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。