so he slewReading Hermann’s emendation κτάνεν for MSS κτεάνων. her, aye, spilt his own mother’s blood. O Phoebus, O thou power divine, how can I believe the story?

ChorusAnon wherever Hellenes gather, was heard the voice of lamentation, mothers weeping o’er their children’s fate, as they left their homes to mate with strangers. Ah! thou art not the only one, nor thy dear ones either, on whom the cloud of grief hath fallen. Hellas had to bear the visitation, and thence the scourge crossed to Phrygia’s fruitful fields, raining the bloody drops the; death-god loves.Reading Hermann’s τὸν Ἅιδα φόνον.

PeleusYe dames of Phthia, answer my questions. I heard a vague rumour that the daughter of Menelaus had left these halls and fled; so now am I come in hot haste to learn if this be true; for it is the duty of those who are at home to labour in the interests of their absent friends.ChorusThou hast heard aright, O Peleus; ill would it become me to hide the evil case in which I now find myself; our queen has fled and left these halls.PeleusWhat was she afraid of? explain that to me.ChorusShe was fearful her lord would cast her out PeleusIn returnNauck reads ἀντίποινα for MSS ἀντὶ παιδὸς. for plotting his child’s death? surely not?ChorusYea, and she was afraid of yon captive.