λείπει παλαιὰν δέλτον ἐγγεγραμμένην
Trachiniae. Sophocles. ed. Lewis Campbell. Oxford. 1879.
Table of Contents
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Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Greek) (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879))
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Editions (1)
Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 141-204 focus
Δηιάνειρα
πεπυσμένη μέν, ὡς ἀπεικάσαι, πάρει
πάθημα τοὐμόν· ὡς δʼ ἐγὼ θυμοφθορῶ,
μήτʼ ἐκμάθοις παθοῦσα νῦν τʼ ἄπειρος εἶ.
τὸ γὰρ νεάζον ἐν τοιοῖσδε βόσκεται
χώροισιν αὑτοῦ, καί νιν οὐ θάλπος θεοῦ
145
οὐδʼ ὄμβρος οὐδὲ πνευμάτων οὐδὲν κλονεῖ,
ἀλλʼ ἡδοναῖς ἄμοχθον ἐξαίρει βίον
ἐς τοῦθʼ ἕως τις ἀντὶ παρθένου γυνὴ
κληθῇ λάβῃ τʼ ἐν νυκτὶ φροντίδων μέρος,
ἤτοι πρὸς ἀνδρὸς ἢ τέκνων φοβουμένη.
150
τότʼ ἄν τις εἰσίδοιτο, τὴν αὑτοῦ σκοπῶν
πρᾶξιν, κακοῖσιν οἷς ἐγὼ βαρύνομαι.
πάθη μὲν οὖν δὴ πόλλʼ ἔγωγʼ ἐκλαυσάμην·
ἓν δʼ, οἷον οὔπω πρόσθεν, αὐτίκʼ ἐξερῶ.
ὁδὸν γὰρ ἦμος τὴν τελευταίαν ἄναξ
155
ὡρμᾶτʼ ἀπʼ οἴκων Ἡρακλῆς, τότʼ ἐν δόμοις
λείπει παλαιὰν δέλτον ἐγγεγραμμένην
ξυνθήμαθʼ, ἁμοὶ πρόσθεν οὐκ ἔτλη ποτέ,
πολλοὺς ἀγῶνας ἐξιών, οὔπω φράσαι,
ἀλλʼ ὥς τι δράσων εἷρπε κοὐ θανούμενος.
160
νῦν δʼ ὡς ἔτʼ οὐκ ὢν εἶπε μὲν λέχους ὅ τι
χρείη μʼ ἑλέσθαι κτῆσιν εἶπε δʼ ἣν τέκνοις
μοῖραν πατρῴας γῆς διαιρετὸν νέμοι,
χρόνον προτάξας ὡς τρίμηνον ἡνίκα
χώρας ἀπείη κἀνιαύσιον βεβώς,
165
τότʼ ἢ θανεῖν χρείη σφε τῷδε τῷ χρόνῳ
ἢ τοῦθʼ ὑπεκδραμόντα τοῦ χρόνου τέλος
τὸ λοιπὸν ἤδη ζῆν ἀλυπήτῳ βίῳ.
τοιαῦτʼ ἔφραζε πρὸς θεῶν εἱμαρμένα
τῶν Ἡρακλείων ἐκτελευτᾶσθαι πόνων,
170
ὡς τὴν παλαιὰν φηγὸν αὐδῆσαί ποτε
Δωδῶνι δισσῶν ἐκ Πελειάδων ἔφη.
καὶ τῶνδε ναμέρτεια συμβαίνει χρόνου
τοῦ νῦν παρόντος, ὡς τελεσθῆναι χρεών·
ὥσθʼ ἡδέως εὕδουσαν ἐκπηδᾶν ἐμὲ
175
φόβῳ, φίλαι, ταρβοῦσαν, εἴ με χρὴ μένειν
πάντων ἀρίστου φωτὸς ἐστερημένην.
πεπυσμένη μέν, ὡς ἀπεικάσαι, πάρει
πάθημα τοὐμόν· ὡς δʼ ἐγὼ θυμοφθορῶ,
μήτʼ ἐκμάθοις παθοῦσα νῦν τʼ ἄπειρος εἶ.
τὸ γὰρ νεάζον ἐν τοιοῖσδε βόσκεται
χώροισιν αὑτοῦ, καί νιν οὐ θάλπος θεοῦ
145
οὐδʼ ὄμβρος οὐδὲ πνευμάτων οὐδὲν κλονεῖ,
ἀλλʼ ἡδοναῖς ἄμοχθον ἐξαίρει βίον
ἐς τοῦθʼ ἕως τις ἀντὶ παρθένου γυνὴ
κληθῇ λάβῃ τʼ ἐν νυκτὶ φροντίδων μέρος,
ἤτοι πρὸς ἀνδρὸς ἢ τέκνων φοβουμένη.
150
τότʼ ἄν τις εἰσίδοιτο, τὴν αὑτοῦ σκοπῶν
πρᾶξιν, κακοῖσιν οἷς ἐγὼ βαρύνομαι.
πάθη μὲν οὖν δὴ πόλλʼ ἔγωγʼ ἐκλαυσάμην·
ἓν δʼ, οἷον οὔπω πρόσθεν, αὐτίκʼ ἐξερῶ.
