Nowgothyway；and，first，remembertherulethatmessengersshouldnotbemeddlers；next，sobeartheethatmythanksmaybejoinedtohisdoublingthegracewhichthoushaltwin。
　　LICHAS
　　Nay，ifIplythisherald—craftofHermeswithanysureness，I
　　willnevertripindoingthineerrand：Iwillnotfailtodeliverthiscasketasitis，andtoaddthywordsinattestationofthygift。
　　DEIANEIRA
　　Thoumayestbegoingnow；forthouknowestwellhowthingsarewithusinthehouse。
　　LICHAS
　　Iknow，andwillreport，thatallhathprospered。
　　DEIANEIRA
　　Andthenthouhastseenthegreetinggiventothestrangermaiden—thouknowesthowIwelcomedher？
　　LICHAS
　　Sothatmyheartwasfilledwithwonderingjoy。
　　DEIANEIRA
　　Whatmore，then，istherefortheetotell？Iamafraidthatitwouldbetoosoontospeakofthelongingonmypart，beforeweknowifIamlongedforthere。
　　（LICHASdepartswiththecasketandDEIANEIRAretiresintothehouse。）
　　CHORUS（Singing）
　　strophe1
　　Oyewhodwellbythewarmspringsbetweenhavenandcrag，andbyOeta’sheights；Odwellersbytheland—lockedwatersoftheMaliansea，ontheshoresacredtothevirgin—goddessofthegoldenshafts，wheretheGreeksmeetinfamouscouncilattheGates；
　　antistrophe1
　　Soonshallthegloriousvoiceoftheflutegoupforyouagain，resoundingwithnoharshstrainofgrief，butwithsuchmusicasthelyremakethtothegods！ForthesonwhomAlcmenaboretoZeusishasteninghomeward，withthetrophiesofallprowess。
　　strophe2
　　Hewaslostutterlytoourland，awandereroversea，whilewewaitedthroughtwelvelongmonths，andknewnothing；andhislovingwife，saddwellerwithsadthoughts，waseverpiningamidhertears。
　　ButnowtheWar—god，rousedtofury，hathdeliveredherfromthedaysofhermourning。
　　antistrophe2
　　Mayhecome，mayhecome！Pausenotthemany—oaredshipthatcarrieshim，tillheshallhavereachedthistown，leavingtheislandaltarwhere，asrumoursaith，heissacrificing！Thencemayhecome，fullofdesire，steepedinlovebythespeciousdeviceoftherobe，onwhichPersuasionhathspreadhersovereigncharm！
　　（DEIANEIRAcomesoutofthehouseinagitation。）
　　DEIANEIRA
　　Friends，howIfearthatImayhavegonetoofarinallthatI
　　havebeendoingjustnow！
　　LEADER
　　Whathathhappened，Deianeira，daughterofOeneus？
　　DEIANEIRA
　　Iknownot；butfeelamisgivingthatIshallpresentlybefoundtohavewroughtagreatmischief，theissueofafairhope。
　　LEADER
　　Itisnothing，surely，thatconcernsthygifttoHeracles？
　　DEIANEIRA
　　Yea，evenso。AndhenceforthIwouldsaytoall，actnotwithzeal，ifyeactwithoutlight。
　　LEADER
　　Tellusthecauseofthyfear，ifitmaybetold。
　　DEIANEIRA
　　Athinghathcometopass，myfriends，suchthat，ifIdeclareit，yewillhearamarvelwhereofnonecouldhavedreamed。
　　ThatwithwhichIwaslatelyanointingthefestalrobe，—awhitetuftoffleecysheep’swool，—hathdisappeared，—notconsumedbyanythinginthehouse，butself—devouredandself—destroyed，asitcrumbleddownfromthesurfaceofastone。ButImusttellthestoryMoreatlength，thatthoumayestknowexactlyhowthisthingbefell。
　　IneglectednopartofthepreceptswhichthesavageCentaurgaveme，whenthebitterbarbwasranklinginhisside：theywereinmymemory，likethegravenwordswhichnohandmaywashfromatabletofbronze。Nowthesewerehisorders，andIobeyedthem：—tokeepthisunguentinsecretplace，alwaysremotefromfireandfromthesun’swarmray，untilIshouldapplyit，newlyspread，whereI
　　wished。SohadIdone。Andnow，whenthemomentforactionhadcome，I
　　performedtheanointingprivilyinthehouse，withatuftofsoftwoolwhichIhadpluckedfromasheepofourhome—flock；thenIfoldedupmygift，andlaidit，unvisitedbysunlight，withinitscasket，asyesaw。
　　ButasIwasgoingbackintothehouse，Ibeheldathingtoowondrousforwords，andpassingthewitofmantounderstand。I
