Alcmene
O Zeus, though it was only late that you looked upon my afflictions,
[870]
yet I feel gratitude for what you have done. And although before I did not believe that my son lived in the company of the gods, now I know it beyond any doubt.
Children, now you will be free from trouble,
[875]
free from the accursed Eurystheus. You will see the city of your father and take possession of your estates and sacrifice to the gods of your ancestors, from whom you have been cut off and lived the life of wandering strangers.
But with what clever idea in his heart
[880]
did Iolaus spare Eurystheus' life? Tell me, for in our judgment it is no wise thing, when you have captured your enemies, not to exact the penalty from them.
Messenger
He acted in deference to you so that you might see Eurystheus with your own eyes cowering and subject to your hand.
[885]
But it was not willingly but against his will that Iolaus yoked him to necessity. For Eurystheus did not wish to come before you alive and pay the penalty.
But farewell, old woman, and kindly remember what you said at first when I began my tale,
[890]
that you would set me free. For in matters like this the tongues of the noble ought to be truthful.Exit Messenger by Eisodos A.
This text is part of:
Search the Perseus Catalog for:
Table of Contents:
Euripides. Euripides, with an English translation by David Kovacs. Cambridge. Harvard University Press. forthcoming.
The Annenberg CPB/Project provided support for entering this text.
Purchase a copy of this text (not necessarily the same edition) from Amazon.com