ὁδὸν γὰρ ἦμος τὴν τελευταίαν ἄναξ
155
ὡρμᾶτʼ ἀπʼ οἴκων Ἡρακλῆς, τότʼ ἐν δόμοις
λείπει παλαιὰν δέλτον ἐγγεγραμμένην
ξυνθήμαθʼ, ἁμοὶ πρόσθεν οὐκ ἔτλη ποτέ,
πολλοὺς ἀγῶνας ἐξιών, οὔπω φράσαι,
ἀλλʼ ὥς τι δράσων εἷρπε κοὐ θανούμενος.
160
νῦν δʼ ὡς ἔτʼ οὐκ ὢν εἶπε μὲν λέχους ὅ τι
χρείη μʼ ἑλέσθαι κτῆσιν εἶπε δʼ ἣν τέκνοις
μοῖραν πατρῴας γῆς διαιρετὸν νέμοι,
χρόνον προτάξας ὡς τρίμηνον ἡνίκα
χώρας ἀπείη κἀνιαύσιον βεβώς,
165
τότʼ ἢ θανεῖν χρείη σφε τῷδε τῷ χρόνῳ
ἢ τοῦθʼ ὑπεκδραμόντα τοῦ χρόνου τέλος
τὸ λοιπὸν ἤδη ζῆν ἀλυπήτῳ βίῳ.
τοιαῦτʼ ἔφραζε πρὸς θεῶν εἱμαρμένα
τῶν Ἡρακλείων ἐκτελευτᾶσθαι πόνων,
170
ὡς τὴν παλαιὰν φηγὸν αὐδῆσαί ποτε
Δωδῶνι δισσῶν ἐκ Πελειάδων ἔφη.
καὶ τῶνδε ναμέρτεια συμβαίνει χρόνου
τοῦ νῦν παρόντος, ὡς τελεσθῆναι χρεών·
ὥσθʼ ἡδέως εὕδουσαν ἐκπηδᾶν ἐμὲ
175
φόβῳ, φίλαι, ταρβοῦσαν, εἴ με χρὴ μένειν
πάντων ἀρίστου φωτὸς ἐστερημένην.
Χορός
εὐφημίαν νῦν ἴσχʼ· ἐπεὶ καταστεφῆ
στείχονθʼ ὁρῶ τινʼ ἄνδρα πρὸς χαρὰν λόγων.
180
εὐφημίαν νῦν ἴσχʼ· ἐπεὶ καταστεφῆ
στείχονθʼ ὁρῶ τινʼ ἄνδρα πρὸς χαρὰν λόγων.
Ἄγγελος
δέσποινα Δῃάνειρα, πρῶτος ἀγγέλων
180
ὄκνου σε λύσω· τὸν γὰρ Ἀλκμήνης τόκον
καὶ ζῶντʼ ἐπίστω καὶ κρατοῦντα κἀκ μάχης
ἄγοντʼ ἀπαρχὰς θεοῖσι τοῖς ἐγχωρίοις.
δέσποινα Δῃάνειρα, πρῶτος ἀγγέλων
180
ὄκνου σε λύσω· τὸν γὰρ Ἀλκμήνης τόκον
καὶ ζῶντʼ ἐπίστω καὶ κρατοῦντα κἀκ μάχης
ἄγοντʼ ἀπαρχὰς θεοῖσι τοῖς ἐγχωρίοις.
Δηιάνειρα
τίνʼ εἶπας, ὦ γεραιέ, τόνδε μοι λόγον;
τίνʼ εἶπας, ὦ γεραιέ, τόνδε μοι λόγον;
Ἄγγελος
τάχʼ ἐς δόμους σοὺς τὸν πολύζηλον πόσιν
185
ἥξειν φανέντα σὺν κράτει νικηφόρῳ.
τάχʼ ἐς δόμους σοὺς τὸν πολύζηλον πόσιν
185
ἥξειν φανέντα σὺν κράτει νικηφόρῳ.
Δηιάνειρα
καὶ τοῦ τόδʼ ἀστῶν ἢ ξένων μαθὼν λέγεις;
καὶ τοῦ τόδʼ ἀστῶν ἢ ξένων μαθὼν λέγεις;
Ἄγγελος
ἐν βουθερεῖ λειμῶνι πρὸς πολλοὺς θροεῖ
Λίχας ὁ κῆρυξ ταῦτα· τοῦδʼ ἐγὼ κλύων
ἀπῇξʼ, ὅπως τοι πρῶτος ἀγγείλας τάδε
190
πρὸς σοῦ τι κερδάναιμι καὶ κτῴμην χάριν.
ἐν βουθερεῖ λειμῶνι πρὸς πολλοὺς θροεῖ
Λίχας ὁ κῆρυξ ταῦτα· τοῦδʼ ἐγὼ κλύων
ἀπῇξʼ, ὅπως τοι πρῶτος ἀγγείλας τάδε
190
πρὸς σοῦ τι κερδάναιμι καὶ κτῴμην χάριν.
Δηιάνειρα
αὐτὸς δὲ πῶς ἄπεστιν, εἴπερ εὐτυχεῖ;
αὐτὸς δὲ πῶς ἄπεστιν, εἴπερ εὐτυχεῖ;
Ἄγγελος
οὐκ εὐμαρείᾳ χρώμενος πολλῇ, γύναι.