　　happenedtohavethrowntheshredofwool，withwhichIbadbeenpreparingtherobe，intothefullblazeofthesunshine。Asitgrewwarm，itshrivelledallaway，andquicklycrumbledtopowderontheground，likenothingsomuchasthedustshedfromasaw’steethwheremenworktimber。Insuchastateitliesasitfell。Andfromtheearth，whereitwasstrewn，clotsoffoamseethedup，aswhentherichjuiceofthebluefruitfromthevineofBacchusispouredupontheground。
　　SoIknownot，haplessone，whithertoturnmythoughts；IonlyseethatIhavedoneafearfuldeed。Whyorwhereforeshouldthemonster，inhisdeath—throes，haveshowngoodwilltome，onwhoseaccounthewasdying？Impossible！No，hewascajolingme，inordertoslaythemanwhohadsmittenhim：andIgaintheknowledgeofthistoolate，whenitavailsnomore。Yes，Ialone—unlessmyforebodingprovefalse—I，wretchedone，mustdestroyhim！ForI
　　knowthatthearrowwhichmadethewounddidscatheeventothegodCheiron；anditkillsallbeaststhatittouches。Andsince’tisthissameblackvenominthebloodthathathpassedoutthroughthewoundofNessus，mustitnotkillmylordalso？Iweenitmust。
　　Howbeit，Iamresolvedthat，ifheistofall，atthesametimeIalsoshallbesweptfromlife；fornowomancouldbeartolivewithanevilname，ifsherejoicesthathernatureisnotevil。
　　LEADER
　　Mischiefmustneedsbefeared；butitisnotwelltodoomourhopebeforetheevent。
　　DEIANEIRA
　　Unwisecounselsleavenoroomevenforahopewhichcanlendcourage。
　　LEADER
　　Yettowardsthosewhohaveerredunwittingly，men’sangerissoftened；andsoitshouldbetowardsthee。
　　DEIANEIRA
　　Nay，suchwordsarenotforonewhohasborneapartintheilldeed，butonlyforhimwhohasnotroubleathisowndoor。
　　LEADER
　　’Twerewelltorefrainfromfurtherspeech，unlessthouwould’sttellaughttothineownson；forheisathand，whowenterewhiletoseekhissire。
　　（EnterHYLLUS）
　　HYLLUS
　　Omother，wouldthatoneofthreethingshadbefallenthee！
　　Wouldthatthouwertdead，—or，ifliving，nomotherofmine，—orthatsomenewandbetterspirithadpassedintothybosom。
　　DEIANEIRA
　　Ah，myson，whatcausehaveIgiventheetoabhorme？
　　HYLLUS
　　Itelltheethatthyhusband—yea，mysire—bathbeendonetodeathbytheethisdayDEIANEIRA
　　Oh，whatwordhathpassedthylips，mychild！
　　HYLLUS
　　Awordthatshallnotfailoffulfilment；forwhomayundothatwhichbathcometopass？
　　DEIANEIRA
　　Whatsaidstthou，myson？Whoisthywarrantyforchargingmewithadeedsoterrible？
　　HYLLUS
　　Ihaveseenmyfather’sgrievousfatewithmineowneyes；I
　　speaknotfromhearsay。
　　DEIANEIRA
　　Andwheredidstthoufindhim，—wheredidstthoustandathisside？
　　HYLLUS
　　Ifthouarttohearit，thenmustallbetold。
　　AftersackingthefamoustownofEurytus，hewenthiswaywiththetrophiesandfirst—fruitsofvictory。Thereisasea—washedheadlandofEuboea，CapeCenaeum，wherehededicatedaltarsandasacredgrovetotheZeusofhisfathers；andthereIfirstbeheldhim，withthejoyofyearninglove。
　　Hewasabouttocelebrateagreatsacrifice，whenhisownherald，Lichas，cametohimfromhome，bearingthygift，thedeadlyrobe；whichheputon，accordingtothyprecept；andthenbeganhisofferingwithtwelvebulls，freefromblemish，thefirstlingsofthespoil；butaltogetherhebroughtahundredvictims，greatorsmall，tothealtar。
　　Atfirst，haplessone，heprayedwithserenesoul，rejoicinginhiscomelygarb。Butwhentheblood—fedflamebegantoblazefromtheholyofferingsandfromtheresinouspine，asweatbrokeforthuponhisflesh，andthetunicclungtohissides，ateveryjoint，close—glued，asifbyacraftsman’shand；therecameabitingpainthatrackedhisbones；andthenthevenom，asofsomedeadly，cruelviper，begantodevourhim。
