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.

  1. All hail to thee for these thy tidings! But why is he not here, where is he? if in this land he hath set foot. What hath happened to keep him from coming hither with thee, to cheer my heart?
Servant (of Hyllus)
  1. He is posting the army he brought with him, and seeing it marshalled.
Alcmena
  1. Then have I no concern herein.
Iolaus
  1. Yes, thou hast; though it is my business to inquire into these matters.
Servant (of Hyllus)
  1. What then wouldst thou learn of these events?
Iolaus
  1. About how many allies has he with him?
Servant (of Hyllus)
  1. A numerous force; I cannot otherwise describe the number.
Iolaus
  1. The leaders of the Athenians know this, I suppose?
Servant (of Hyllus)
  1. They do; already is their left wing set in array.
Iolaus
  1. Is then the host already armed for battle?
Servant (of Hyllus)
  1. Yea, and already are the victims brought[*](κατῆρκται has been proposed for παρῆκται.) near[*](πέλας is Dindorf’s emendation for ‘εκάς.) the ranks.
Iolaus
  1. About what distance is the Argive host from us?
Servant (of Hyllus)
  1. Near enough for their general to be plainly seen.
Iolaus
  1. What is he about? marshalling the enemy’s line?
Servant (of Hyllus)
  1. So we guessed; we could not hear exactly. But I must go, for I would not that my master should engage the foe without me, if I can help it.
Iolaus
  1. I also will go with thee; for I like thee am minded, so it seems, to be there and help my friends.
Servant (of Hyllus)
  1. It least of all becomes thee thus to utter words of folly.
Iolaus
  1. Far less to shrink from sharing with my friends the stubborn fight.
Servant (of Hyllus)
  1. Mere looks can wound no one, if the arm do naught.
Iolaus
  1. Why, cannot I smite even through their shields?