ForI，asfarasconcernedmysirewasneveranoutcastoffortune，forhewasonceaccountedamanofmightbyreasonofhiswealth，possessedashewasofroyalpower，forwhichlongspearsarelaunchedatthelivesofthefortunatethroughloveofit；
　　childrentoohehad；andmedidhebetrothtothyson，matchingmeingloriousmarriagewithHeracles。Whereasnowallthatisdeadandgonefromus；andIandthou，oldfriend，artdoomedtodie，andthesechildrenofHeracles，whomIamguarding’neathmywingasabirdkeepethhertenderchicksunderher。Andtheythewhileinturnkeepaskingme，"Mother，whitherisourfathergonefromtheland？whatisheabout？whenwillhereturn？"Thustheyinquirefortheirfather，inchildishperplexity；whileIputthemoffwithexcuses，inventingstories；butstillIwonderif’tishewheneveradoorcreaksonitshinges，anduptheyallstart，thinkingtoembracetheirfather’sknees。Whathopeorwayofsalvationartthounowdevising，oldfriend？fortotheeIlook。Wecanneverstealbeyondtheboundariesofthelandunseen，forthereistoostrictawatchsetonusateveryoutlet，norhaveweanylongerhopesofsafetyinourfriends。
　　Whateverthyschemeis，declareit，lestourdeathbemadeready，whileweareonlyprolongingthetime，powerlesstoescape。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　’Tisbynomeanseasy，mydaughter，togiveone’searnestadviceonsuchmatterseasily，withoutwearythought。
　　MEGARA
　　Dostneedafurthertasteofgrief，orclingsofasttolife？
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Yes，Ilovethislife，andclingtoitshopes。
　　MEGARA
　　SodoI；butitbootsnottoexpecttheunexpected，oldfriend。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Inthesedelaysislefttheonlycureforourevils。
　　MEGARA
　　’TisthepainofthatintervalIfeelso。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Daughter，theremayyetbeahappyescapefrompresenttroublesformeandthee；myson，thyhusband，mayyetarrive。Socalmthyself，andwipethosetearsfromthychildren’seyes，andsoothethemwithsoftwords，inventingataletodeludethem，piteousthoughsuchfraudbe。Yea，formen’smisfortunesofttimesflag，andthestormywinddothnotalwaysblowsostrong，noraretheprosperouseverso；forallthingschange，makingwayforeachother。Thebravestmanishewhorelietheveronhishopes，butdespairisthemarkofacoward。
　　（TheCHORUSOFOLDMENOFTHEBESenters。）
　　CHORUS（chanting）
　　stropheTotheshelteringroof，totheoldman’scouch，leaningonmystaffhaveIsetforth，chantingaplaintivedirgelikesomebirdgrowngrey，Ithatambutavoiceandnothingmore，afancybredofthevisionsofsleepbynight，palsiedwithage，yetmeaningkindly。
　　Allhail！yeorphanedbabes！allhail，oldfriendthoutoo，—unhappymother，wailingforthyhusbandinthehallsofHades！
　　antistropheFaintnottoosoonuponyourway，norletyourlimbsgrowweary，evenasacoltbeneaththeyokegrowswearyashemountssomestonyhill，draggingtheweightofawheeledcar。Takeholdofhandorrobe，whosofeelshisfootstepsfalter。Oldfriend，escortanotherlikethyself，whoerstamidhistoilingpeersinthedaysofouryouthwouldtakehisplacebesidethee，noblotuponhiscountry’sgloriousrecord。
　　See，howliketheirfather’ssternlyflashthesechildren’seyes！Misfortune，Godwot，hathnotfailedhischildren，noryethathhiscomelinessbeendeniedthem。OHellas！ifthoulosethese，ofwhatallieswiltthourobthyself！
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　ButIseeLycus，therulerofthisland，drawingnearthehouse。
　　（Lycusandhisattendantsenter。）
　　LYCUS
　　Onequestion，ifImay，tothisfatherofHeraclesandhiswife；
　　andcertainlyasyourlordandmasterIhavearighttoputwhatquestionschoose。Howlongdoyeseektoprolongyourlives？Whathope，whatsuccourdoyeseetosaveyoufromdeath？Doyoutrustthatthesechildren’sfather，wholiesdeadinthehallsofHades，willreturn？Howunworthilyyeshowyoursorrowathavingtodie，thou（toAMPHITRYON）afterthyidleboasts，scatteredbroadcastthroughHellas，thatZeuswaspartnerinthymarriage—bedandtherebegatanewgod；andthou（toMEGARA）aftercallingthyselfthewifeofsopeerlessalord。
　　Afterall，whatwasthefineexploitthyhusbandachieved，ifhedidkilahydrainamarshorthatmonsterofNemea？whichhecaughtinasnare，forallhesayshestrangledittodeathinhisarms。
