Heracles Mad (300-332)

but yield to men of breeding and culture; for you would more easily conclude a friendly truce by accepting regard. True, a thought has already occurred to me that we might by entreaty obtain a sentence of exile for the children; yet this too is misery, to compass their deliverance with dire penury as the result;

for it is a saying that hosts look sweetly on banished friends for a day and no more. Endure to die with us, for that awaits you after all. By your brave soul I challenge you, old friend; for whoever struggles hard to escape destiny sent by the gods

shows zeal no doubt, but it is zeal with a taint of folly; for what must be, no one will ever avail to alter.

If a man had insulted you, while yet my arms were strong, there would have been an easy way to stop him; but now am I am nothing ; and so you henceforth, Amphitryon,

must scheme how to avert misfortune.

It is not cowardice or any longing for life that hinders my dying, but my wish to save my son’s children, though no doubt I am longing for the impossible. See! here is my neck ready for the sword

to pierce, to hack, to hurl from the rock; only one favor I crave for both of us, king; slay me and this hapless mother before you slay the children, that we may not see the hideous sight, as they gasp out their lives, calling on their mother

and their father’s father; for the rest work your will if so you are inclined; for we have no defense against death.

I too implore you add a second favor, that by your single act you may put us both under a double obligation; allow me to deck my children in the robes of death,

first opening the palace gates, for now we are shut out, so that this at least they may obtain from their father’s halls.

I grant it, and bid my servants undo the bolts. Go in and deck yourselves; robes do not grudge. But as soon as you have clothed yourselves,