Heracles Mad (618-650)

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.