　　Aretheseyourweaponsforthehardstruggle？IsitforthisthenthatHeracles’childrenshouldbespared？amanwhohaswonareputationforvalourinhiscontestswithbeasts，inallelseaweakling；whone’erbuckledshieldtoarmnorfacedthespear，butwithabow，thatcoward’sweapon，waseverreadytorunaway。Archeryisnotestofmanlybravery；no！heisamanwhokeepshispostintheranksandsteadilyfacestheswiftwoundthespearmayplough。Mypolicy，again，oldman，showsnorecklesscruelty，butcaution；forIamwellawareIslewCreon，thefatherofMegara，andaminpossessionofhisthrone。SoIhavenowishthatthesechildrenshouldgrowupandbelefttotakevengeanceonmeinrequitalforwhatIhavedone。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　AsforZeus，letZeusdefendhisson’scase；butasforme，Heracles，IamonlyanxiousonthybehalftoprovebywhatIsaythistyrant’signorance；forIcannotallowtheetobeillspokenof。Firstthenforthatwhichshouldneverhavebeensaid，—fortospeakoftheeHeraclesascowardis，methinks，outsidethepaleofspeech，—ofthatmustIclearthewithheaventowitness。IappealthentothethunderofZeus，andthechariotwhereinherode，whenhepiercedthegiants，earth’sbrood，totheheartwithhiswingedshafts，andwithgodsupliftedtheglorioustriumph—song；orgotoPholoeandasktheinsolenttribeoffour—leggedCentaurs，thoucravenking，askthemwhotheywouldjudgetheirbravestfoe；willtheynotsaymyson，whoaccordingtotheeisbutapretender？WertthoutoaskEuboeanDirphys，thynativeplace，itwouldnowisesingthypraise，forthouhastneverdoneasinglegallantdeedtowhichthycountrycanwitness。Nextthoudostdisparagethatcleverinvention，anarcher’sweapon；come，listentomeandlearnwisdom。Amanwhofightsinlineisaslavetohisweapons，andifhisfellow—comradeswantforcourageheisslainhimselfthroughthecowardiceofhisneighbours，or，ifhebreakhisspear，hehasnotwherewithaltodefendhisbodyfromdeath，havingonlyonemeansofdefence；whereasallwhoarearmedwiththetrustybow，thoughtheyhavebutoneweapon，yetisitthebest；foraman，afterdischargingcountlessarrows，stillhasotherswherewithtodefendhimselffromdeath，andstandingatadistancekeepsofftheenemy，woundingthemforalltheirwatchfulnesswithshaftsinvisible，andneverexposinghimselftothefoe，butkeepingundercover；andthisisfarthewisestcourseinbattle，toharmtheenemy，iftheyarenotstationedoutofshot，andkeepsafeoneself。Theseargumentsarecompletelyoppositetothinewithregardtothepointatissue。Next，whyartthoudesirousofslayingthesechildren？Whathavetheydonetothee？Onepieceofwisdomcredittheewith，thycowardterrorofabraveman’sdescendants。
　　Stillitishardonus，ifforthycowardicewemustdie；afatethatoughttohaveovertakentheeatourbraverhands，ifZeushadbeenfairlydisposedtowardsus。But，ifthouartsoanxioustomakethyselfsupremeintheland，letusatleastgointoexile；abstainfromallviolence，elsethouwiltsufferbyitwhensothedeitycausesfortune’sbreezetoveerround。
　　Ah！thoulandofCadmus，—fortotheetoowillIturn，upbraidingtheewithwordsofreproach，—isthisyoursuccourofHeraclesandhischildren？themanwhofacedalonetheMinyanhostinbattleandallowedThebestoseethelightwithfreemen’seyes。IcannotpraiseHellas，norwillIeverkeepsilence，findinghersocravenasregardsmyson；sheshouldhavecomewithfireandswordandwarrior’sarmstohelpthesetenderbabes，torequitehimforallhislaboursinpurginglandandsea。Suchhelp，mychildren，neitherHellasnorthecityofThebesaffordsyou；tomeafeeblefriendyelook，thatambutemptysoundandnothingmore。ForthevigourwhichonceIhad，isgonefromme；mylimbsarepalsiedwithage，andmystrengthisdecayed。
　　WereIbutyoungandstillamanofmyhands，Iwouldhaveseizedmyspearanddabbledthoseflaxenlocksofhiswithblood，sothatthecowardwouldnowbeflyingfrommyprowesbeyondtheboundsofAtlas。
　　LEADER
　　Havenotthebraveamongstmankindafairopeningforspeech，albeitslowtobegin？
　　LYCUS
　　Saywhatthouwiltofmeinthyexaltedphrase，butIbydeedswillmaketheeruethosewords。（Callingtohisservants）Ho！bidwood—cuttersgo，sometoHelicon，otherstotheglensofParnassus，andcutmelogsofoak，andwhentheyarebroughttothetown，pileupastackofwoodallroundthealtaroneithersidethereof，andsetfiretoitandburnthemallalive，thattheymaylearnthatthedeadnolongerrulesthisland，butthatforthepresentIamking。
　　（angrilytotheCHORUS）Asforyou，oldmen，sinceyethwartmyviews，notforthechildrenofHeraclesaloneshallyelamentbutlikewiseforeveryblowthatstrikeshishouse，andyeshallne’erforgetyeareslavesandIyourprince。
　　LEADER
　　YesonsofEarth，whomAresonadaydidsow，whenfromthedragon’sraveningjawhehadtorntheteeth，upwithyourstaves，whereonyeleanyourhands，anddashoutthismiscreant’sbrains！afellowwho，withoutevenbeingaTheban，butaforeigner，lordsitshamefullyo’ertheyoungerfolk；butmymastershaltthouneverbetothyjoy，norshaltthoureaptheharvestofallmytoil；begonewithmycurseuponthee！carrythyinsolencebacktotheplacewhenceitcame。ForneverwhilstIlive，shaltthouslaythesesonsofHeracles；
