Lycus, our new monarch, slew him. Heracles Did he meet him in fair fight, or was the land sick and weak? Megara Yes, from faction; now he is master of the city of Cadmus with its seven gates. Heracles Why has panic fallen on you and my aged father? Megara He meant to kill your father, me, and my children. Heracles What are you saying? What did he have to fear from my orphan babes? Megara He was afraid they might some day avenge Creon’s death. Heracles What is this dress they wear, suited to the dead? Megara It is the garb of death we have already put on. Heracles And were you being forced to die? O woe is me! Megara Yes, deserted by every friend, and informed that you were dead.