In the following lines, Amphitryon makes sung responses to Theseus' spoken questions.
Amphitryon
O king, whose home is that olive-clad hill!
Theseus
Why this piteous prelude in addressing me?
Amphitryon
[1180]
The gods have afflicted us with grievous suffering.
Theseus
Whose are these children, over whom you weep?
Amphitryon
My own son's children, woe to him! he was their father and butcher both, hardening his heart to the bloody deed.
Theseus
Hush! good words only!
Amphitryon
[1185]
I would I could obey!
Theseus
What dreadful words!
Amphitryon
Fortune has spread her wings, and we are ruined, ruined.
Theseus
What do you mean? what has he done?
Amphitryon
Slain them in a wild fit of frenzy
[1190]
with arrows dipped in the venom of the hundred-headed hydra.
Theseus
This is Hera's work; but who lies there among the dead, old man?
Amphitryon
My son, my own enduring son, that marched with gods to Phlegra's plain, there to battle with giants and slay them, warrior that he was.
Theseus
[1195]
Ah, ah! whose fortune was ever so cursed as his?
Amphitryon
Never will you find another mortal that has suffered more or been driven harder.
Theseus
Why does he veil his head, poor wretch, in his robe?
Amphitryon
He is ashamed to meet your eye;
[1200]
his kinsman's kind intent and his children's blood make him abashed.
Theseus
But I come to sympathize; uncover him.
Amphitryon
My son, remove that mantle
[1205]
from your eyes, throw it from you, show your face to the sun. As a counterweight, fighting along with my tears, I entreat you as a suppliant, as I grasp your beard, your knees, your hands, and let fall
[1210]
the tear from my old eyes. O my child! restrain your savage lion-like temper, for you are rushing forth on an unholy course of bloodshed, eager to join woe to woe, child.
This text is part of:
Table of Contents:
Euripides. The Complete Greek Drama, edited by Whitney J. Oates and Eugene O'Neill, Jr. in two volumes. 1. Heracles, translated by E. P. Coleridge. New York. Random House. 1938.
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