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Chorus
Thou then, shouldst have told the monarch of this land thy errand before being so bold, out of regard to his country’s freedom, instead of trying to drag strangers by force from the altars of the gods.
Thou then, shouldst have told the monarch of this land thy errand before being so bold, out of regard to his country’s freedom, instead of trying to drag strangers by force from the altars of the gods.
Copreus
Who is monarch of this land and state?
Who is monarch of this land and state?
Chorus
Demophon, son of gallant Theseus.
115
Demophon, son of gallant Theseus.
115
Copreus
Surely it were most to the purpose to discuss this matter somewhat with him; all else has been said in vain.
Surely it were most to the purpose to discuss this matter somewhat with him; all else has been said in vain.
Chorus
Lo! here he comes in person, in hot haste, and Acamas his brother, to hear what thou hast to say.
Lo! here he comes in person, in hot haste, and Acamas his brother, to hear what thou hast to say.
Demophon
Since thou for all thy years hast outstripped younger men in coming to the rescue to this altar of Zeus, do thou tell me what hath chanced to bring this crowd together.
120
Since thou for all thy years hast outstripped younger men in coming to the rescue to this altar of Zeus, do thou tell me what hath chanced to bring this crowd together.
120
Chorus
There sit the sons of Heracles as suppliants, having wreathed the altar, as thou seest, O king,
and with them is Iolaus, trusty comrade of their sire.
125
There sit the sons of Heracles as suppliants, having wreathed the altar, as thou seest, O king,
and with them is Iolaus, trusty comrade of their sire.
125
Demophon
Why should this event have called for cries of pain?
Why should this event have called for cries of pain?
Chorus
(turning to Copreus). This fellow caused the uproar by trying to drag them forcibly from this altar, and he tripped up the old man, till my tears for pity flowed.
(turning to Copreus). This fellow caused the uproar by trying to drag them forcibly from this altar, and he tripped up the old man, till my tears for pity flowed.
Demophon
Hellenic dress and fashion in his robes doth he no doubt adopt, but deeds like these betray the barbarian. Thou, sirrah, tell me straight the country whence thou earnest thither.
130
Hellenic dress and fashion in his robes doth he no doubt adopt, but deeds like these betray the barbarian. Thou, sirrah, tell me straight the country whence thou earnest thither.
130
Heracleidae. Euripides. Edward P. Coleridge (Translator). London. 1906.
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