Are those his children, those boys who stand round him? Aethra Not his, but the sons of the fallen slain. Theseus Why are they come to us, with suppliant hand outstretched? Aethra I know; but ’tis for them to tell their story, my son. Theseus To thee, in thy mantle muffled, I address my inquiries; unveil thy head, let lamentation be, and speak; for naught can be achieved save through the utterance of thy tongue. Markland’s emendation περᾷς … ’ιών , is certainly tempting. Hartung adopts it; but Paley and Nauck, whom I have followed, retain the old reading πάρας … ’ιόν . Adrastus rising Victorious prince of the Athenian realm, Theseus, to thee and to thy city I, a suppliant, come.
 Theseus What seekest thou? What need is thine? Adrastus Dost know how I did lead an expedition to its ruin?