Heracles Mad (580-650)

at the commands of Eurystheus, if I make no effort to save my own children from death? No longer then, as before, shall I be called Heracles the victor.

It is only right that parents should help their children, their aged fathers, and the partners of their marriage.

My son, it is like you to show your love for your dear ones and your hate for your enemies; only curb excessive hastiness.

How, father, am I now showing more than fitting haste?

The king has a host of allies, needy villains though pretending to be rich,

who sowed dissension and overthrew the state with a view to plundering their neighbors; for the wealth they had in their houses was all spent, dissipated by their sloth. You were seen entering the city; and, that being so, beware that you do not bring your enemies together and be slain unawares.

Little I care if the whole city saw me; but happening to see a bird perched in an unlucky position, from it I learned that some trouble had befallen my house; so on purpose I made my entry to the land by stealth.

Well done; now, on your arrival, go salute your household altar,

and let your father’s halls behold your face. For soon the king will be here in person to drag away your wife and children and murder them, and to add me to the bloody list. But if you remain on the spot all will go well, and you will profit by this security; but do not rouse

your city before you have these matters well in train, my son.

I will do so; your advice is good; I will enter my house. After my return at length from the sunless den of Hades and the maiden queen of hell, I will not neglect to greet first of all the gods beneath my roof.

Did you really go to the house of Hades, my son?

Yes, and brought to the light that three-headed monster.

Did you conquer him in fight, or receive him from the goddess?

In fight; for I had been lucky enough to witness the rites of the initiated.

Is the monster really lodged in the house of Eurystheus?

The grove of Demeter and the city of Hermione have him now.

Eurystheus does not know that you have returned to the upper world?

He does not; I came here first to learn your news.

How is it you were so long beneath the earth?

I stayed awhile attempting to bring back Theseus from Hades, father.

Where is he? gone to his native land?

He set out for Athens, glad to have escaped from the lower world. Come now, children, attend your father to the house. My entering in is fairer in your eyes, I think, than my going out. Oh, take heart,

and no more let the tears stream from your eyes; you too, my wife, collect your courage, cease from fear; leave go my robe; for I cannot fly away, nor have I any wish to flee from those I love. Ah! they do not loose their hold, but cling to my garments

all the more; were you on the razor’s edge of danger? Well, I must lead them, taking them by the hand to draw them after me, my little boats, like a ship when towing; for I too do not reject the care of my children; here all mankind are equal; all love their children, both those of high estate

and those who are nothing; it is wealth that makes distinctions among them; some have, others want; but all the human race loves its offspring.