Joy is here and sorrow too,— for the state fair fame, and for our captains double meed of honour. Bitter for me it is to see the limbs of my dead sons, and yet a welcome sight withal, because I shall behold the unexpected day after sorrow’s cup was full. Chorus Would that Father Time had kept me unwed from my youth up e’en till now when I am old! What need had I of children? Methinks I should not have suffered excessively, had I never borne the marriage-yoke; but now I have my sorrow full in view, the loss of children dear. Chorus Lo! I see the bodies of the fallen youths. Woe is me! would I could join these children in their death and descend to Hades with them! Adrastus Mothers, raise the wail for the dead departed; cry in answer when ye hear my note of woe. Chorus My sons, my sons! O bitter words for loving mothers to address to you! To thee, my lifeless child, I call. Adrastus Woe! woe! Chorus Ah me, my sufferings! Adrastus Alas! Chorus A lacuna in the MS. Adrastus We have endured, alas!— Chorus Sorrows most grievous. Adrastus O citizens of Argos ! do ye not behold my fate? Chorus They see thee, and me the hapless mother, reft of her children. Adrastus Bring near the blood-boltered corpses of those hapless chiefs, foully slain by foes unworthy, with whom lay the decision of the contest. Chorus Let me embrace and hold my children to my bosom in my enfolding arms. Adrastus There, there! thou hast— Chorus Sorrows heavy enough to bear. Adrastus Ah me! Chorus Thy groans mingle with those of their parents. Reading with Hartung τοῖς τεκοῦσς’ ὁμοῦ λέγεις . Adrastus Hear me.