Heracleidae
Euripides
Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. I. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1906.
- To shun what fate decrees, is no wise permitted; none by cunning shall thrust it from him; but he, who vainly would do so, shall have unceasing trouble.
- Then fall not prostrate thou, but bear what heaven sends, and set a limit
- to thy soul’s grief; for she, poor maid! in dying for her brothers and this land, hath won a glorious death, and splendid fame shall be her meed from all mankind;
- for virtue’s path leads through troublous ways. Worthy of her father, worthy of her noble birth is this conduct. And if thou dost honour the virtuous dead, I share with thee that sentiment.
- All hail, ye children! Where is aged Iolaus? where the mother of your sire, absent from their place at this altar?
- Here am I, so far as I can be present at all.
- Why dost thou lie there? Why that downcast look?
- There is come a sorrow on my house, whereby I am distressed.
- Arise, lift up thy head.
- I am old, and all my strength is gone.
- But I come with tidings of great joy for thee.
- Who art thou? Where have I met thee? I have no remembrance.
- I am a vassal of Hyllus; dost not recognize me now?
- Best of friends, art thou come to save us twain from hurt?
- Assuredly; and moreover thou art lucky in the present case.
- Alcmena, mother of a noble son, to thee I call! come forth, hear this welcome news. For long has anguish caused thee inwardly to waste, wondering if those,
- who now are here, would ever come.
- What means that shout, that echoes throughout the house? Hath there come yet a herald from Argos, O Iolaus, and is he treating thee with violence? Feeble is any strength of mine; yet thus much let me tell thee, stranger,
- never, whilst I live, shalt thou drag them hence. Shouldst thou succeed, no more let me be thought the mother of that hero. And if thou lay a finger on them, thou wilt struggle to thy shame with two aged foes.
- Courage, aged dame, fear not; not from Argos