THETRACHINIAE
bySophoclestransalatedbyR。C。JebbCHARACTERSINTHEPLAY
DEIANEIRA
NURSE
HYLLUS，sonofHERACLESandDEIANEIRA
MESSENGER
LICHAS，theheraldofHERACLES
HERACLES
ANOLDMAN
CHORUSOFTRACHINIANMAIDENS
THETRACHINIAE
（SCENE：—AtTrachis，beforethehouseofHERACLES。
EnterDEIANEIRAfromthehouse，accompaniedbytheNURSE。）
DEIANEIRA
THEREisasayingamongmen，putforthofold，thatthoucanstnotrightlyjudgewhetheramortal’slotisgoodorevil，erehedie。
ButI，evenbeforeIhavepassedtotheworldofdeath，knowwellthatmylifeissorrowfulandbitter；I，whointhehouseofmyfatherOeneus，whileyetIdweltatPleuron，hadsuchfearofbridalsasnevervexedanymaidenofAetolia。Formywooerwasariver—god，Achelous，whointhreeshapeswaseveraskingmefrommysire，—comingnowasabullinbodilyform，nowasserpentwithsheenycoils，nowwithtrunkofmanandfrontofox，whilefromashaggybeardthestreamsoffountain—waterflowedabroad。Withthefearofsuchasuitorbeforemineeyes，IwasalwaysprayinginmywretchednessthatImightdie，oreverIshouldcomeneartosuchabed。
Butatlast，tomyjoy，cametheglorioussonofZeusandAlcmena；
whodosedwithhimincombat，anddeliveredme。Howthefightwaswaged，Icannotclearlytell，Iknownot；iftherebeanyonewhowatchedthatsightwithoutterror，suchmightspeak：I，asIsatthere，wasdistraughtwithdread，lestbeautyshouldbringmesorrowatthelast。ButfinallytheZeusofbattlesordainedwell，—ifwellindeeditbe：forsinceIhavebeenjoinedtoHeraclesashischosenbride，fearafterfearhathhauntedmeonhisaccount；onenightbringsatrouble，andthenextnight，inturn，drivesitout。Andthenchildrenwereborntous；whomhehasseenonlyasthehusbandmanseeshisdistantfield，whichhevisitsatseedtime，andonceagainatharvest。Suchwasthelifethatkepthimjourneyingtoandfro，intheserviceofacertainmaster。
Butnow，whenhehathrisenabovethosetrials，—nowitisthatmyanguishissorest。EversinceheslewthevaliantIphitus，wehavebeendwellinghereinTrachis，exilesfromourhome，andtheguestsofstranger；butwhereheis，nooneknows；Ionlyknowthatheisgone，andhathpiercedmyheartwithcruelpangsforhim。Iamalmostsurethatsomeevilhathbefallenhim；itisnoshortspacethathathpassed，buttenlongmonths，andthenfivemore，—andstillnomessagefromhim。Yes，therehasbeensomedreadmischance；—witnessthattabletwhichheleftwithmeerehewentforth：oftdoIpraytothegodsthatImaynothavereceiveditformysorrow。
NURSE
Deianeira，mymistress，manyatimehaveImarkedthybittertearsandlamentations，asthoubewailedstthegoingforthofHeracles；
butnow，—ifitbemeettoschoolthefree—bornwiththecounselsofaslave，andifImustsaywhatbehovesthee，—why，whenthouartsorichinsons，dostthousendnooneofthemtoseekthylord；—Hyllus，beforeall，whomightwellgoonthaterrand，ifhecaredthatthereshouldbetidingsofhisfather’swelfare？Lo！therehecomes，speedingtowardsthehousewithtimelystep；if，then，thoudeemestthatIspeakinseason，thoucanstuseatoncemycounsel，andtheman。
（HYLLUScomesinfromtheside。）
DEIANEIRA
Mychild，myson，wisewordsmayfall，itseems，fromhumblelips；
thiswomanisaslave，buthathspokeninthespiritofthefree。
HYLLUS
How，mother？Tellme，ifitmaybetold。
DEIANEIRA
Itbringstheeshame，shesaith，that，whenthyfatherhathbeensolongastranger，thouhastnotsoughttolearnwhereheis。
HYLLUS
Nay，Iknow，—ifrumourcanbetrusted。
DEIANEIRA
Andinwhatregion，mychild，dothrumourplacehim？
HYLLUS
Lastyear，theysay，throughallthemonths，hetoiledasbondmantoLydianwoman。
DEIANEIRA
Ifheborethat，thennotidingscansurprise。
HYLLUS