κύκλῳ γὰρ αὐτὸν Μηλιεὺς ἅπας λεὼς
κρίνει παραστάς, οὐδʼ ἔχει βῆναι πρόσω·
195
τὸ γὰρ ποθοῦν ἕκαστος ἐκμαθεῖν θέλων
οὐκ ἂν μεθεῖτο, πρὶν καθʼ ἡδονὴν κλύειν.
οὕτως ἐκεῖνος οὐχ ἑκών, ἑκοῦσι δὲ
ξύνεστιν· ὄψει δʼ αὐτὸν αὐτίκʼ ἐμφανῆ.
οὐκ εὐμαρείᾳ χρώμενος πολλῇ, γύναι.
κύκλῳ γὰρ αὐτὸν Μηλιεὺς ἅπας λεὼς
κρίνει παραστάς, οὐδʼ ἔχει βῆναι πρόσω·
195
τὸ γὰρ ποθοῦν ἕκαστος ἐκμαθεῖν θέλων
οὐκ ἂν μεθεῖτο, πρὶν καθʼ ἡδονὴν κλύειν.
οὕτως ἐκεῖνος οὐχ ἑκών, ἑκοῦσι δὲ
ξύνεστιν· ὄψει δʼ αὐτὸν αὐτίκʼ ἐμφανῆ.
Δηιάνειρα
ὦ Ζεῦ, τὸν Οἴτης ἄτομον ὃς λειμῶνʼ ἔχεις,
200
ἔδωκας ἡμῖν ἀλλὰ σὺν χρόνῳ χαράν.
φωνήσατʼ, ὦ γυναῖκες, αἵ τʼ εἴσω στέγης
αἵ τʼ ἐκτὸς αὐλῆς, ὡς ἄελπτον ὄμμʼ ἐμοὶ
φήμης ἀνασχὸν τῆσδε νῦν καρπούμεθα.
ὦ Ζεῦ, τὸν Οἴτης ἄτομον ὃς λειμῶνʼ ἔχεις,
200
ἔδωκας ἡμῖν ἀλλὰ σὺν χρόνῳ χαράν.
φωνήσατʼ, ὦ γυναῖκες, αἵ τʼ εἴσω στέγης
αἵ τʼ ἐκτὸς αὐλῆς, ὡς ἄελπτον ὄμμʼ ἐμοὶ
φήμης ἀνασχὸν τῆσδε νῦν καρπούμεθα.
Translations (5)
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 157 focus
CH
What do I hear?
What do I hear?
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 141 focus
Du kamst hieher, vermuth' ich, weil dir Kunde ward
135
Von meiner Drangsal: aber wie's mein Herz verzehrt,
Das mögst du niemals fühlen; noch erfuhrst du's nicht.
Denn also weidet frisch und froh die Jugend sich
Aus eignen Fluren; nicht des Sonnengottes Glut,
Kein Regen, keines Sturmes Hauch erschüttert sie;
140
Nein, mühelos in Wonnen lebt sie stolz dahin,
Bis endlich Eine, statt der Jungfrau Weib genannt,
Von nächtlich banger Sorgenlast ihr Theil empfängt,
Und um die Kinder und den Mann sich ängsten muß.
Und diese mag dann, blickend auf das eigne Loos,
145
Erkennen, welches Ungemach mich niederdrückt.
Ich weinte wohl schon über manches Mißgeschick;
Doch eines, dem kein früh'res gleicht, verkünd' ich jezt.
Denn als zu dieser lezten Fahrt der Herrscher sich
Erhob vom Hause, Herakles, da ließ er mir
150
Ein altes Täflein hier zurück mit schriftlichen
Geboten, die er früherhin, so oft er auch
Auszog zum Kampfe, nimmerdar mir offenbart;
Denn wie zu Thaten zog er, nicht zum Sterben, aus.
Doch jezt, als wär' er schon dahin, bestimmt' er, was
155
Mein Wittwengut sein solle, sagte, welches Theil
Des Vaterreiches jedem Kind er ausgesezt:
Zugleich erklärt er, wann er nach drei Monden Zeit
Und eines Jahrs Umlaufe nicht zurückgekehrt,
So sei zu sterben ihm verhängt in dieser Frist;
160
Doch, überschreit' er dieser Zeit bestimmtes Ziel,
Dann fließe fortan ohne Harm sein Leben hin.
So würden, sprach er, alle Müh'n des Herakles
Dereinst ihr Ende finden nach der Götter Schluß,
Wie's aus der Eiche greisem Stamm ihm ehedem
1
165
Im Hain Dodona's kundgethan der Tauben Paar.
Des Spruches Wahrheit, wie er sich erfüllen muß,
Wird jezt, in diesen Tagen, sich bestätigen.
Darum, Geliebte, fahr' ich oft aus süßem Schlaf
Empor, in Furcht erbebend, daß ich leben soll,
170
Nachdem der Helden bester mir entrissen ward.
Du kamst hieher, vermuth' ich, weil dir Kunde ward
135
Von meiner Drangsal: aber wie's mein Herz verzehrt,
Das mögst du niemals fühlen; noch erfuhrst du's nicht.
