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。