　　notsodeepbeneaththeearthhaththeirfatherdisappearedfromhischildren’sken。Thouartinpossessionofthislandwhichthouhastruined，whileheitsbenefactorhasmissedhisjustreward；andyetdoItaketoomuchuponmyselfbecauseIhelpthoseIloveaftertheirdeath，whenmosttheyneedafriend？Ah！righthand，howfainwouldstthouwieldthespear，butthyweaknessisadeath—blowtothyfonddesire；forthenhadIstoppedtheecallingmeslave，andI
　　wouldhavegovernedThebes，whereinthouartnowexulting，withcredit；forcitysickwithdissensionandevilcounselsthinkethnotaright；otherwiseitwouldneverhaveacceptedtheeasitsmaster。
　　MEGARA
　　Oldsirs，Ithankyou；’tisrightthatfriendsshouldfeelvirtuousindignationonbehalfofthosetheylove；butdonotonouraccountventyourangeronthetyranttoyourownundoing。Hearmyadvice，Amphitryon，ifhaplythereappeartotheetobeaughtinwhatIsay。Ilovemychildren；strangeifIdidnotlovethosewhomI
　　labouredtobringforth！DeathIcountadreadfulfate；butthemanwhowrestleswithnecessityIesteemafool。Sincewemustdie，letusdosowithoutbeingburntalive，tofurnishourfoeswithfoodformerriment，whichtomymindisanevilworsethandeath；formanyafairguerdondoweoweourfamily。Thinehaseverbeenawarrior’sfairfame，so’tisnottobeenduredthatthoushouldstdieacoward’sdeath；andmyhusband’sreputationneedsnoonetowitnessthathewouldne’erconsenttosavethesechildren’slivesbylettingthemincurthestainofcowardice；forthenobleareafflictedbydisgraceonaccountoftheirchildren，normustIshrinkfromfollowingmylord’sexample。AstothyhopesconsiderhowIweighthem。Thouthinkestthysonwillreturnfrombeneaththeearth:whoeverhascomebackfromthedeadoutofthehallsofHades？Thouhastahopeperhapsofsofteningthismanbyentreaty:no，no！
　　bettertoflyfromone’senemywhenheissobrutish，butyieldtomenofbreedingandwisdom；forthouwiltmoreeasilyobtainmercytherebyfriendlyovertures。True，athoughthasalreadyoccurredtomethatwemightbyentreatyobtainasentenceofexileforthechildren；
　　yetthistooismisery，tocompasstheirdeliverancewithdirepenuryastheresult；for’tisasayingthathostslooksweetlyonbanishedfriendsforadayandnomore。Steelthyhearttodiewithus，forthatawaitstheeafterall。BythybravesoulIchallengethee，oldfriend；forwhosostruggleshardtoescapedestinyshowszealnodoubt，but’tiszealwithataintoffolly；forwhatmustbe，noonewilleveravailtoalter。
　　LEADER
　　Ifamanhadinsultedthee，whileyetmyarmswerelusty，therewouldhavebeenaneasywaytostophim；butnowamIathingofnaught；andsothouhenceforth，Amphitryon，mustschemehowtoavertmisfortune。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　’Tisnotcowardiceoranylongingforlifethathindersmydying，butmywishtosavemyson’schildren，thoughnodoubtIamvainlywishingforimpossibilities。Lo！hereismyneckreadyforthyswordtopierce，mybodyfortheetohackorhurlfromtherock；
　　onlyoneboonIcraveforbothofus，Oking；slaymeandthishaplessmotherbeforethouslaythechildren，thatwemaynotseethehideoussight，astheygaspouttheirlives，callingontheirmotherandtheirfather’ssire；fortherestworkthywill，ifsothouartinclined；forwehavenodefenceagainstdeath。
　　MEGARA
　　Itooimploretheeaddasecondboon，thatbythysingleactthoumaystputusbothunderadoubleobligation；suffermetodeckmychildrenintherobesofdeath，—firstopeningthepalacegates，fornowareweshutout，—thatthisatleasttheymayobtainfromtheirfather’shalls。
　　LYCUS
　　Igrantit，andbidmyservantsundothebolts。Goinanddeckyourselves；robesIgrudgenot。Butsoonasyehaveclothedyourselves，Iwillreturntoyoutoconsignyoutothenetherworld。
　　（Lycusandhisretinuewithdraw。）
　　MEGARA
　　Children，followthefootstepsofyourhaplessmothertoyourfather’shalls，whereotherspossesshissubstance，thoughhisnameisstillours。
　　（MEGARAandherchildrenenterthepalace。）
　　AMPHITRYON
　　OZeus，invainitseems，didIgettheetosharemybridewithme；invainusedwetocalltheefatherofmyson。Afterallthouartlessourfriendthanthoudidstpretend。Greatgodasthouart，I，ameremortal。surpasstheeintrueworth。ForIdidnotbetraythechildrenofHeracles；butthoubystealthdidstfindthywaytomycouch，takinganother’swifewithoutleavegiven，whiletosavethyownfriendsthouhastnoskill。Eitherthouartagodoflittlesense，orelsenaturallyunjust。
　　（AMPHITRYONfollowsMEGARAintothepalace。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　strophe1
　　Phoebusissingingaplaintivedirgetodrownhishappierstrains，strikingwithkeyofgoldhissweet—tonguedlyre；sotooamIfaintosingasongofpraise，acrowntoallhistoil，concerninghimwhoisgonetothegloombeneaththenetherworld，whetherIamtocallhimsonofZeusorofAmphitryon。Forthepraiseofnobletoilsaccomplishedisaglorytothedead。FirstheclearedthegroveofZeusofalion，andputitsskinuponhisback，hidinghisauburnhairinitsfearfulgapingjaws；