Denn also weidet frisch und froh die Jugend sich
Aus eignen Fluren; nicht des Sonnengottes Glut,
Kein Regen, keines Sturmes Hauch erschüttert sie;
140
Nein, mühelos in Wonnen lebt sie stolz dahin,
Bis endlich Eine, statt der Jungfrau Weib genannt,
Von nächtlich banger Sorgenlast ihr Theil empfängt,
Und um die Kinder und den Mann sich ängsten muß.
Und diese mag dann, blickend auf das eigne Loos,
145
Erkennen, welches Ungemach mich niederdrückt.
Ich weinte wohl schon über manches Mißgeschick;
Doch eines, dem kein früh'res gleicht, verkünd' ich jezt.
Denn als zu dieser lezten Fahrt der Herrscher sich
Erhob vom Hause, Herakles, da ließ er mir
150
Ein altes Täflein hier zurück mit schriftlichen
Geboten, die er früherhin, so oft er auch
Auszog zum Kampfe, nimmerdar mir offenbart;
Denn wie zu Thaten zog er, nicht zum Sterben, aus.
Doch jezt, als wär' er schon dahin, bestimmt' er, was
155
Mein Wittwengut sein solle, sagte, welches Theil
Des Vaterreiches jedem Kind er ausgesezt:
Zugleich erklärt er, wann er nach drei Monden Zeit
Und eines Jahrs Umlaufe nicht zurückgekehrt,
So sei zu sterben ihm verhängt in dieser Frist;
160
Doch, überschreit' er dieser Zeit bestimmtes Ziel,
Dann fließe fortan ohne Harm sein Leben hin.
So würden, sprach er, alle Müh'n des Herakles
Dereinst ihr Ende finden nach der Götter Schluß,
Wie's aus der Eiche greisem Stamm ihm ehedem
1
165
Im Hain Dodona's kundgethan der Tauben Paar.
Des Spruches Wahrheit, wie er sich erfüllen muß,
Wird jezt, in diesen Tagen, sich bestätigen.
Darum, Geliebte, fahr' ich oft aus süßem Schlaf
Empor, in Furcht erbebend, daß ich leben soll,
170
Nachdem der Helden bester mir entrissen ward.
Der Chor.
Nicht also sprich jezt; schreitet doch, das Haupt bekränzt,
2
Zu froher Kunde, seh' ich, dort ein Mann heran.
Ein Bote. Die Vorigen.
Nicht also sprich jezt; schreitet doch, das Haupt bekränzt,
2
Zu froher Kunde, seh' ich, dort ein Mann heran.
Der Bote.
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 157 focus
Hercules
Oh ! dreadful, murdered ? By what hand ?
Oh ! dreadful, murdered ? By what hand ?
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 157 focus
Chorus
MAT.
947
Such things how dared a woman's hand attempt ?
It was a scene of horror: thou with me
Wilt thou attest, when thou shalt know the whole.
Soon as she entering pass'd the gates alone,
And saw her son preparing in the court
A cover'd couch with purpose to return
And meet his father, she conceal'd herself
Where none might see her; then she wail'd aloud
Prostrate before the altar, that her state
Was become desolate; and if she touch'd
Aught which before her hands had used, she wept.
Then through th' apartments as her wand'ring steps
She turn’d, some lov’d domestic if she saw,
Affected at the sight she pour’d a flood
Of tears; her wretched state she then deplored,
And all the riches of her house, no more
With children to be blest. This had an end.
Then to the chamber, where the nuptial bed
Of Hercules was placed, with sudden speed
I saw her rush; conceal'd a secret eye
I kept on her, and there beheld her spread
With busy care the coverings o'er the couch
Of Hercules; this done, she sprung aloft,
And seated on the middle of the bed
Gave the warm fount of tears to gush, and said,
O thou dear couch, long since my bridal bed,
Henceforth farewell; for never shalt thou more
Receive me on thy soft down to repose.
She spoke, and with dispatchful hand unloosed
The golden clasp, which o'er her swelling breasts
Confined her robe; thus was her side laid bare,
And her left shoulder. With my utmost speed
I ran to tell her son what she design'd.
Short was the interval; yet when we came,
We saw her side deep wounded, to her heart
The sword had pierced: at that sad sight her son
Groan'd in the anguish of his soul, for well
He knew that 'gainst herself enraged this deed
She had effected, taught too late what ill
She on her house had brought, without design,
But by the Centaur's evil arts ensnared.
Nor sighs nor tears th' unhappy youth forbore,
Nor lamentations: to her cheek he join'd
His cheek, and to her bleeding side his side;
Thus lying near her many a groan he heaved,
That rashly he had charged her with a crime
Of base intent; then wept, because at once
Of hers and of his father's life deprived.
Such scenes I saw: so that if mortal man
Of one day, or of more should make account,
His thoughts were vain; to-morrow is not, ere
In safety he has pass'd the present day.
Which most shall cause my tears to flow?
Which most shall I lament?
Each is a deed of equal woe,
And dreadful each event.
Beneath this roof may one be seen,
The other comes with threat'ning mein.
The present ill, th' impending dread,
Alike their gloomy horrors spread.