Well，hehasbeendeliveredfromthat，asIhear。
DEIANEIRA
Where，then，ishereportedtobenow，—aliveordead？
HYLLUS
Heiswagingorplanningawar，theysay，uponEuboea，therealmofEurytus。
DEIANEIRA
Knowestthou，myson，thathehathleftwithmesureoraclestouchingthatland？
HYLLUS
Whatarethey，mother？Iknownotwhereofthouspeakest。
DEIANEIRA
Thateitherheshallmeethisdeath，or，havingachievedthistask，shallhaverestthenceforth，forallhisdaystocome。
So，mychild，whenhisfateisthustremblinginthescale，wiltthounotgotosuccourhim？Forwearesaved，ifhefindsafety，orweperishwithhim。
HYLLUS
Ay，Iwillgo，mymother；and，hadIknowntheimportoftheseprophecies，Ihadbeentherelongsince；but，asitwas，myfather’swontedfortunesufferedmenottofeelfearforhim，ortobeanxiousovermuch。NowthatIhavetheknowledge，Iwillsparenopainstolearnthewholetruthinthismatter。
DEIANEIRA
Go，then，myson；betheseekerne’ersolate，heisrewardedifhelearntidingsofjoy。
（HYLLUSdepartsastheCHORUSOFTRACHINIANMAIDENSenters。Theyarefree—bornyoungwomenofTrachiswhoarefriendsandconfidantesofDEIANEIRA。Sheremainsduringtheiropeningchoralsong。）
CHORUS（singing）
strophe1
ThouwhomNightbringsforthatthemomentwhensheisdespoiledofherstarrycrown，andlaystorestinthysplendour，tellme，praythee，OSun—god，tellmewhereabidesAlcmena’sson？Thougloriouslordofflashinglight，say，ishethreadingthestraitsofthesea，orhathhefoundanabodeoneithercontinent？Speak，thouwhoseestasnoneelsecansee！
antistrophe1
ForDeianeira，asIhear，hatheveranachingheart；she，thebattle—prizeofold，isnowlikesomebirdlornofitsmate；shecanneverlullheryearning，norstayhertears；hauntedbyasleeplessfearforherabsentlord，shepinesonheranxious，widowedcouch，miserableinherforebodingofmischance。
strophe2
Asonemayseebillowafterbillowdrivenoverthewidedeepbythetirelesssouth—windorthenorth，sothetroubleofhislife，stormyastheCretansea，nowwhirlsbackthesonofCadmus，nowliftshimtohonour。Butsomegodeversaveshimfromthehouseofdeath，andsuffershimnottofail。
antistrophe2
Lady，Ipraisenotthisthymood；withallreverencewillIspeak，yetinreproof。Thoudostnotwell，Isay，tokillfairhopebyfretting；rememberthatthesonofCronushimself，theall—disposingking，hathnotappointedapainlesslotformortals。Sorrowandjoycomeroundtoall，astheBearmovesinhiscirclingpaths。
epodeYea，starrynightabidesnotwithmen，nortribulation，norwealth；inamomentitisgonefromus，andanotherhathhisturnofgladness，andofbereavement。SowouldIwishtheealso，theQueen，tokeepthatprospecteverinthythoughts；forwhenhathZeusbeenfoundsocarelessofhischildren？
DEIANEIRA
Yehaveheardofmytrouble，Ithink，andthathathbroughtyouhere；buttheanguishwhichconsumesmyheart—yearestrangerstothat；andnevermayyelearnitbysuffering！Yes，thetenderplantgrowsinthoseshelteredregionsofitsown！andtheSun—god’sheatvexesitnot，norrain，noranywind；butitrejoicesinitssweet，untroubledbeing，tilsuchtimeasthemaideniscalledawife，andfindsherportionofanxiousthoughtsinthenight，broodingondangertohusbandortochildren。Suchanonecouldunderstandtheburdenofmycares；shecouldjudgethembyherown。
Well，Ihavehadmanyasorrowtoweepforerenow；butIamgoingtospeakofonemoregrievousthanthemall。