　　antistrophe1
　　Thenonaday，withmurderousbowhewoundedtheraceofwildCentaurs，thatrangethehills，slayingthemwithwingedshafts；
　　Peneus，theriveroffaireddies，knowshimwell，andthosefarfieldsunharvested，andthesteadingsonPelionandtheywhohaunttheglensofHomoleborderingthereupon，whencetheyrodeforthtoconquerThessaly，armingthemselveswithpinesforclubs；likewiseheslewthatdappledhindwithhornsofgold，thatpreyeduponthecountry—folk，glorifyingArtemis，huntressqueenofOenoe；
　　strophe2
　　NexthemountedonacarandtamedwiththebitthesteedsofDiomede，thatgreedilychampedtheirbloodyfoodatgorymangerswithjawsunbridled，devouringwithhideousjoythefleshofmen；thencrossingHebrus’silverstreamhestilltoiledontoperformthehestsofthetyrantofMycenae，tillhecametothestrandoftheMaliangulfbythestreamsofAnaurus，whereheslewwithhisarrowsCycnus，murdererofhisguests，thesavagewretchwhodweltinAmphanae；
　　antistrophe2
　　Alsohecametothoseminstrelmaids，totheirorchardinthewest，topluckfromtheleafyapple—treeitsgoldenfruit，whenhehadslainthetawnydragon，whoseawfulcoilsweretwinedallroundtoguardit；andhemadehiswayintoocean’slairs，bringingcalmtomenthatusetheoar；moreoverhesoughtthehomeofAtlas，andstretchedouthishandstoupholdthefirmament，andonhismanlyshoulderstookthestarrymansionsofthegods；
　　strophe3
　　ThenhewentthroughthewavesofheavingEuxineagainstthemountedhostofAmazonsdwellingroundMaeotis，thelakethatisfedbymanyastream，havinggatheredtohisstandardallhisfriendsfromHellas，tofetchthegold—embroideredraimentofthewarriorqueen，adeadlyquestforagirdle。AndHellaswonthosegloriousspoilsofthebarbarianmaid，andsafeinMycenaearetheynow。OnLerna’smurderoushound，themany—headedhydra，hesethisbranding—iron，andsmeareditsvenomonhisdarts，wherewithheslewtheshepherdofErytheia，amonsterwiththreebodies；
　　antistrophe3
　　Andmanyanothergloriousachievementhebroughttoahappyissue；
　　toHades’houseoftearshathhenowsailed，thegoalofhislabours，whereheisendinghiscareeroftoil，norcomethhethenceagain。Nowisthyhouseleftwithoutafriend，andCharon’sboatawaitsthychildrentobearthemonthatjourneyoutoflife，whenceisnoreturning，contrarytoGod’slawandman’sjustice；anditistothyprowessthatthyhouseislookingalthoughthouartnothere。
　　HadIbeenstrongandlusty，abletobrandishthespearinbattle’sonset，myThebancompeerstoo，Iwouldhavestoodbythychildrentochampionthem；butnowmyhappyyouthisgoneandIamleft。
　　Butlo！IseethechildrenofHeracleswhowaserstsogreat，cladinthevestureofthegrave，andhislovingwifedraggingherbabesalongatherside，andthathero’sagedsire。Ah！woeisme！nolongercanIstemthefloodoftearsthatspringtomyoldeyes。
　　（MEGARA，AMPHITRYON，andthechildrenenterfromthepalace。）
　　MEGARA
　　Comenow，whoistosacrificeorbutcherthesepoorchildren？orrobmeofmywretchedlife？Behold！thevictimsarereadytobeledtoHades’halls。Omychildren！anill—matchedcompanyarewehurriedofftodie，oldmenandbabes，andmothers，alltogether。Alas！formysadfateandmychildren’s，whomtheseeyesnowforthelasttimebehold。SoIgaveyoubirthandrearedyouonlyforourfoestomock，toflout，andslay。Ahme！howbitterlymyhopeshavedisappointedmeintheexpectationonceformedfromthewordsofyourfather。（Addressingeachofhersonsinturn）TotheethydeadsirewasforgivingArgos；andthouwerttodwellinthehallsofEurystheus，lordingito’erthefairfruitfullandofArgolis；ando’erthyheadwouldhethrowthatlion’sskinwherewithhimselfwasgirt。ThouwerttobekingofThebes，famedforitschariots，receivingasthyheritagemybroadlands，forsothoudidstcoaxthyfatherdear；andtothyhandusedhetoresignthecarvedclub，hissuredefence，pretendingtogiveitthee。TotheehepromisedtogiveOechalia，whichoncehisarcheryhadwasted。Thuswiththreeprincipalitieswouldyourfatherexaltyouhisthreesons，proudofyourmanliness；whileIwaschoosingthebestbridesforyou，schemingtolinkyoubymarriagetoAthens，Thebes，andSparta，thatyemightliveahappylifewithafastsheet—anchortoholdby。Andnowthatisallvanished；fortune’sbreezehathveeredandgiventoyouforbridesthemaidensofdeathintheirstead，andtearstometobathethemin；
