that old woman approaches to give us some news.Enter the Nurse, from the house.NurseAh, my daughters, great, indeed, are the sorrows for us that began with the gift sent to Heracles!ChorusOld woman, what new trouble have you to tell?NurseDeianeira has departed on the lastof all her journeys, departed without stirring a foot.ChorusSurely you do not mean she is dead?NurseMy tale is told.ChorusDead, the poor woman?NurseAgain you hear me affirm it.ChorusPoor, lost one! Tell me, what was the manner of her death?NurseOh, it was most cruel in its execution!ChorusSpeak,woman, with what end did she meet?NurseShe destroyed herself.ChorusWhat impulse drove her? What disease of her mind seized her on the point of its evil shaft? How did she contrivethis death upon death, accomplishing it all on her own?NurseBy a stroke of the sword which gives cause for mourning.ChorusDid you witness that violent deed, poor helpless one?NurseI did, yes, since I was standing close by.ChorusWhat was it? How was it done? Oh, speak!NurseOf her own accord she set her hand to the deed.ChorusWhat are you saying?NurseThe certain truth.ChorusThe firstborn, the firstborn of that newly arisen bride isa great Erinys on this house!

NurseToo true. And had you been close at hand and seen her do it, you would have pitied her even more.ChorusAnd could a woman’s hand dare to carry out such deeds?NurseYes, with fierce daring. You shall hear, and then you will bear me witness.When she came alone into the house and saw her son preparing a deep litter in the court, with which to go back and meet his father, she hid herself where none would see. Falling before the altars, she moaned thatthey were left desolate, and whenever she touched any household thing that she, poor lady, had habitually used in the past, her tears would flow. If, as she roamed hither and thither through the house, she beheld the form of any well-loved servant, she wept in misery at the sight,