WhenHeraclesmylordwasgoingfromhomeonhislastjourney，heleftinthehouseanancienttablet，inscribedwithtokenswhichhehadneverbroughthimselftoexplaintomebefore，manyasweretheordealstowhichhehadgoneforth。Hehadalwaysdepartedasiftoconquer，nottodie。Butnow，asifhewereadoomedman，hetoldmewhatportionofhissubstanceIwastotakeformydower，andhowhewouldhavehissonssharetheirfather’slandamongstthem。Andhefixedthetime；sayingthat，whenayearandthreemonthsshouldhavepassedsincehehadleftthecountry，thenhewasfatedtodie；
or，ifheshouldhavesurvivedthatterm，tolivethenceforthanuntroubledlife。
Such，hesaid，wasthedoomordainedbythegodstobeaccomplishedinthetoilsofHeracles；astheancientoakatDodonahadspokenofyore，bythemouthofthetwoPeleiades。Andthisistheprecisemomentwhenthefulfilmentofthatwordbecomesdue；sothatI
startupfromsweetslumber，myfriends，strickenwithterroratthethoughtthatImustremainwidowedofthenoblestamongmen。
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Hush—nomoreill—omenedwords；Iseeamanapproaching，whowearsawreath，asifforjoyoustidings。
（AMESSENGERenters。）
MESSENGER
QueenDeianeira，Ishallbethefirstofmessengerstofreetheefromfear。KnowthatAlcmena’ssonlivesandtriumphs，andfrombattlebringsthefirst—fruitstothegodsofthisland。
DEIANEIRA
Whatnewsisthis，oldman，thatthouhasttoldme？
MESSENGER
Thatthylord，admiredofall，willsooncometothyhouse，restoredtotheeinhisvictoriousmight。
DEIANEIRA
Whatcitizenorstrangerhathtoldtheethis？
MESSENGER
Inthemeadow，summerhauntofoxen，Lichastheheraldisproclaimingittomany：fromhimIheardit，andflewhither，thatI
mightbethefirsttogivetheethesetidings，andsomightreapsomeguerdonfromthee，andwinthygrace。
DEIANEIRA
Andwhyishenothere，ifhebringsgoodnews？
MESSENGER
Histask，lady，isnoeasyone；alltheMalianfolkhavethrongedaroundhimwithquestions，andhecannotmoveforward：eachandallarebentonlearningwhattheydesire，andwillnotreleasehimuntiltheyaresatisfied。Thustheireagernessdetainshimagainsthiswill；butthoushaltpresentlyseehimfacetoface。
DEIANEIRA
OZeus，whorulestthemeadsofOeta，sacredfromthescythe，atlast，thoughlate，thouhastgivenusjoy！Upliftyourvoices，yewomenwithinthehouseandyebeyondourgates，sincenowwearegladdenedbythelightofthismessage，thathathrisenonusbeyondmyhope！
LEADEROFONESEMI—CHORUS（singing）
Letthemaidensraiseajoyousstrainforthehouse，withsongsoftriumphatthehearth；and，amidstthem，lettheshoutofthemengoupwithoneaccordforApolloofthebrightquiver，ourDefender！
Andatthesametime，yemaidens，liftupapaean，cryaloudtohissister，theOrtygianArtemis，smiterofdeer，goddessofthetwofoldtorch，andtotheNymphsherneighbours！
LEADEROFOTHERSEMI—CHORUS
Myspiritsoars；Iwillnotrejectthewooingoftheflute。—O
thousovereignofmysoul！Lo，theivy’sspellbeginstoworkuponme！
Euoe！—evennowitmovesmetowhirlintheswiftdanceofBachanals！
CHORUS
Praise，praiseuntotheHealer！
LEADEROFWHOLECHORUS
See，dearlady，see！Behold，thesetidingsaretakingshapebeforethygaze。
DEIANEIRA
Iseeit，dearmaidens；mywatchingeyeshadnotfailedtonoteyoncompany。（EnterLICHAS，followedbyCaptiveMaidens。
ConspicuousamongthemisIOLE。）—Allhailtotheherald，whosecominghathbeensolongdelayed！—ifindeedthoubringestaughtthatcangivejoy。
LICHAS
Wearehappyinourreturn，andhappyinthygreeting，lady，whichbefitsthedeedachieved；forwhenamanhathfairfortune，heneedsmustwingoodwelcome。
DEIANEIRA
Obestoffriends，tellmefirstwhatfirstIwouldknow，—shallI
receiveHeraclesalive？
LICHAS
I，certainly，lefthimaliveandwell，—invigoroushealth，unburdenedbydisease。
DEIANEIRA
Where，tellme—athome，oronforeignsoil？
LICHAS
