GetPassage urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0006.tlg008.perseus-eng2:795-818 urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0006.tlg008.perseus-eng2:795-818

of the fallen youths. Woe is me! would I could join these children in their death and descend to Hades with them!

AdrastusMothers, raise the wail for the dead departed; cry in answer when ye hear my note of woe.ChorusMy sons, my sons! O bitter words for loving mothers to address to you! To thee, my lifeless child, I call.AdrastusWoe! woe!ChorusAh me, my sufferings!AdrastusAlas!ChorusA lacuna in the MS.AdrastusWe have endured, alas!—ChorusSorrows most grievous.AdrastusO citizens of Argos! do ye not behold my fate?ChorusThey see thee, and me the hapless mother, reft of her children.

AdrastusBring near the blood-boltered corpses of those hapless chiefs, foully slain by foes unworthy, with whom lay the decision of the contest.ChorusLet me embrace and hold my children to my bosom in my enfolding arms.AdrastusThere, there! thou hast—