Oh, would some fav'ring whirlwind rise,
Sweep from this house, and drive me through the air
From this dire scene of sorrow far,
And from these miseries spare my aching eyes!
Whilst the son of Jove sustains
Fierce and agonizing pains,
My trembling soul would sicken with affright,
And I should die at such a sight.
See, to this royal mansion near
Some prodigy of woe they bear :
No distant grief excites this mournful strain,
Taught like the thrilling Nightingale's to flow.
In solemn silence moves the stranger train,
Heedful, as friends, with gentle steps and slow :
Nor word nor sound he utters as he lies,.
And death, or sleep, hath closed the hero's eyes.
Such things how dared a woman's hand attempt ?
It was a scene of horror: thou with me
Wilt thou attest, when thou shalt know the whole.
Soon as she entering pass'd the gates alone,
And saw her son preparing in the court
A cover'd couch with purpose to return
And meet his father, she conceal'd herself
Where none might see her; then she wail'd aloud
Prostrate before the altar, that her state
Was become desolate; and if she touch'd
Aught which before her hands had used, she wept.
Then through th' apartments as her wand'ring steps
She turn’d, some lov’d domestic if she saw,
Affected at the sight she pour’d a flood
Of tears; her wretched state she then deplored,
And all the riches of her house, no more
With children to be blest. This had an end.
Then to the chamber, where the nuptial bed
Of Hercules was placed, with sudden speed
I saw her rush; conceal'd a secret eye
I kept on her, and there beheld her spread
With busy care the coverings o'er the couch
Of Hercules; this done, she sprung aloft,
And seated on the middle of the bed
Gave the warm fount of tears to gush, and said,
O thou dear couch, long since my bridal bed,
Henceforth farewell; for never shalt thou more
Receive me on thy soft down to repose.
She spoke, and with dispatchful hand unloosed
The golden clasp, which o'er her swelling breasts
Confined her robe; thus was her side laid bare,
And her left shoulder. With my utmost speed
I ran to tell her son what she design'd.
Short was the interval; yet when we came,
We saw her side deep wounded, to her heart
The sword had pierced: at that sad sight her son
Groan'd in the anguish of his soul, for well
He knew that 'gainst herself enraged this deed
She had effected, taught too late what ill
She on her house had brought, without design,
But by the Centaur's evil arts ensnared.
Nor sighs nor tears th' unhappy youth forbore,
Nor lamentations: to her cheek he join'd
His cheek, and to her bleeding side his side;
Thus lying near her many a groan he heaved,
That rashly he had charged her with a crime
Of base intent; then wept, because at once
Of hers and of his father's life deprived.
Such scenes I saw: so that if mortal man
Of one day, or of more should make account,
His thoughts were vain; to-morrow is not, ere
In safety he has pass'd the present day.
Which most shall cause my tears to flow?
Which most shall I lament?
Each is a deed of equal woe,
And dreadful each event.
Beneath this roof may one be seen,
The other comes with threat'ning mein.
The present ill, th' impending dread,
Alike their gloomy horrors spread.
Oh, would some fav'ring whirlwind rise,
Sweep from this house, and drive me through the air
From this dire scene of sorrow far,
And from these miseries spare my aching eyes!
Whilst the son of Jove sustains
Fierce and agonizing pains,
My trembling soul would sicken with affright,
And I should die at such a sight.
See, to this royal mansion near
Some prodigy of woe they bear :
No distant grief excites this mournful strain,
Taught like the thrilling Nightingale's to flow.
In solemn silence moves the stranger train,
Heedful, as friends, with gentle steps and slow :
Nor word nor sound he utters as he lies,.
And death, or sleep, hath closed the hero's eyes.
English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904)) — 141-495 focus
Deianeira
You have heard of my trouble, I would guess, and that has brought you here. But the anguish which consumes my heart—may you never come to know it through your own experience!—to that now you are total strangers. Yes, a young life grows in those sheltered regions
of its own, and the Sun-god’s heat disturbs it not, nor rain, nor any wind. Rather it takes up a toilless existence amidst pleasure, until such time as she is called “wife” instead of “maiden”, and takes her portion of anxious thoughts in the night,
145
fearing for husband or for children. At that point a woman could understand the burden of my misfortunes by recalling her own experience.
As a matter of fact, I have had many a trouble to weep for, but I am going to speak of one that none of the previous could equal.
150
When lord Heracles was setting out from home on his last journey, he left in the house an ancient tablet, inscribed with signs which he had never before brought himself to explain to me when going out on one of his many labors.
155
He had always departed as if to conquer, not to die. But now, as if he were a doomed man, he told me what I should take for my marriage portion, and what share of their father’s land he wished divided for his children. And he fixed the time for the division, saying that, when he had been gone
160
from our land for a year and three months, he was fated either to die at that time, or by escaping the end of the period to live thereafter an untroubled life. That, he explained, was the fate ordained by the gods
165
to be the end of the labors of Heracles just as, he said, the ancient oak at
Dodona
had once told him through the mouths of the two Peleiades. And it is in the present time that the truth of these prophecies is coming to pass, so that they must be fulfilled.
170
As a result I leap up from sweet sleep in fear, dear maidens, terrified at the possibility that I must remain widowed of the noblest man of all.