　　ThereuponheshoutedfortheunhappyLichas，—innowisetoblameforthycrime，—askingwhattreasonhadmovedhimtobringthatrobe；buthe，all—unknowing，haplessone，saidthathehadbroughtthegiftfromtheealone，asithadbeensent。Whenhismasterheardit，asapiercingspasmclutchedhislungs，hecaughthimbythefoot，wheretheankleturnsinthesocket，andhurledhimatasurf—beatenrockinthesea；andhemadethewhitebraintooozefromthehair，astheskullwasdashedtosplinters，andbloodscatteredtherewith。
　　Butallthepeopleliftedupacryofawe—struckgrief，seeingthatonewasfrenzied，andtheotherslain；andnoonedaredtocomebeforetheman。Forthepaindraggedhimtoearth，ormadehimleapintotheair，withyellsandshrieks，tillthecliffsrangaround，steepheadlandsofLocris，andEuboeancapes。
　　Butwhenhewasspentwithoftthrowinghimselfonthegroundinhisanguish，andoftmakingloudlament，—cursinghisfatalmarriagewiththee，thevileone，andhisalliancewithOeneus，—sayinghowhehadfoundinittheruinofhislife，—thenfromoutoftheshroudingaltar—smoke，helifteduphiswildly—rollingeyes，andsawmeinthegreatcrowd，weeping。Heturnedhisgazeonme，andcalledme：’Oson，drawnear；donotflyfrommytrouble，eventhoughthoumustsharemydeath。Come，bearmeforth，andsetme，ifthoucanst，inaplacewherenomanshallseeme；or，ifthypityforbidsthat，atleastconveymewithallspeedoutofthisland，andletmenotdiewhereIam。’
　　Thatcommandsufficed；welaidhiminmid—ship，andbroughthim—buthardlybroughthim—tothisshore，moaninginhistorments。
　　Andyeshallpresentlybeholdhim，alive，orlatelydead。
　　Such，mother，arethedesignsanddeedsagainstmysirewhereofthouhastbeenfoundguilty。MayavengingjusticeandtheErinysvisittheeforthem！Yes，ifitberight，thatismyprayer：andrightitis，—forIhaveseentheetrampleontheright，byslayingthenoblestmaninalltheworld，whoselikethoushaltseenevermore！
　　（DEIANEIRAmovestowardsthehouse。）
　　LEADER（toDEIANEIRA）
　　Whydostthoudepartinsilence？Knowestthounotthatsuchsilencepleadsforthineaccuser？
　　（DEIANEIRAgoesinthehouse。）
　　HYLLUS
　　Letherdepart。Afairwindspeedherfarfrommysight！Whyshouldthenameofmotherbringherasemblanceofrespect，whensheisallunlikeamotherinherdeeds？No，lethergo，—farewelltoher；
　　andmaysuchjoyasshegivesmysirebecomeherown！
　　（ExitHYLLUS，intothehouse。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　strophe1
　　See，maidens，howsuddenlythedivinewordoftheoldprophecyhathcomeuponus，whichsaidthat，whenthetwelfthyearshouldhaverunthroughitsfulltaleofmonths，itshouldendtheseriesoftoilsforthetrue—bornsonofZeus！Andthatpromiseiswaftedsurelytoitsfulfilment。Forhowshallhewhobeholdsnotthelighthavetoilsomeservitudeanymorebeyondthegrave？
　　antistrophe1
　　Ifacloudofdeathisaroundhim，andthedoomwroughtbytheCentaur’scraftisstinginghissides，wherecleavesthevenomwhichThanatosbegatandthegleamingserpentnourished，howcanhelookupontomorrow’ssun，—whenthatappallingHydra—shapeholdshiminitsgrip，andthosemurderousgoads，preparedbythewilywordsofblack—hairedNessus，havestartedintofury，vexinghimwithtumultuouspain？
　　strophe2
　　Ofsuchthingsthishaplessladyhadnoforeboding；butshesawgreatmischiefswiftlycomingonherhomefromthenewmarriage。Herownhandappliedtheremedy；butfortheissuesofastranger’scounsel，givenatafatalmeeting，—forthese，Iween，shemakesdespairinglament，sheddingthetenderdewofplenteoustears。Andthecomingfateforeshadowsagreatmisfortune，contrivedbyguile。
　　antistrophe2
　　Ourstreamingtearsbreakforth：alas，aplagueisuponhimmorepiteousthananysufferingthatfoemeneverbroughtuponthatglorioushero。
　　Ah，thoudarksteelofthespearforemostinbattle，bywhosemightyonderbridewaslatelybornesoswiftlyfromOechalia’sheights！ButtheCypriangoddess，ministeringinsilence，hathbeenplainlyprovedthedoerofthesedeeds。
　　LEADEROFONESEMI—CHORUS
　　Isitfancy，ordoIhearsomecryofgriefjustpassingthroughthehouse？Whatisthis？
　　LEADEROFOTHERSEMI—CHORUS