　　woeismeformyfoolishthoughtsandyourgrandsirehereiscelebratingyourmarriage—feast，acceptingHadesasthefatherofyourbrides，agrimrelationshiptomake。Ahme！whichofyoushallIfirstpresstomybosom，whichlast？onwhichbestowmykiss，orclaspclosetome？Oh！wouldthatlikethebeewithrussetwing，Icouldcollectfromeverysourcemysighsinone，and，blendingthemtogether，shedtheminonecopiousflood！Heracles，dearhusbandmine，totheeI
　　call，ifhaplymortalvoicecanmakeitselfheardinHades’halls；thyfatherandchildrenaredyingandIamdoomed，Iwhooncebecauseoftheewascountedblestasmencountbliss。Cometoourrescue；appear，Ipray，ifbutasaphantom，sincethymerecomingwouldbeenough，fortheyarecowardscomparedwiththee，whoareslayingthychildren。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Lady，dothoupreparethefuneralrites；butI，OZeus，stretchingoutmyhandtoheaven，callontheetohelpthesechildren，ifsuchbethyintention；forsoonwillanyaidofthinebeunavailing；andyetthouhastbeenoftinvoked；mytoiliswasted；deathseemsinevitable。
　　Yeagedfriends，thejoysoflifearefew；sotakeheedthatyepassthroughitasgladlyasyemay，withoutathoughtofsorrowfrommorntillnight；fortimereckslittleofpreservingourhopes；and，whenhehasbusiedhimselfonhisownbusiness，awayheflies。Lookatme，amanwhohadmademarkamongsthisfellowsbydeedsofnote；
　　yethathfortuneinasingledayrobbedmeofitasofafeatherthatfloatsawaytowardthesky。knownotanywhoseplenteouswealthandhighreputationisfixedandsure；fareyewell，fornowhaveyeseenthelastofyouroldfriend，mycomrades。
　　（MEGARAcatchessightofHERACLESapproaching。）
　　MEGARAHa！oldfriend，isitmyown，mydearestIbehold？orwhatamItosay？
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Iknownot，mydaughter；Itooamstruckdumb。
　　MEGARA
　　Isthishewho，theytoldus，wasbeneaththeearth？
　　AMPHITRYON
　　’Tishe，unlesssomeday—dreammocksoursight。
　　MEGARA
　　WhatamIsaying？Whatvisionsdotheseanxiouseyesbehold？Oldman，thisisnoneotherthanthyownson。Comehither，mychildren，clingtoyourfather’srobe，makehastetocome，neverlooseyourhold，forhereisonetohelpyou，nowisebehindoursaviourZeus。
　　（HERACLESenters。）
　　HERACLES
　　Allhail！myhouse，andportalsofmyhome，howgladamItoemergetothelightandseethee。Ha！whatisthis？Iseemychildrenbeforethehouseinthegarbofdeath，withchapletsontheirheads，mywifeamidathrongofmen，andmyfatherweepingo’ersomemischance。Letmedrawneartothemandinquire；lady，whatstrangestrokeoffatehathfallenonthehouse？
　　MEGARA
　　Dearestofallmankindtome！Orayoflightappearingtothysire！artthousafe，andisthycomingjustintimetohelpthydearones？
　　HERACLES
　　Whatmeanestthou？whatisthisconfusionIfindonmyarrival，father？
　　MEGARA
　　Wearebeingruined；forgiveme，oldfriend，ifIhaveanticipatedthatwhichthouhadstarighttotellhim；forwoman’snatureisperhapsmorepronethanman’stogrief，andtheyaremychildrenthatwerebeingledtodeath，whichwasmyownlottoo。
　　HERACLES
　　GreatApollo！whatapreludetothystory！
　　MEGARA
　　Deadaremybrethren，deadmyhoarysire。
　　HERACLES
　　Howso？whatbefellhim？whodealtthefatalblow？
　　MEGARA
　　Lycus，oursplendidmonarch，slewhim。
　　HERACLES
　　Didhemeethiminfairfight，orwasthelandsickandweak？
　　MEGARA
　　Aye，fromfaction；nowishemasterofthecityofCadmuswithitssevengates。
　　HERACLES
　　Whyhathpanicfallenontheeandmyagedsire？
　　MEGARA
　　Hemeanttokillthyfather，me，andmychildren。
　　HERACLES
　　Why，whathadhetofearfrommyorphanbabes？
　　MEGARA
　　HewasafraidtheymightsomedayavengeCreon’sdeath。
　　HERACLES
　　Whatmeansthisdresstheywear，suitedtothedead？
　　MEGARA
　　’Tisthegarbofdeathwehavealreadyputon。
　　HERACLES
　　Andwereyebeinghaledtodeath？Owoeisme！
　　MEGARA
　　Yes，desertedbyeveryfriend，andinformedthatthouwertdead。
　　HERACLES
　　Whatputsuchdesperatethoughtsintoyourheads？
　　MEGARA
　　ThatwaswhattheheraldsofEurystheuskeptproclaiming。
　　HERACLES
　　Whydidyeleavemyhearthandhome？
　　MEGARA
　　Heforcedus；thyfatherwasdraggedfromhisbed。
　　HERACLES
　　Hadhenomercy，toill—usetheoldmanso？
　　MEGARA
　　Mercyforsooth！thatgoddessandhedwellfarenoughapart。
　　HERACLES
　　WasIsopoorinfriendsinmyabsence？
　　MEGARA
　　Whoarethefriendsofamaninmisfortune？
　　HERACLES
　　DotheymakesolightofmyhardwarringwiththeMinyae？
　　MEGARA
　　Misfortune，torepeatittothee，hasnofriends。
　　HERACLES
　　Castfromyourheadsthesechapletsofdeath，lookuptothelight，forinsteadofthenethergloomyoureyesbeholdthewelcomesun。I，meantime，sincehereisworkformyhand，willfirstgorazethisupstarttyrant’shalls，andwhenIhavebeheadedthemiscreant，I
