Heracleidae (637-677)

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

is a herald come, with hostile messages.

Why then didst raise a cry, fear’s harbinger?

I called thee to come to me in front of this temple.

I know not what it means; who is this?

A messenger who says thy grandson cometh hither.

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?

He is posting the army he brought with him, and seeing it marshalled.

Then have I no concern herein.

Yes, thou hast; though it is my business to inquire into these matters.

What then wouldst thou learn of these events?

About how many allies has he with him?

A numerous force; I cannot otherwise describe the number.

The leaders of the Athenians know this, I suppose?

They do; already is their left wing set in array.

Is then the host already armed for battle?

Yea, and already are the victims brought[*] near[*] the ranks.

About what distance is the Argive host from us?

Near enough for their general to be plainly seen.

What is he about? marshalling the enemy’s line?

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.