　　Nouncertainsound，butawailofanguishfromwithin：thehousehathsomenewtrouble。
　　LEADEROFWHOLECHORUS
　　Andmarkhowsadly，withwhataclouduponherbrow，thatagedwomanapproaches，togiveustidings。
　　（EnterNURSE，fromthehouse。）
　　NURSE
　　Ah，mydaughters，great，indeed，werethesorrowsthatweweretoreapfromthegiftsenttoHeracles！
　　LEADER
　　Agedwoman，whatnewmischancehastthoutotell？
　　NURSE
　　Deianeirahathdepartedonthelastofallherjourneys，departedwithoutstirringfoot。
　　LEADER
　　Thouspeakestnotofdeath？
　　NURSE
　　Mytaleistold。
　　LEADER
　　Dead，haplessone？
　　NURSE
　　Againthouhearestit。
　　CHORUS
　　Hapless，lostone！Say，whatwasthemannerofherdeath？
　　NURSE
　　Oh，acrueldeedwasthere！
　　CHORUS
　　Speak，woman，howhathshemetherdoom？
　　NURSE
　　Byherownhandhathshedied。
　　CHORUS
　　Whatfury，whatpangsoffrenzyhavecutheroffbytheedgeofadireweapon？Howcontrivedshethisdeath，followingdeath，—allwroughtbyheralone？
　　NURSE
　　Bythestrokeoftheswordthatmakessorrow。
　　CHORUS
　　Sawestthouthatviolentdeed，poorhelplessone？
　　NURSE
　　Isawit；yea，Iwasstandingnear。
　　CHORUS
　　Whencecameit？Howwasitdone？Oh，speakNURSE
　　’Twastheworkofherownmindandherownhand。
　　CHORUS
　　Whatdostthoutellus？
　　NURSE
　　Thesuretruth。
　　CHORUS
　　Thefirst—born，thefirst—bornofthatnewbrideisadreadErinysforthishouse！
　　NURSE
　　Tootrue；and，hadstthoubeenaneye—witnessoftheaction，verilythypitywouldhavebeenyetdeeper。
　　LEADER
　　Andcouldawoman’shanddaretodosuchdeeds？
　　NURSE
　　Yea，withdreaddaring；thoushalthear，andthenthouwiltbearmewitness。
　　Whenshecamealoneintothehouse，andsawhersonpreparingadeeplitterinthecourt，thathemightgobackwithittomeethissire，thenshehidherselfwherenonemightsee；and，fallingbeforethealtars，shewailedaloudthattheywereleftdesolate；and，whenshetouchedany—householdthingthatshehadbeenwonttouse，poorlady，inthepast，hertearswouldflow；orwhen，roaminghitherandthitherthroughthehouse，shebeheldtheformofanywell—lovedservant，shewept，haplessone，atthatsight，cryingalouduponherownfate，andthatofthehouseholdwhichwouldthenceforthbeinthepowerofothers。
　　Butwhensheceasedfromthis，suddenlyIbeheldherrushintothechamberofHeracles。Fromasecretplaceofespial，Iwatchedher；andsawherspreadingcoveringsonthecouchofherlord。Whenshehaddonethis，shesprangthereon，andsatinthemiddleofthebed；hertearsburstforthinburningstreams，andthusshespake：’Ah，bridalbedandbridalchambermine，farewellnowandforever；nevermoreshallyereceivemetorestuponthiscouch。’Shesaidnomore，butwithavehementhandloosedherrobe，wherethegold—wroughtbroochlayaboveherbreast，baringallherleftsideandarm。ThenIranwithallmystrength，andwarnedhersonofherintent。Butlo，inthespacebetweenmygoingandourreturn，shehaddrivenatwo—edgedswordthroughhersidetotheheart。
　　Atthatsight，hersonutteredagreatcry；forheknew，alas，thatinhisangerhehaddrivenhertothatdeed；andhehadlearned，toolate，fromtheservantsinthehousethatshehadactedwithoutknowledge，bythepromptingoftheCentaur。Andnowtheyouth，inhismisery，bewailedherwithallpassionatelament；heknelt，andshoweredkissesonherlips；hethrewhimselfathersideupontheground，bitterlycryingthathehadrashlysmittenherwithaslander，—weepingthathemustnowlivebereavedofbothalike，—ofmotherandofsire。
　　Sucharethefortunesofthishouse。Rashindeed，ishewhoreckonsonthemorrow，orhaplyondaysbeyondit；forto—morrowisnot，untilto—dayissafelypast。
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　strophe1
　　WhichwoeshallIbewailfirst，whichmiseryisthegreater？Alas，’tishardformetotell。
　　antistrophe1
　　Onesorrowmaybeseeninthehouse；foronewewaitwithforeboding：andsuspensehathakinshipwithpain。
