第2章

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。