after sorrow’s cup was full.

ChorusWould 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.

ChorusLo! 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!

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.