　　willthrowhimtodogstotear；andeveryThebanwhoIfindhasplayedthetraitoraftermykindness，willIdestroywiththisvictoriousclub；therestwillIscatterwithmyfeatheredshaftsandfillIsmenusfullofbloodycorpses，andDirce’sclearfountshallrunredwithgore。ForwhomoughtItohelpratherthanwifeandchildrenandagedsire？Farewellmylabours！foritwasinvainI
　　accomplishedthemratherthansuccouredthese。AndyetIoughttodieintheirdefence，sincetheyfortheirsireweredoomed；elsewhatshallwefindsonobleinhavingfoughtahydraandalionatthehestsofEurystheus，ifImakenoefforttosavemyownchildrenfromdeath？NolongerItrow，asheretofore，shallIbecalledHeraclesthevictor。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　’Tisonlyrightthatparentsshouldhelptheirchildren，theiragedsires，andthepartnersoftheirmarriage。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Myson，’tisliketheetoshowthyloveforthydearonesandthyhateforallthatishostile；onlycurbexcessivehastiness。
　　HERACLES
　　Wherein，father，amInowshowingmorethanfittinghaste？
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Thekinghathahostofallies，needyvillainsthoughpretendingtoberich，whosoweddissensionando’erthrewthestatewithaviewtoplunderingtheirneighbours；forthewealththeyhadintheirhouseswasalispent，dissipatedbytheirsloth。Thouwastseenenteringthecity；and，thatbeingso，bewarethatthoubringnotthyenemiestogetherandbeslainunawares。
　　HERACLES
　　LittleIreckifthewholecitysawme；butchancingtoseeabirdperchedinanill—omenedspot，fromitIlearntthatsometroublehadbefallenmyhouse；soIpurposelymademyentrytothelandbystealth。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Forthyluckycominghither，gosalutethyhouseholdaltar，andletthyfather’shallsbeholdthyface。Forsoonwillthekingbehereinpersontodragawaythywifeandchildrenandmurderthem，andtoaddmetothebloodylist。Butifthouremainonthespotallwillgowell，andthouwiltprofitbythissecurity；butdonotrousethycityerethouhastthesematterswellintrain，myson。
　　HERACLES
　　Iwilldoso；thyadviceisgood；Iwillentermyhouse。AftermyreturnatlengthfromthesunlessdenofHadesandthemaidenqueenofhell，Iwillnotneglecttogreetfirstofallthegodsbeneathmyroof。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Why，didstthouinverydeedgotothehouseofHades，myson？
　　HERACLES
　　Aye，andbroughttothelightthatthree—headedmonster。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Didstworsthiminfight，orreceivehimfromthegoddess？
　　HERACLES
　　Infairfight；forIhadbeenluckyenoughtowitnesstheritesoftheinitiated。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　IsthemonsterreallylodgedinthehouseofEurystheus？
　　HERACLES
　　ThegroveofDemeterandthecityofHermionearehisprison。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　DoesnotEurystheusknowthatthouhastreturnedtotheupperworld？
　　HERACLES
　　Heknowsnot；Icamehitherfirsttolearnyournews。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Howisitthouwertsolongbeneaththeearth？
　　HERACLES
　　IstayedawhileattemptingtobringbackTheseusfromHades，father。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Whereishe？gonetohisnativeland？
　　HERACLES
　　HesetoutforAthensrightgladtohaveescapedfromthelowerworld。Come，children，attendyourfathertothehouse。Myenteringinisfairerinyoureyes，Itrow，thanmygoingout。Takeheart，andnomoreletthetearsstreamfromyoureyes；thoutoo，dearwife，collectthycourage，ceasefromfear；letgomyrobe；forIcannotflyaway，norhaveIanywishtofleefromthoseIlove。Ah！theydonotloosetheirhold，butclingtomygarmentsallthemore；wereyeinsuchjeopardy？Well，Imustleadthem，takingthembythehandtodrawthemafterme，likeashipwhentowing；forItoodonotrejectthecareofmychildren；hereallmankindareequal；alllovetheirchildren，boththoseofhighestateandthose；whoarenaught；’tiswealththatmakesdistinctionsamongthem；somehave，otherswant；butallthehumanracelovesitsoffspring。
　　（HERACLES，MEGARA，AMPHITRYONandthechildrenenterthepalace。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　strophe1
　　Deartomeisyouth，butoldageiseverhangingo’ermyhead，aburdenheavierthanAetna’scrags，castingitspallofgloomuponmyeyes。Oh！nevermaythewealthofAsia’skingstemptmetobarterforhousesstoredwithgoldmyhappyyouth，whichisinwealthandpovertyalikemostfair！Butoldageisgloomyanddeathly；Ihateit；
　　letitsinkbeneaththewaves！Wouldithadneverfounditswaytothehomesandtownsofmortalmen，butwerestilldriftingonforeverdownthewind。
　　antistrophe1