175
You have heard of my trouble, I would guess, and that has brought you here. But the anguish which consumes my heart—may you never come to know it through your own experience!—to that now you are total strangers. Yes, a young life grows in those sheltered regions
of its own, and the Sun-god’s heat disturbs it not, nor rain, nor any wind. Rather it takes up a toilless existence amidst pleasure, until such time as she is called “wife” instead of “maiden”, and takes her portion of anxious thoughts in the night,
145
fearing for husband or for children. At that point a woman could understand the burden of my misfortunes by recalling her own experience.
As a matter of fact, I have had many a trouble to weep for, but I am going to speak of one that none of the previous could equal.
150
As a matter of fact, I have had many a trouble to weep for, but I am going to speak of one that none of the previous could equal.
When lord Heracles was setting out from home on his last journey, he left in the house an ancient tablet, inscribed with signs which he had never before brought himself to explain to me when going out on one of his many labors.
155
He had always departed as if to conquer, not to die. But now, as if he were a doomed man, he told me what I should take for my marriage portion, and what share of their father’s land he wished divided for his children. And he fixed the time for the division, saying that, when he had been gone
160
from our land for a year and three months, he was fated either to die at that time, or by escaping the end of the period to live thereafter an untroubled life. That, he explained, was the fate ordained by the gods
165
to be the end of the labors of Heracles just as, he said, the ancient oak at
Dodona
had once told him through the mouths of the two Peleiades. And it is in the present time that the truth of these prophecies is coming to pass, so that they must be fulfilled.
170
As a result I leap up from sweet sleep in fear, dear maidens, terrified at the possibility that I must remain widowed of the noblest man of all.
175
Chorus
Hush—no more ill-omened words! I see a man approaching who is crowned with garlands as if for joyous news.
180
Enter the Messenger.
Hush—no more ill-omened words! I see a man approaching who is crowned with garlands as if for joyous news.
Messenger
Queen Deianeira, I shall be the first messenger to free you from fear. Know that Alcmena’s son lives and triumphs, and from battle brings the first-fruits to the gods of this land.
180
Queen Deianeira, I shall be the first messenger to free you from fear. Know that Alcmena’s son lives and triumphs, and from battle brings the first-fruits to the gods of this land.
180
Deianeira
What news is this, old man, that you give me?
What news is this, old man, that you give me?
Messenger
That your much-admired husband will soon come to your house, revealed in his victorious might.
185
That your much-admired husband will soon come to your house, revealed in his victorious might.
185
Deianeira
From what citizen or what stranger did you learn these tidings?
From what citizen or what stranger did you learn these tidings?
Messenger
In the meadow, the summer haunt of oxen, Lichas the herald is proclaiming it to many. From him I heard it,
and dashed away so that, in all honesty, having been the first to report this news, I might profit in some way by you and win your favor.
190
In the meadow, the summer haunt of oxen, Lichas the herald is proclaiming it to many. From him I heard it,
and dashed away so that, in all honesty, having been the first to report this news, I might profit in some way by you and win your favor.
190
Deianeira
And why is he not here, if he is so successful?
And why is he not here, if he is so successful?
Messenger
He does not, my lady, enjoy ease of movement. The entire Malian populace
stands about him in a circle and questions him, and he cannot move forward. Each person is bent on learning according to his desire, and will not release the man until he has heard his pleasure. Thus against his wishes, but in keeping with theirs, he is with them. Yet you will soon see him face to face.
195
He does not, my lady, enjoy ease of movement. The entire Malian populace
stands about him in a circle and questions him, and he cannot move forward. Each person is bent on learning according to his desire, and will not release the man until he has heard his pleasure. Thus against his wishes, but in keeping with theirs, he is with them. Yet you will soon see him face to face.
195
Deianeira
O Zeus, ruler of the sacred uncut meadow of Oeta, at last, though after much delay, you have given us joy! Uplift your voices, you women within the house and you beyond our gates, since now we enjoy the brightness of this message, which has risen on us beyond my hope!
200
205
O Zeus, ruler of the sacred uncut meadow of Oeta, at last, though after much delay, you have given us joy! Uplift your voices, you women within the house and you beyond our gates, since now we enjoy the brightness of this message, which has risen on us beyond my hope!
200
Chorus
Let the brides of tomorrow raise a joyous cry for the house with shouts of triumph at the hearth. Among them let the yell of the men go up in unison for Apollo of the bright quiver, our defender! And at the same time,
205
maidens, lift up a paean, cry aloud to his sister, Ortygian Artemis, huntress of deer, goddess with torch in each hand,
210
and to the nymphs her neighbors!
I am uplifted, I will not spurn the flute—O you master of my heart! Behold, his ivy stirs me! Euoe!
215
Quickly it wheels me round in Bacchus’s race! Oh, oh, Paean! Look, dear lady! All is taking shape, plain to see, before your gaze.
220
Let the brides of tomorrow raise a joyous cry for the house with shouts of triumph at the hearth. Among them let the yell of the men go up in unison for Apollo of the bright quiver, our defender! And at the same time,
205
maidens, lift up a paean, cry aloud to his sister, Ortygian Artemis, huntress of deer, goddess with torch in each hand,
210
and to the nymphs her neighbors!