ThereisaheadlandofEuboea，wheretoCenaeanZeusheconsecratesaltars，andthetributeoffruitfulground。
DEIANEIRA
Inpaymentofavow，oratthebiddingofanoracle？
LICHAS
Foravow，madewhenhewasseekingtoconqueranddespoilthecountryofthesewomenwhoarebeforethee。
DEIANEIRA
Andthese—whoarethey，Ipraythee，andwhosedaughters？Theydeservepity，unlesstheirplightdeceivesme。
LICHAS
Thesearecaptiveswhomhechoseoutforhimselfandforthegods，whenhesackedthecityofEurytus。
DEIANEIRA
Wasitthewaragainstthatcitywhichkepthimawaysolong，beyondallforecast，pastallcountofdays？
LICHAS
Notso：thegreaterpartofthetimehewasdetainedinLydia，—nofreeman，ashedeclares，butsoldintobondage。Nooffenceshouldattendontheword，lady，whenthedeedisfoundtobeofZeus。Sohepassedawholeyear，ashehimselfavows，inthraldomtoOmphalethebarbarian。Andsostungwashebythatreproach，heboundhimselfbyasolemnoaththathewouldonedayenslave，withwifeandchild，themanwhohadbroughtthatcalamityuponhim。Nordidhespeakthewordinvain；but，whenhebadbeenpurged，gatheredanalienhost，andwentagainstthecityofEurytus。Thatman，hesaid，aloneofmortals，hadashareincausinghismisfortune。ForwhenHeracles，anoldfriend，cametohishouseandhearth，Eurytusheapedonhimthetauntsofabittertongueandspitefulsoul，—
saying，’Thouhastunerringarrowsinthyhands，andyetmysonssurpasstheeinthetrialofarchery’；’Thouartaslave，’hecried，’afreeman’sbrokenthrall’：andatabanquet，whenhisguestwasfullofwine，hethrusthimfromhisdoors。
Wroththereat，whenafterwardIphituscametothehillofTiryns，insearchforhorsesthathadstrayed，Heraclesseizedamomentwhentheman’swanderingthoughtswentnotwithhiswanderinggaze，andhurledhimfromatower—likesummit。Butinangeratthatdeed，Zeusourlord，Olympiansireofall，senthimforthintobondage，andsparednot，because，thisonce，hehadtakenalifebyguile。Hadhewreakedhisvengeanceopenly，Zeuswouldsurelyhavepardonedhimtherighteoustriumph；forthegods，too，lovenotinsolence。
Sothosemen，whowaxedsoproudwithbitterspeech，arethemselvesinthemansionsofthedead，allofthem，andtheircityisenslaved；whilethewomenwhomthoubeholdest，fallenfromhappinesstomisery，comeheretothee；forsuchwasthylord’scommand，whichI，hisfaithfulservant，perform。Hehimself，thoumayestbesure，—sosoonasheshallhaveofferedholysacrificeforhisvictorytoZeusfromwhomhesprang，—willbewiththee。Afterallthefairtidingsthathavebeentold，this，indeed，isthesweetestwordtohear。
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Now，OQueen，thyjoyisassured；partiswiththee，andthouhastpromiseoftherest。
DEIANEIRA
Yea，haveInotthefullestreasontorejoiceatthesetidingsofmylord’shappyfortune？Tosuchfortune，suchjoymustneedsrespond。Andyetaprudentmindcanseeroomformisgivinglesthewhoprospersshouldonedaysufferreverse。Astrangepityhathcomeoverme，friends，atthesightoftheseill—fatedexiles，homelessandfatherlessinaforeignland；oncethedaughters，perchance，offree—bornsires，butnowdoomedtothelifeofslaves。OZeus，whoturnestthetideofbattle，nevermayIseechildofminethusvisitedbythyhand；nay，ifsuchvisitationistobe，mayitnotfallwhileDeianeiralives！SuchdreaddoIfeel，beholdingthese。
（ToIOLE）Ah，haplessgirl，say，whoartthou？Amaiden，oramother？Tojudgebythineaspect，aninnocentmaiden，andofanoblerace。Lichas，whosedaughteristhisstranger？Whoishermother，whohersire？Speak，Ipityhermorethanalltherest，whenI
beholdher；asshealoneshowsduefeelingforherplight。
LICHAS