　　Hadthegodsshowndiscernmentandwisdom，asmortalscountthesethings，menwouldhavegottenyouthtwiceover，avisiblemarkofworthamongstwhomsoeverfound，andafterdeathwouldthesehaveretracedtheirstepsoncemoretothesun—light，whilethemeanmanwouldhavehadbutasingleportionoflife；andthuswouldithavebeenpossibletodistinguishthegoodandthebad，justassailorsknowthenumberofthestarsamidtheclouds。But，asitis，thegodshavesetnocertainboundary’twixtgoodandbad，buttime’sonwardrollbringsincreaseonlytoman’swealth。
　　strophe2
　　NeverwillIceasetolinkinonetheGracesandtheMuses，fairestunion。Nevermaymylinesbecastamonguntutoredboors，butevermayIfindaplaceamongthecrownedchoir！Yes，stilltheagedbardliftsuphisvoiceofbygonememories；stillismysongofthetriumphsofHeracles，whetherBromiusthegiverofwineisnigh，orthestrainsoftheseven—stringedlyreandtheLibyanflutearerising；notyetwillIceasetosingtheMuses’praise，mypatronsinthedance。
　　antistrophe2
　　AsthemaidsofDelosraisetheirsongofjoy，circlingroundthetemplegatesinhonourofLeto’sfairson，thegracefuldancer；sowithmyoldlipswillsingsongsofvictoryatthypalace—doors，songofmyoldage，suchassingsthedyingswan；forthereisagoodlythemeforminstrelsy；heisthesonofZeus；yethighabovehisnoblebirthtowerhisdeedsofprowess，forhistoilsecuredthislifeofcalmforman，havingdestroyedallfearsomebeasts。
　　（AMPHITRYONcomesoutofthepalaceasLycusandhisretinueenter。）
　　LYCUS
　　Ha！Amphitryon，’tishightimethoucamestforthfromthepalace；yehavebeentoolongarrayingyourselvesintherobesandtrappingsofthedead。Come，bidthewifeandchildrenofHeraclesshowthemselvesoutsidethehouse，todieontheconditionsyouyourselvesoffered。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Oking，thoudostpersecutemeinmymiseryandheapestinsultuponmeoverandabovethelossofmyson；thoushouldsthavebeenmoremoderateinthyzeal，thoughthouartmylordandmaster。Butsincethoudostimposedeath’ssternnecessityonme，needsmustI
　　acquiesceanddothywill。
　　LYCUS
　　Pray，whereisMegara？wherearethechildrenofAlcmena’sson？
　　AMPHITRYON
　　She，Ibelieve，sofarasIcanguessfromoutside—
　　LYCUS
　　Whatgroundshastthoutobasethyfancyon？
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Issittingasasuppliantonthealtar’shallowedsteps。
　　LYCUS
　　Imploringthemquiteuselesslytosaveherlife。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Andcallingonherdeadhusband，quiteinvain。
　　LYCUS
　　Heisnowherenear，andhecertainlywillnevercome。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　No，unlessperhapsagodshouldraisehimfromthedead。
　　LYCUS
　　Gotoherandbringherfromthepalace。
　　AMPHITRYON
　　BydoingsoIshouldbecomeanaccompliceinhermurder。
　　LYCUS
　　Sincethouhastthisscruple，I，whohaveleftfearbehind，willmyselfbringoutthemotherandherchildren。Followme，servants，thatwemayputanendtothisdelayofourworktoourjoy。
　　（Lycusandhisservantsenterthepalace。）
　　AMPHITRYON
　　Thengothywayalongthepathoffate；forwhatremains，maybeanotherwillprovide。Expectforthyevildeedstofindsomeillthyself。Ah！myagedfriends，heismarchingfairlytohisdoom；
　　soonwillhebeentangledinthesnareofthesword，thinkingtoslayhisneighbours，thevillain！Iwillhence，toseehimfalldead；forthesightofafoebeingslainandpayingthepenaltyofhismisdeedsgivespleasure。
　　（AMPHITRYONfollowsLycusintothepalace。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　Evilhaschangedsides；hewhowaserstamightykingisnowturninghislifebackwardintotheroadtoHades。
　　Hailtothee！justiceandheavenlyretribution。
　　Atlasthastthoureachedthegoalwherethydeathwillpaytheforfeit，Forthyinsultsagainstthybetters。
　　Joymakesmytearsburstforth。
　　Thereiscomearetribution，whichtheprinceofthelandneveroncethoughtinhisheartwouldhappen。
　　Come，oldfriends，letuslookwithintoseeifoneweknowhasmetthefateIhope。
　　LYCUS（within）
　　Ahme！ahme！
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　Ha！howsweettohearthatopeningnoteofhiswithinthehouse；
　　deathisnotfaroffhimnow。
　　Hark！theprincecriesoutinhisagony；thatpreludesdeath。
　　LYCUS（within）
　　OkingdomofCadmus，bytreacheryIamperishing！
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　Thouwertthyselfformakingothersperish；endurethyretribution；’tisonlythepenaltyofthyowndeedsthouartpaying。
　　Whowashe，weaksonofman，thataimedhissillysayingattheblessedgodsofheavenwithimpiousblasphemy，maintainingthattheyareweaklingsafterall？
　　Oldfriends，ourgodlessfoeisnownomore。
　　Thehouseisstill；letustoourdancing。
　　Yea，forfortunesmilesuponmyfriendsasIdesire。
　　strophe1