　　strophe2
　　Ohthatsomestrongbreezemightcomewithwaftingpoweruntoourhearth，tobearmefarfromthisland，lestIdieofterror，whenlookbutonceuponthemightysonofZeus！
　　Fortheysaythatheisapproachingthehouseintormentsfromwhichthereisnodeliverance，awonderofunutterablewoe。
　　antistrophe2
　　Ah，itwasnotfaroff，butclosetous，thatwoeofwhichmylamentgavewarning，likethenightingale’spiercingnote！
　　Menofanalienracearecomingyonder。Andhow，then，aretheybringinghim？Insorrow，asforsomelovedone，theymoveontheirmournful，noiselessmarch。
　　Alas，heisbroughtinsilence！Whatarewetothink；thatheisdead，orsleeping？
　　（EnterHYLLUSandanOLDMAN，withattendants，bearingHERACLESuponalitter。）
　　HYLLUS
　　Woeismeforthee，myfather，woeismeforthee，wretchedthatI
　　am！WhithershallIturn？WhatcanIdo？Ahme！
　　OLDMAN（whispering）
　　Hush，myson！Rousenotthecruelpainthatinfuriatesthysire！
　　Helives，thoughprostrated。Oh，putasternrestraintuponthylips！
　　HYLLUS
　　Howsayestthou，oldman—ishealive？
　　OLDMAN（whispering）
　　Thoumustnotawaketheslumberer！Thoumustnotrouseandrevivethedreadfrenzythatvisitshim，myson！
　　HYLLUS
　　Nay，Iamcrushedwiththisweightofmisery—thereismadnessinmyheart！
　　HERACLES（awaking）
　　OZeus，towhatlandhaveIcome？WhoaretheseamongwhomI
　　lie，torturedwithunendingagonies？Wretched，wretchedthatIam！Oh，thatdirepestisgnawingmeoncemore！
　　OLDMAN（toHYLLUS）
　　KnewInothowmuchbetteritwasthatthoushouldestkeepsilence，insteadofscaringslumberfromhisbrainandeyes？
　　HYLLUS
　　Nay，IcannotbepatientwhenIbeholdthismisery。
　　HERACLES
　　OthouCenaeanrockwhereonminealtarsrose，whatacruelrewardhastthouwonmeforthosefairofferings，—beZeusmywitness！
　　Ah，towhatruinhastthoubroughtme，towhatruin！WouldthatI
　　hadneverbeheldtheeforthysorrow！ThenhadInevercomefacetofacewiththisfierymadness，whichnospellcansoothe！Whereisthecharmer，whereisthecunninghealer，saveZeusalone，thatshalllullthisplaguetorest？Ishouldmarvel，ifheevercamewithinmyken！
　　strophe1
　　Ah！
　　Leaveme，haplessone，tomyrest—leavemetomylastrest！
　　strophe2
　　Whereartthoutouchingme？Whitherwouldstthouturnme？Thouwiltkillme，thouwiltkillme！Iftherebeanypangthatslumbers，thouhastarousedit！
　　Ithathseizedme，—oh，thepestcomesagain！—Whenceareye，mostungratefulofalltheGreeks？IworeoutmytroublousdaysinriddingGreeceofpests，onthedeepandinallforests；andnow，whenIamstricken，willnomansuccourmewithmercifulfireofsword？
　　antistrophe1
　　Oh，willnoonecomeandseverthehead，atonefiercestroke，fromthiswretchedbody？Woe，woeisme！
　　OLDMAN
　　SonofHeracles，thistaskexceedsmystrength，—helpthou，—forstrengthisatthycommand，toolargelytoneedmyaidinhisrelief。
　　HYLLUS
　　Myhandsarehelping；butnoresource，inmyselforfromanother，availsmetomakehislifeforgetitsanguish：—suchisthedoomappointedbyZeus！
　　HERACLES
　　strophe3
　　Omyson，whereartthou？Raiseme，—takeholdofme，—thusthus！Alas，mydestiny！
　　antistrophe2
　　Again，againthecruelpestleapsforthtorendme，thefierceplaguewithwhichnonemaycope！
　　OPallas，Pallas，ittorturesmeagain！Alas，myson，pitythysire，—drawablamelesssword，andsmitebeneathmycollar—bone，andhealthispainwherewiththygodlessmotherhathmademewild！SomayIseeherfall，—thus，eventhus，asshehathdestroyedme！
　　antistrophe3
　　SweetHades，brotherofZeus，givemerest，givemerest，—endmywoebyaswiftly—speddoom！
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Ishudder，friends，tohearthesesorrowsofourlord；whatamanishere，andwhattormentsafflicthim！
　　HERACLES