HowshouldIknow？Whyshould’stthouaskme？Perchancetheoff，springofnotthemeanestinyonderland。
DEIANEIRA
Canshebeofroyalrace？HadEurytusadaughter？
LICHAS
Iknownot；indeed，Iaskednotmanyquestions。
DEIANEIRA
Andthouhastnotheardhernamefromanyofhercompanions？
LICHAS
No，indeed，Iwentthroughmytaskinsilence。
DEIANEIRA
Unhappygirl，letme，atleast，hearitfromthineownmouth。Itisindeeddistressingnottoknowthyname。
（IOLEmaintainshersilence。）
LICHAS
Itwillbeunlikeherformerbehaviour，then，Icantellthee，ifsheopensherlips：forshehathnotutteredoneword，buthatheverbeentravailingwiththeburdenofhersorrow，andweepingbitterly，poorgirl，sincesheleftherwind—swepthome。Suchastateisgrievousforherself，butclaimsourforbearance。
DEIANEIRA
Thenletherbeleftinpeace，andpassunderourroofasshewishes；herpresentwoesmustnotbecrownedwithfreshpainsatmyhands；shehathenoughalready。—Nowletusallgoin，thatthoumayeststartspeedilyonthyjourney，whileImakeallthingsreadyinthehouse。
（LICHASleadsthecaptivesintothehouse。DEIANEIRAstartstofollowthem，buttheMESSENGER，whohasbeenpresentduringtheentirescene，detainsher。Hespeaksashemovesnearertoher。）
MESSENGER
Ay，butfirsttarryhereabriefspace，thatthoumayestlearn，apartfromyonderfolk，whomthouarttakingtothyhearth，andmayestgaintheneedfulknowledgeofthingswhichhavenotbeentoldtothee。
OftheseIaminfullpossession。
DEIANEIRA
Whatmeansthis？Whywouldestthoustaymydeparture？
MESSENGER
Pauseandlisten。Myformerstorywasworththyhearing，andsowillthisonebe，methinks。
DEIANEIRA
ShallIcallthoseothersback？Orwiltthouspeakbeforemeandthesemaidens？
MESSENGER
TotheeandtheseIcanspeakfreely；nevermindtheothers。
DEIANEIRA
Well，theyaregone；—sothystorycanproceed。
MESSENGER
Yondermanwasnotspeakingthestraight—forwardtruthinaughtthathehasjusttold。Hehasgivenfalsetidingsnow，orelsehisformerreportwasdishonest。
DEIANEIRA
Howsayestthou？Explainthywholedriftclearly；thusfar，thywordsareriddlestome。
MESSENGER
Iheardthismandeclare，beforemanywitnesses，thatforthismaiden’ssakeHeraclesoverthrewEurytusandtheproudtowersofOechalia；Love，aloneofthegods，wroughtonhimtodothosedeedsofarms，—notthetoilsomeservitudetoOmphaleinLydia，northedeathtowhichIphituswashurled。ButnowtheheraldhasthrustLoveoutofsight，andtellsdifferenttale。
Well，whenhecouldnotpersuadehersiretogivehimthemaidenforhisparamour，hedevisedsomepettycomplaintasapretext，andmadewaruponherland，—thatinwhich，ashesaid，thisEurytusboresway，—andslewtheprinceherfather，andsackedhercity。Andnow，asthouseest，hecomessendinghertothishousenotincarelessfashion，lady，norlikeslave：—no，dreamnotofthat，—itisnotlikely，ifhisheartiskindledwithdesire。
Iresolved，therefore，OQueen，totelltheeallthatIhadheardfromyonderman。Manyotherswerelisteningtoit，asIwas，inthepublicplacewheretheTrachinianswereassembled；andtheycanconvicthim。Ifmywordsareunwelcome，Iamgrieved；butneverthelessIhavespokenoutthetruth。
DEIANEIRA
Ahmeunhappy！InwhatplightdoIstand？Whatsecretbanehavereceivedbeneathmyroof？HaplessthatIam！Isshenameless，then，asherconvoysware？
MESSENGER
Nay，illustriousbynameasbybirth；sheisthedaughterofEurytus，andwasoncecalledIole；sheofwhoseparentageLichascouldsaynothing，because，forsooth，heaskednoquestions。
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Accursed，aboveotherevil—doers，bethemanwhomdeedsoftreacherydishonour！
DEIANEIRA
Ah，maidens，whatamItodo？Theselatesttidingshavebewilderedme！