I am uplifted, I will not spurn the flute—O you master of my heart! Behold, his ivy stirs me! Euoe!
215
I am uplifted, I will not spurn the flute—O you master of my heart! Behold, his ivy stirs me! Euoe!
Quickly it wheels me round in Bacchus’s race! Oh, oh, Paean! Look, dear lady! All is taking shape, plain to see, before your gaze.
220
Deianeira
I see it, dear maidens; the sight has not escaped my watchful eyes. I see that procession. I bid the herald joyous welcome after his long absence!—if indeed you bring anything that gives joy.
225
Enter Lichas, followed by captive maidens.
I see it, dear maidens; the sight has not escaped my watchful eyes. I see that procession. I bid the herald joyous welcome after his long absence!—if indeed you bring anything that gives joy.
225
Lichas
We are happy in our return, and happy in your greeting,
lady, in accordance with the deed achieved. For when a man has fair fortune, it is his right to win good welcome.
230
We are happy in our return, and happy in your greeting,
lady, in accordance with the deed achieved. For when a man has fair fortune, it is his right to win good welcome.
230
Deianeira
Most welcome man, tell me first what first I would know—shall I receive Heracles alive?
Most welcome man, tell me first what first I would know—shall I receive Heracles alive?
Lichas
I certainly left him alive and well,
in vigorous health, unburdened by disease.
235
I certainly left him alive and well,
in vigorous health, unburdened by disease.
235
Deianeira
Where, tell me—in his ancestral land, or on barbarian soil?
Where, tell me—in his ancestral land, or on barbarian soil?
Lichas
There is a headland of
Euboea
, where to Cenaean Zeus he marks out altars and fruitful ground in tribute.
There is a headland of
Euboea
, where to Cenaean Zeus he marks out altars and fruitful ground in tribute.
Deianeira
In payment of a vow, or at the command of an oracle?
In payment of a vow, or at the command of an oracle?
Lichas
For a vow, made when he was seeking to conquer and plunder the country of these women whom you see before you.
240
For a vow, made when he was seeking to conquer and plunder the country of these women whom you see before you.
240
Deianeira
And these—who are they, by the gods, and whose daughters? They deserve pity, unless their misfortune deceives me.
And these—who are they, by the gods, and whose daughters? They deserve pity, unless their misfortune deceives me.
Lichas
These are captives whom he
selected as choice spoils for himself and for the gods when he sacked the city of Eurytus.
245
These are captives whom he
selected as choice spoils for himself and for the gods when he sacked the city of Eurytus.
245
Deianeira
Was it in fact the war against that city which kept him away so long, beyond all forecast, past all count of days?
248
Was it in fact the war against that city which kept him away so long, beyond all forecast, past all count of days?
Lichas
No. The greater part of the time he was detained in
Lydia
, no free man, as he declares,
but sold into servitude. No offense should be taken at my tale, lady, when the deed is found to be Zeus’ work. He passed a whole year, as he himself says, a bought slave to the barbarian Omphale. And so stung was he by the shame of it,
250
that he bound himself by a solemn oath, swearing one day to enslave with wife and child the man who had brought that suffering upon him. And not in vain did he speak the oath; but, when he had been purified, he gathered a mercenary army and went against the city
255
of Eurytus. For, Heracles asserted, that man alone of mortals had a share in causing his suffering. For when Heracles, a guest-friend of long standing, came to his house and hearth, Eurytus roared against him with insults of ruinous intent,
260
saying that, although Heracles had inevitable shafts in his hands, he fell short of his own sons in the contest of the bow. Next he shouted that Heracles was a freeman’s slave, a broken hulk, and then at a banquet, when his guest was full of wine, he tossed him from his home.
270
Furious at this treatment,
265
when afterward Iphitus came to the hill of
Tiryns
on the track of horses that had strayed, Heracles seized a moment when the man’s eyes were one place and his thoughts another, and hurled him from a towering summit. But in anger at that deed, the king,
270
the father of all, Olympian Zeus, sent him away to be sold, and did not tolerate that this once, he killed a man by guile. Had he achieved his vengeance openly, Zeus would surely have pardoned him the righteous triumph.
275
For the gods do not love criminal behavior either.
So those men, who gloried in bitter speech, are themselves residents of Hades, all of them, and their city is enslaved. And the women whom you see, fallen from happiness to misery,
280
are sent here to you. For that was your husband’s command, which I, his faithful servant, perform. As for the man himself, know that he will come, once he has made pure sacrifice to Zeus of his fathers for the sacking of the city. After all the good news
285
that has been told, this, indeed, is the sweetest word to hear.
290
291
No. The greater part of the time he was detained in
Lydia
, no free man, as he declares,
but sold into servitude. No offense should be taken at my tale, lady, when the deed is found to be Zeus’ work. He passed a whole year, as he himself says, a bought slave to the barbarian Omphale. And so stung was he by the shame of it,
250
that he bound himself by a solemn oath, swearing one day to enslave with wife and child the man who had brought that suffering upon him. And not in vain did he speak the oath; but, when he had been purified, he gathered a mercenary army and went against the city
255
of Eurytus. For, Heracles asserted, that man alone of mortals had a share in causing his suffering. For when Heracles, a guest-friend of long standing, came to his house and hearth, Eurytus roared against him with insults of ruinous intent,
260
saying that, although Heracles had inevitable shafts in his hands, he fell short of his own sons in the contest of the bow. Next he shouted that Heracles was a freeman’s slave, a broken hulk, and then at a banquet, when his guest was full of wine, he tossed him from his home.