　　Ah，fiercefulloft，andgrievousnotinnamealone，havebeenthelaboursofthesehands，theburdensborneupontheseshoulders！ButnotoileverlaidonmebythewifeofZeusorbythehatefulEurystheuswaslikeuntothisthingwhichthedaughterofOeneus，fairandfalse，hathfasteneduponmyback，—thiswovennetoftheFuries，inwhichIperish！Gluedtomysides，ithatheatenmyfleshtotheinmostparts；itiseverwithme，suckingthechannelsofmybreath；alreadyithathdrainedmyfreshlifeblood，andmywholebodyiswasted，acaptivetotheseunutterablebonds。
　　Notthewarrioronthebattle—field，nottheGiants’earth—bornhost，northemightofsavagebeasts，hatheverdoneuntomethus，—
　　notHellas，northelandofthealien，noranylandtowhichIhavecomeasadeliverer：no，awoman，aweakwoman，bornnottothestrengthofman，allalonehathvanquishedme，withoutstrokeofswordSon，showthyselfmysonindeed，anddonothonouramother’snameaboveasire’s：bringforththewomanthatbarethee，andgiveherwiththineownhandsintomyhand，thatImayknowofatruthwhichsightgrievestheemost，—mytorturedframe，orhers，whenshesuffersherrighteousdoom！
　　Go，myson，shrinknot—andshowthypityforme，whommanymightdeempitiful，—forme，moaningandweepinglikeagirl；—andthemanlivesnotwhocansaythatheeversawmedothusbefore；no，withoutcomplainingIstillwentwhithermineevilfortuneled。Butnow，alas，thestrongmanhathbeenfoundawoman。
　　Approach，standnearthysire，andseewhatafateitisthathathbroughtmetothispass；forIwilllifttheveil。Behold！Look，allofyou，onthismiserablebody；seehowwretched，howpiteousismyplight！
　　Ah，woeisme！
　　Theburningthroeoftormentisthereanew，itdartsthroughmysides—Imustwrestleoncemorewiththatcruel，devouringplague！
　　Othoulordofthedarkrealm，receiveme！Smiteme，OfireofZeus！Hurldownthythunderbolt，OKing，sendit，Ofather，uponmyhead！Foragainthepestisconsumingme；ithathblazedforth，ithathstartedintofury！Ohands，myhands，Oshouldersandbreastandtrustyarms，ye，nowinthisplight，arethesamewhoseforceofoldsubduedthedwellerinNemea，thescourgeofherdsmen，thelion，acreaturethatnomanmightapproachorconfront；yetamedtheLernaeanHydra，andthatmonstroushostofdoubleform，manjoinedtosteed，aracewithwhomnonemaycommune，violent，lawless，ofsurpassingmight；yetamedtheErymanthianbeast，andthethree—headedwhelpofHadesunderground，aresistlessterror，offspringofthedreadEchidna；yetamedthedragonthatguardedthegoldenfruitintheutmostplacesoftheearth。
　　ThesetoilsandcountlessothershaveIproved，norhathanymanvauntedatriumphovermyprowess。Butnow，withjointsunhingedandwithfleshtorntoshreds，Ihavebecomethemiserablepreyofanunseendestroyer，—I，whoamcalledthesonofnoblestmother，—I，whosereputedsireisZeus，lordofthestarrysky。
　　Butyemaybesureofonething：—thoughIamasnought，thoughIcannotmoveastep，yetshewhohathdonethisdeedshallfeelmyheavyhandevennow：letherbutcome，andsheshalllearntoproclaimthismessageuntoall，thatinmydeath，asinmylife，Ichastisedthewicked！
　　LEADER
　　Ah，haplessGreece，whatmourningdoIforseeforher，ifshemustlosethismanHYLLUS
　　Father，sincethypausepermitsananswer，hearme，afflictedthoughthouart。Iwillasktheefornomorethanismydue。Acceptmycounsels，inacalmermoodthanthattowhichthisangerstingsthee：elsethoucanstnotlearnhowvainisthydesireforvengeance，andhowcauselessthyresentment。
　　HERACLES
　　Saywhatthouwilt，andcease；inthismypainIunderstandnoughtofallthyriddlingwords。
　　HYLLUS
　　Icometotelltheeofmymother，—howitisnowwithher，andhowshesinnedunwittingly。
　　HERACLES
　　Villain！What—hastthoudaredtobreathehernameagaininmyhearing，—thenameofthemotherwhohathslainthysire？
　　HYLLUS
　　Yea，suchisherstatethatsilenceisunmeet。
　　HERACLES
　　Unmeet，truly，inviewofherpastcrimes。
　　HYLLUS
　　Andalsoofherdeedsthisday，—asthouwiltown。