LEADER
GoandinquirefromLichas；perchancehewilltellthetruth，ifthouconstrainhimtoanswer。
DEIANEIRA
Well，Iwillgo；thycounselisnotamiss。
MESSENGER
AndI，shallIwaithere？Orwhatisthypleasure？
DEIANEIRA
Remain；—herehecomesfromthehouseofhisownaccord，withoutsummonsfromme。
（EnterLICHAS）
LICHAS
Lady，whatmessageshallIbeartoHeracles？Givemethycommands，for，asthouseest，Iamgoing。
DEIANEIRA
Howhastilythouartrushingaway，whenthyvisithadbeensolongdelayed，—beforewehavehadtimeforfurthertalk。
LICHAS
Nay，iftherebeaughtthatthouwould’stask，Iamatthyservice。
DEIANEIRA
Wiltthouindeedgivemethehonesttruth？
LICHAS
Yes，begreatZeusmywitness，—inanythingthatIknow，DEIANEIRA
Whoisthewoman，then，whomthouhastbrought？
LICHAS
SheisEuboean；butofwhatbirth，Icannotsay。
MESSENGER
Sirrah，lookatme：—towhomartthouspeaking，think’stthou？
LICHAS
Andthou—whatdostthoumeanbysuchaquestion？
MESSENGER
Deigntoanswerme，ifthoucomprehendest。
LICHAS
TotheroyalDeianeira，unlessmineeyesdeceiveme，—daughterofOeneus，wifeofHeracles，andmyqueen。
MESSENGER
TheverywordthatIwishedtohearfromthee：—thousayestthatsheisthyqueen？
LICHAS
Yes，asindutybound。
MESSENGER
Well，then，whatartthoupreparedtosuffer，iffoundguiltyoffailinginthatduty？
LICHAS
Failinginduty？Whatdarksayingisthis？
MESSENGER
’Tisnone；thedarkestwordsarethineown。
LICHAS
Iwillgo，Iwasfoolishtoheartheesolong。
MESSENGER
No，nottillthouhastansweredabriefquestion。
LICHAS
Askwhatthouwilt；thouartnottaciturn。
MESSENGER
Thatcaptive，whomthouhastbroughthome—thouknowestwhommean？
LICHAS
Yes；butwhydostthouask？
MESSENGER
Well，saidstthounotthatthyprisoner—she，onwhomthygazenowturnssovacantly—wasIole，daughterofEurytus？
LICHAS
Saidittowhom？Whoandwhereisthemanthatwillbethywitnesstohearingthisfromme？
MESSENGER
Tomanyofourownfolkthousaidstit：inthepublicgatheringofTrachinians，agreatcrowdheardthusmuchfromthee。
LICHAS
Ay—saidtheyheard—but’tisonethingtoreportafancy，andanothertomakethestorygood。
MESSENGER
Afancy！DidstthounotsayonthineoaththatthouwastbringingherusabrideforHeracles？
LICHAS
I？bringingabride？—Inthenameofthegods，dearmistress，tellmewhothisstrangermaybe？
MESSENGER
Onewhoheardfromthineownlipsthattheconquestofthewholecitywasduetoloveforthisgirl：theLydianwomanwasnotitsdestroyer，butthepassionwhichthismaidhaskindled。
LICHAS
Lady，letthisfellowwithdraw：topratewiththebrainsickbefitsnotsaneman。
DEIANEIRA
Nay，IimploretheebyZeuswhoselightningsgoforthoverthehighglensofOeta，donotcheatmeofthetruth！Forshetowhomthouwiltspeakisnotungenerous，norhathsheyettolearnthatthehumanheartisinconstanttoitsjoys。Theyarenotwise，then，whostandforthtobuffetagainstLove；forLoverulesthegodsashewill，andme；andwhynotanotherwoman，suchasIam？SoIammadindeed，ifIblamemyhusband，becausethatdistemperhathseizedhim；orthiswoman，hispartnerinathingwhichisnoshametothem，andnowrongtome。Impossible！No；ifhetaughttheetospeakfalsely，’tisnotanoblelessonthatthouartlearning；orifthouartthineownteacherinthis，thouwiltbefoundcruelwhenitisthywishtoprovekind。Nay，tellmethewholetruth。Toafree—bornman，thenameofliarcleavesasadeadlybrand。Ifthyhopeistoescapedetection，that，too，isvain；therearemanytowhomthouhastspoken，whowilltellme。