　　DancesandbanquetsnowprevailthroughouttheholytownofThebes。Forreleasefromtearsandrespitefromsorrowgivebirthtosong。Theupstartkingisdeadandgone；ourformermonarchnowisprince，havingmadehiswayevenfromthebournofAcheron。Hopebeyondallexpectationisfulfilled。
　　antistrophe1
　　Toheedtherightandwrongisheaven’scare。’Tistheirgoldandtheirgoodluckthatleadmen’sheartsastray，bringingintheirtrainunholytyranny。Fornomaneverhadthecouragetoreflectwhatreversestimemightbring；but，disregardinglawtogratifylawlessness，heshattersingloomthecarofhappiness。
　　strophe2
　　Decktheewithgarlands，OIsmenus！breakforthintodancing，yepavedstreetsofourseven—gatedcity！comeDirce，fountofwatersfair；andjoinedwithheryedaughtersofAsopus，comefromyourfather’swavestoaddyourmaidenvoicestoourhymn，thevictor’sprizethatHeracleshathwon。OPythianrock，withforestscrowned，andhauntsoftheMusesonHelicon！makemycityandherwallsre—echowithcriesofjoy；wheresprangtheearth—borncroptoview，awarrior—hostwithshieldsofbrass，whoarehandingontheirrealmtochildren’schildren，alightdivinetoThebes。
　　antistrophe2
　　Allhailthemarriage！whereintwobridegroomsshared；theone，amortal；theother，Zeus，whocametowedthemaidensprungfromPerseus；forthatmarriageofthine，OZeus，indaysgonebyhasbeenprovedtomeatruestorybeyondallexpectation；andtimehathshownthelustreofHeracles’prowess，whoemergedfromcaverns’neaththeearthafterleavingPluto’shallsbelow。Tomeartthouaworthierlordthanthatbase—bornking，whonowletsitbeplainlyseeninthisstruggle’twixtarmedwarriors，whetherjusticestillfindsfavourinheaven。
　　（ThespectresofMADNESSandIRISappearfromabove。TheCHORUSseesthem。）
　　Ha！seethere，myoldcomrades！isthesamewildpanicfallenonusall；whatphantomisthisIseehoveringo’erthehouse？Fly，fly，bestirthytardysteps！begone！away！away！Osaviourprince，avertcalamityfromme！
　　IRIS
　　Courage，oldmen！she，whomyousee，isMadness，daughterofNight，andIamIris，thehandmaidofthegods。Wehavenotcometodoyourcityanyhurt，butagainstthehouseofonemanonlyisourwarfare，evenagainsthimwhomtheycallthesonofZeusandAlcmena。Foruntilhehadfinishedallhisgrievoustoils，Destinywaspreservinghim，norwouldfatherZeuseversuffermeorHeratoharmhim。ButnowthathehathaccomplishedthelaboursofEurystheus，Heraismindedtobrandhimwiththeguiltofsheddingkindredbloodbyslayinghisownchildren，andIamonewithher。Comethen，maidunwed，childofmurkyNight，hardenthyheartrelentlessly，sendforthfrenzyuponhim，confoundhismindeventotheslayingofhischildren，drivehim，goadhimwildlyonhismadcareer，shakeoutthesailsofdeath，thatwhenhehassento’erAcheron’sferrythatfairgroupofchildrenbyhisownmurderoushand，hemaylearntoknowhowfiercelyagainsthimthewrathofHeraburnsandmayalsoexperiencemine；otherwise，ifheescapepunishment，thegodswillbecomeasnaught，whileman’spowerwillgrow。
　　MADNESS
　　OfnobleparentswasIborn，thedaughterofNight，sprungfromthebloodofUranus；andtheseprerogativesIhold，nottousetheminangeragainstfriends，norhaveIanyjoyinvisitingthehomesofmen；andfainwouldIcounselHera，beforeIseehererr，andtheetoo，ifyewillhearkentomywords。Thisman，againstwhosehousethouartsendingme，hasmadehimselfanamealikeinheavenandearth；for，aftertamingpathlesswildsandragingsea，hebyhissinglemightraisedupagainthehonoursofthegodswhensinkingbeforeman’simpiety；whereforeIcounselthee，donotwishhimdiremishaps。
　　IRIS
　　SpareusthyadviceonHera’sandmyschemes。
　　MADNESS
　　Iseektoturnthystepsintothebestpathinsteadofintothisoneofevil。
　　IRIS
　　’Twasnottopracticeself—controlthatthewifeofZeussenttheehither。
　　MADNESS
　　Icallthesun—godtowitnessthathereinIamactingagainstmywill；butifindeedImustforthwithservetheeandHeraandfollowyouinfullcryashoundsfollowthehuntsman，whygoIwill；norshalloceanwithitsmoaningwaves，northeearthquake，northethunderboltwithblastofagonybehalfsofuriousastheheadlongrushIwillmakeintothebreastofHeracles；throughhisroofwillIburstmywayandswoopuponhishouse，afterfirstslayinghischildren；norshalltheirmurdererknowthatheiskillinghisown—begottenbabes，tillheisreleasedfrommymadness。Beholdhim！
　　seehowevennowheiswildlytossinghisheadattheoutset，androllinghiseyesfiercelyfromsidetosidewithoutword；norcanhecontrolhispantingbreath；butlikeabullinacttocharge，hebellowsfearfully，callingonthegoddessesofnetherhell。SoonwillIrousetheetoyetwilderdancingandsoundanoteofterrorinthineear。Soaraway，OIris，toOlympusonthyhonouredcourse；
　　whileIunseenwillstealintothehallsofHeracles。