　　HERACLES
　　Speak，—butgiveheedthatthoubenotfoundatraitor。
　　HYLLUS
　　Thesearemytidings。Sheisdead，latelyslain。
　　HERACLES
　　Bywhosehand？Awondrousmessage，fromaprophetofill—omenedvoice！
　　HYLLUS
　　Byherownhand，andnostranger’s。
　　HERACLES
　　Alas，ereshediedbymine，asshedeserved！
　　HYLLUS
　　Eventhywrathwouldbeturned，couldstthouhearall。
　　HERACLES
　　Astrangepreamble；butunfoldthymeaning。
　　HYLLUS
　　Thesumisthis；—sheerred，withagoodintent。
　　HERACLES
　　Isitagooddeed，thouwretch，tohaveslainthysire？
　　HYLLUS
　　Nay，shethoughttousealove—charmforthyheart，whenshesawthenewbrideinthehouse；butmissedheraim。
　　HERACLES
　　AndwhatTrachiniandealsinspellssopotent？
　　HYLLUS
　　NessustheCentaurpersuadedherofoldtoinflamethydesirewithsuchacharm。
　　HERACLES
　　Alas，alas，miserablethatIam！Woeisme，Iamlost，—undone，undone！Nomoreformethelightofday！Alas，nowIseeinwhataplightstand！Go，myson，—forthyfather’sendhathcome，—summon，Ipraythee，allthybrethren；summon，too，thehaplessAlcmena，invainthebrideofZeus，—thatyemaylearnfrommydyinglipswhatoraclesknow。
　　HYLLUS
　　Nay，thymotherisnothere；asitchances，shehathherabodeatTirynsbythesea。Someofthychildrenshehathtakentolivewithherthere，andothers，thouwiltfind，aredwellinginThebe’stown。
　　Butwewhoarewiththee，myfather，willrenderallservicethatisneeded，atthybidding。
　　HERACLES
　　Hear，then，thytask：nowisthetimetoshowwhatstuffisinthee，whoartcalledmyson。
　　ItwasforeshowntomebymySireofoldthatIshouldperishbynocreaturethathadthebreathoflife，butbyonethathadpassedtodwellwithHades。SoIhavebeenslainbythissavageCentaur，thelivingbythedead，evenasthedivinewillhadbeenforetold。
　　AndIwillshowtheehowlateroraclestallytherewith，confirmingtheoldprophecy。IwrotethemdowninthegroveoftheSelli，dwellersonthehills，whosecouchisontheground；theyweregivenbymyFather’soakofmanytongues；whichsaidthat，atthetimewhichlivethandnowis，myreleasefromthetoilslaiduponmeshouldbeaccomplished。AndIlookedforprosperousdays；butthemeaning，itseems，wasonlythatshoulddie；fortoilcomesnomoretothedead。
　　Since，then，myson，thosewordsareclearlyfindingtheirfulfilment，thou，onthypart，mustlendmethineaid。Thoumustnotdelay，andsoprovokemetobitterspeech：thoumustconsentandhelpwithagoodgrace，asonewhohathlearnedthatbestoflaws，obediencetoasire。
　　HYLLUS
　　Yea，father，—thoughIfeartheissuetowhichourtalkhathbroughtme，—Iwilldothygoodpleasure。
　　HERACLES
　　Firstofall，laythyrighthandinmine。
　　HYLLUS
　　Forwhatpurposedostthouinsistuponhispledge？
　　HERACLES
　　Givethyhandatonce—disobeymenot！
　　HYLLUS
　　Lo，thereitis：thoushaltnotbegainsaid。
　　HERACLES
　　Now，swearbytheheadofZeusmysire！
　　HYLLUS
　　Todowhatdeed？Maythisalsobetold？
　　HERACLES
　　ToperformformethetaskthatIshallenjoin。
　　HYLLUS
　　Iswearit，withZeusforwitnessoftheoath。
　　HERACLES
　　Andpraythat，ifthoubreakthisoath，thoumayestsuffer。
　　HYLLUS
　　Ishallnotsuffer，forIshallkeepit：—yetsoIpray。
　　HERACLES
　　Well，thouknowestthesummitofOeta，sacredtoZeus？
　　HYLLUS
　　Ay；Ihaveoftenstoodathisaltaronthatheight。
　　HERACLES
　　Thither，then，thoumustcarrymeupwiththineownhands，aidedbywhatfriendsthouwilt；thoushaltlopmanyabranchfromthedeep—rootedoak，andhewmanyafaggotalsofromthesturdystockofthewild—olive；thoushaltlaymybodythereupon，andkindleitwithflamingpine—torch。
　　Andletnotearofmourningbeseenthere；no，dothiswithoutlamentandwithoutweeping，ifthouartindeedmyson。Butifthoudoitnot，evenfromtheworldbelowmycurseandmywrathshallwaitontheeforever。
　　HYLLUS
　　Alas，myfather，whathastthouspoken？Howhastthoudealtwithme！
　　HERACLES