Andifthouartafraid，thyfearismistaken。Nottolearnthetruth，—that，indeed，wouldpainme；buttoknowit—whatisthereterribleinthat？HathnotHeraclesweddedotherserenow，—ay，morethanlivingman，—andnooneofthemhathbadharshwordortauntfromme；norshallthisgirl，thoughherwholebeingshouldbeabsorbedinherpassion；forindeedIfeltaprofoundpitywhenIbeheldher，becauseherbeautyhathwreckedherlife，andshe，haplessone，allinnocent，hathbroughtherfatherlandtoruinandtobondage。
Well，thosethingsmustgowithwindandstream。—TotheeI
say，—deceivewhomthouwilt，buteverspeakthetruthtome。
LEADER
Hearkentohergoodcounsel，andhereafterthoushalthavenocausetocomplainofthislady；ourthanks，too，willbethine。
LICHAS
Nay，then，dearmistress，—sinceIseethatthouthinkestasmortalsshouldthink，andcanstallowforweakness，—Iwilltelltheethewholetruth，andhideitnot。Yes，itisevenasyonmansaith。ThisgirlinspiredthatovermasteringlovewhichlongagosmotethroughthesoulofHeracles；forthisgirl’ssakethedesolateOechalia，herhome，wasmadethepreyofhisspear。Andhe，—itisjusttohimtosayso，—neverdeniedthis，—nevertoldmetoconcealit。ButI，lady，fearingtowoundthyheartbysuchtidings，havesinned，ifthoucountthisinanysortasin。
Now，however，thatthouknowestthewholestory，forbothyoursakes，—forhis，andnotlessforthineown，—bearwiththewoman，andbecontentthatthewordswhichthouhastspokenregardinghershouldbindtheestill。Forhe，whosestrengthisvictoriousinallelse，hathbeenutterlyvanquishedbyhispassionforthisgirl。
DEIANEIRA
Indeed，mineownthoughtsmovemetoactthus。Trustme，Iwillnotaddanewafflictiontomyburdensbywagingafruitlessfightagainstthegods。
Butletusgointothehouse，thatthoumayestreceivemymessages；and，sincegiftsshouldbemeetlyrecompensedwithgifts，—
thatthoumayesttakethesealso。Itisnotrightthatthoushouldestgobackwithemptyhands，aftercomingwithsuchagoodlytrain。
（ExitMESSENGER，asLICHASandDEIANEIRAgointothehouse。）
CHORUS（singing）
stropheGreatandmightyisthevictorywhichtheCyprianqueeneverbearsaway。Istaynotnowtospeakofthegods；IsparetotellhowshebeguiledthesonofCronus，andHades，thelordofdarkness，orPoseidon，shakeroftheearth。
But，whenthisbridewastobewon，whowerethevaliantrivalsthatenteredthecontestforherhand？Whowentforthtotheordealofbattle，tothefierceblowsandtheblindingdust？
antistropheOnewasamightyriver—god，thedreadformofahornedandfour—leggedbull，Achelous，fromOeniadae：theothercamefromThebe，deartoBacchus，withcurvedbow，andspears，andbrandishedclub，thesonofZeus：whothenmetincombat，faintowinabride：
andtheCypriangoddessofnuptialjoywastherewiththem，soleumpireoftheirstrife。
epodeThenwasthereclatteroffistsandclangofbow，andthenoiseofbull’shornstherewith；thenwerethereclose—lockedgrapplings，anddeadlyblowsfromtheforehead，andlouddeepcriesfromboth。
Meanwhile，she，inherdelicatebeauty，satonthesideofahillthatcouldbeseenafar，awaitingthehusbandthatshouldbehers。
Sothebattlerages，asIhavetold；butthefairbridewhoistheprizeofthestrifeabidestheendinpiteousanguish。Andsuddenlysheispartedfromhermother，aswhenaheiferistakenfromitsdam。
（DEIANEIRAentersfromthehousealone，carryinginherarmsacasketcontainingarobe。）
DEIANEIRA
Dearfriends，whileourvisitorissayinghisfarewelltothecaptivegirlsinthehouse，Ihavestolenforthtoyou，—partlytotellyouwhatthesehandshavedevised，andpartlytocraveyoursympathywithmysorrow。