　　Ihavespokenthatwhichthoumustperform；ifthouwiltnot，thengettheesomeothersire，andbecalledmysonnomore！
　　HYLLUS
　　Woe，woeisme！Whatadeeddostthourequireofme，myfather，—thatIshouldbecomethymurderer，guiltyofthyblood！
　　HERACLES
　　Notso，intruth，buthealerofmysufferings，solephysicianofmypain！
　　HYLLUS
　　Andhow，byenkindlingthybody，shallIhealit？
　　HERACLES
　　Nay，ifthatthoughtdismaythee，atleastperformtherest。
　　HYLLUS
　　Theserviceofcarryingtheeshallnotberefused。
　　HERACLES
　　Andtheheapingofthepyre，asIhavebidden？
　　HYLLUS
　　Yea，savethatIwillnottouchitwithmineownhand。AllelsewillIdo，andthoushalthavenohindranceonmypart。
　　HERACLES
　　Well，somuchshallbeenough。—Butaddonesmallboontothylargebenefits。
　　HYLLUS
　　Betheboonneversolarge，itshallbegranted。
　　HERACLES
　　Knowestthou，then，thegirlwhosesirewasEurytus？
　　HYLLUS
　　ItisofIolethatthouspeakest，ifImistakenot。
　　HERACLES
　　Evenso。This，inbrief，isthechargethatIgivethee，myson。
　　Whenamdead，ifthouwouldestshowapiousremembranceofthineoathuntothyfather，disobeymenot，buttakethiswomantobethywife。Letnootherespouseherwhohathlainatmyside，butdothou，Omyson，makethatmarriage—bondthineown。Consent：afterloyaltyingreatmatters，torebelinlessistocancelthegracethatbadbeenwon。
　　HYLLUS
　　Ahme，itisnotwelltobeangrywithasickman：butwhocouldbeartoseehiminsuchamind？
　　HERACLES
　　Thywordsshownodesiretodomybidding。
　　HYLLUS
　　What！Whenshealoneistoblameformymother’sdeath，andforthypresentplightbesides？Livestherethemanwhowouldmakesuchchoice，unlessheweremaddenedbyavengingfiends？
　　Betterwereit，father，thatItooshoulddie，ratherthanliveunitedtotheworstofourfoes！
　　HERACLES
　　Hewillrendernoreverence，itseems，tomydyingprayer。—Nay，besurethatthecurseofthegodswillattendtheefordisobediencetomyvoice。
　　HYLLUS
　　Ah，thouwiltsoonshow，methinks，howdistemperedthouart！
　　HERACLES
　　Yea，forthouartbreakingtheslumberofmyplague。
　　HYLLUS
　　HaplessthatIam！Whatperplexitiessurroundme！
　　HERACLES
　　Yea，sincethoudeignestnottohearthysire。
　　HYLLUS
　　ButmustIlearn，then，tobeimpious，myfather？
　　HERACLES
　　’Tisnotimpiety，ifthoushaltgladdenmyheart。
　　HYLLUS
　　Dostthoucommandme，then，todothisdeed，asaclearduty？
　　HERACLES
　　Icommandthee，—thegodsbearmewitness！
　　HYLLUS
　　ThenwillIdoit，andrefusenot，—callinguponthegodstowitnessthydeed。Icanneverbecondemnedforloyaltytothee，myfather。
　　HERACLES
　　Thouendestwell；andtothesewords，myson，quicklyaddthegraciousdeed，thatthoumayestlaymeonthepyrebeforeanypainreturnstorendorstingme。
　　Come，makehasteandliftme！This，intruth，isrestfromtroubles；thisistheend，thelastend，ofHeracles！
　　HYLLUS
　　Nothing，indeed，hindersthefulfilmentofthywish，sincethycommandconstrainsus，myfather。
　　HERACLES（chanting）
　　Come，then，erethouarousethisplague，Omystubbornsoul，givemeacurbasofsteelonlipssetlikestonetostone，andletnocryescapethem；seeingthatthedeedwhichthouarttodo，thoughdoneperforce，isyetworthyofthyjoy！
　　HYLLUS（chanting）
　　Lifthim，followers！Andgrantmefullforgivenessforthis；butmarkthegreatcrueltyofthegodsinthedeedsthatarebeingdone。
　　Theybegetchildren，theyarehailedasfathers，andyettheycanlookuponsuchsufferings。
　　（TheattendantsraiseHERACLES
　　onthelitterandmoveslowlyoff，asHYLLUSchantstotheCHORUSintheclosinglines。）
　　Nomanforeseesthefuture；butthepresentisfraughtwithmourningforus，andwithshameforthepowersabove，andverilywithanguishbeyondcompareforhimwhoenduresthisdoom。
　　Maidens，comeyealso，norlingeratthehouse；yewhohavelatelyseenadreaddeath，withsorrowsmanifoldandstrange：andinallthisthereisnoughtbutZeus。