Amaiden，—or，methinks，nolongeramaiden，butamistress，—hathfoundherwayintomyhouse，asafreightcomestoamariner，—amerchandisetomakeshipwreckofmypeace。Andnowwetwainaretosharethesamemarriage—bed，thesameembrace。SuchistherewardthatHeracleshathsentme，—hewhomIcalledtrueandloyal，—forguardinghishomethroughallthatwearytime。Ihavenothoughtofangeragainsthim，oftenasheisvexedwiththisdistemper。Butthentolivewithher，sharingthesameunion—whatwomancouldendureit？ForIseethattheflowerofherageisblossoming，whilemineisfading；andtheeyesofmenlovetocullthebloomofyouth，buttheyturnasidefromtheold。This，then，ismyfear，—lestHeracles，innamemyspouse，shouldbetheyounger’smate。
But，asIsaid，angerillbeseemsawomanofunderstanding。Iwilltellyou，friends，thewaybywhichIhopetofinddeliveranceandrelief。Ihadagift，giventomelongagobyamonsterofoldentime，aidstoredinanurnofbronze；agiftwhich，whileyetagirl，Itookupfromtheshaggy—breastedNessus，—fromhislife—blood，ashelaydying；Nessus，whousedtocarrymeninhisarmsacrossthedeepwatersoftheEvenus，usingnooartowaftthem，norsailofship。
I，too，wascarriedonhisshoulders，—when，bymyfather’ssending，firstwentforthwithHeraclesashiswife；andwhenIwasinmid—stream，hetouchedmewithwantonhands。Ishrieked；thesonofZeusturnedquicklyround，andshotafeatheredarrow；itwhizzedthroughhisbreasttothelungs；and，inhismortalfaintness，thusmuchtheCentaurspake：—
’ChildofagedOeneus，thoushalthaveatleastthisprofitofmyferrying，—ifthouwilthearken，—becausethouwastthelastwhomIconveyed。Ifthougatherestwiththyhandsthebloodclottedroundmywound，attheplacewheretheHydra，Lerna’smonstrousgrowth，hathtingedthearrowwithblackgall，—thisshallbetotheeacharmforthesoulofHeracles，sothatheshallneverlookuponanywomantolovehermorethanthee。’
Ibethoughtmeofthis，myfriends—for，afterhisdeath，Ihadkeptitcarefullylockedupinasecretplace；andIhaveanointedthisrobe，doingeverythingtoitasheenjoinedwhilehelived。Theworkisfinished。Maydeedsofwickeddaringbeeverfarfrommythoughts，andfrommyknowledge，—asIabhorthewomenwhoattemptthem！ButifinanywiseImayprevailagainstthisgirlbylove—spellsandcharmsusedonHeracles，themeanstothatendareready；—unless，indeed，Iseemtobeactingrashly：ifso，Iwilldesistforthwith。
LEADER
Nay，ifthesemeasuresgiveanygroundofconfidence，wethinkthatthydesignisnotamiss。
DEIANEIRA
Well，thegroundstandsthus，—thereisafairpromise；butIhavenotyetessayedtheproof。
LEADER
Nay，knowledgemustcomethroughaction；thoucansthavenotestwhichisnotfanciful，savebytrial。
DEIANEIRA
Well，weshallknowpresently：—forthereIseethemanalreadyatthedoors；andhewillsoonbegoing。—Onlymaymysecretbewellkeptbyyou！Whilethydeedsarehidden，eventhoughtheybenotseemly，thouwiltneverbebroughttoshame。
（LICHASentersfromthehouse。）
LICHAS
Whatarethycommands？Givememycharge，daughterofOeneus；
foralreadyIhavetarriedoverlong。
DEIANEIRA
Indeed，Ihavejustbeenseeingtothisforthee，Lichas，whilethouwastspeakingtothestrangermaidensinthehouse；—thatthoushouldesttakeformethislongrobe，wovenbymineownhand，agifttomineabsentlord。
Andwhenthougivestit，chargehimthathe，andnoother，shallbethefirsttowearit；thatitshallnotbeseenbythelightofthesun，norbythesacredprecinct，norbythefireatthehearth，untilhestandforth，conspicuousbeforealleyes，andshowittothegodsonadaywhenbullsareslain。
ForthushadIvowed，—thatifIshouldeverseeorhearthathehadcomesafelyhome，Iwoulddulyclothehiminthisrobe，andsopresenthimtothegods，newlyradiantattheiraltarinnewgarb。
Asproof，thoushaltcarryatoken，whichhewillquicklyrecognisewithinthecircleofthisseal。