270
Furious at this treatment,
265
when afterward Iphitus came to the hill of
Tiryns
on the track of horses that had strayed, Heracles seized a moment when the man’s eyes were one place and his thoughts another, and hurled him from a towering summit. But in anger at that deed, the king,
270
the father of all, Olympian Zeus, sent him away to be sold, and did not tolerate that this once, he killed a man by guile. Had he achieved his vengeance openly, Zeus would surely have pardoned him the righteous triumph.
275
For the gods do not love criminal behavior either.
So those men, who gloried in bitter speech, are themselves residents of Hades, all of them, and their city is enslaved. And the women whom you see, fallen from happiness to misery,
280
So those men, who gloried in bitter speech, are themselves residents of Hades, all of them, and their city is enslaved. And the women whom you see, fallen from happiness to misery,
are sent here to you. For that was your husband’s command, which I, his faithful servant, perform. As for the man himself, know that he will come, once he has made pure sacrifice to Zeus of his fathers for the sacking of the city. After all the good news
285
that has been told, this, indeed, is the sweetest word to hear.
290
Chorus
Now, O Queen, your joy is plainly revealed; part is with you, and of the rest you have foreknowledge.
Now, O Queen, your joy is plainly revealed; part is with you, and of the rest you have foreknowledge.
Deianeira
Yes, how would I not rejoice with dutiful spirit, when I hear of my husband’s successful venture?
My rejoicing is bound to keep pace with his success. And yet a prudent mind can see room for fear, lest he who prospers should one day stumble. For a strange pity came over me, friends, at the sight of these ill-fated exiles,
295
homeless and fatherless in a foreign land. Though they were once the daughters perhaps of freeborn men, they now live the life of slaves. O Zeus, god who turns the tide of battle, may I never see you stalking against a child of my line on any occasion;
300
no, if you do some such thing, let it not be while I am still alive! So great is my fear, as I look upon these girls.
305
Yes, how would I not rejoice with dutiful spirit, when I hear of my husband’s successful venture?
My rejoicing is bound to keep pace with his success. And yet a prudent mind can see room for fear, lest he who prospers should one day stumble. For a strange pity came over me, friends, at the sight of these ill-fated exiles,
295
homeless and fatherless in a foreign land. Though they were once the daughters perhaps of freeborn men, they now live the life of slaves. O Zeus, god who turns the tide of battle, may I never see you stalking against a child of my line on any occasion;
300
no, if you do some such thing, let it not be while I am still alive! So great is my fear, as I look upon these girls.
305
To Iole.
Unfortunate girl, who are you? Are you without a man, or are you a mother? To judge by your appearance, you are untried in those roles, but someone of noble birth.
Lichas, whose daughter is this stranger? Who is her mother, who the father who begot her? Speak; I pity her more than all the rest, when I look at her, inasmuch as she alone knows self-control.
310
314
Unfortunate girl, who are you? Are you without a man, or are you a mother? To judge by your appearance, you are untried in those roles, but someone of noble birth.
Lichas, whose daughter is this stranger? Who is her mother, who the father who begot her? Speak; I pity her more than all the rest, when I look at her, inasmuch as she alone knows self-control.
310
Lichas
Why would I know? Why would you ask me? Perhaps
she is the offspring of not the lowest family in that land.
315
Why would I know? Why would you ask me? Perhaps
she is the offspring of not the lowest family in that land.
315
Deianeira
Can she be of the ruling family? Was she a child of Eurytus?
Can she be of the ruling family? Was she a child of Eurytus?
Lichas
I do not know; I did not in fact make a long investigation.
I do not know; I did not in fact make a long investigation.
Deianeira
And you do not know her name from one of her fellow captives?
And you do not know her name from one of her fellow captives?
Lichas
No, indeed. In silence I completed my task.
No, indeed. In silence I completed my task.
Deianeira
Unhappy girl, tell it to me, anyway, from your own mouth. It is indeed distressing to me not to know who you are.
320
Unhappy girl, tell it to me, anyway, from your own mouth. It is indeed distressing to me not to know who you are.
320
Lichas
It will not, I assure you, be at all on a par with time past if she moves her lips. She has not said a word, large or small,
but has been constantly laboring with the heavy pains of her misfortune and weeping, poor girl, since she left her windswept fatherland. Her condition is indeed bad—for her, anyway—but claims our forbearance.
325
It will not, I assure you, be at all on a par with time past if she moves her lips. She has not said a word, large or small,
but has been constantly laboring with the heavy pains of her misfortune and weeping, poor girl, since she left her windswept fatherland. Her condition is indeed bad—for her, anyway—but claims our forbearance.
325
Deianeira
Then let her be left in peace, and go beneath our roof
as it pleases her. Let her not in addition to her existing troubles take fresh grief from me; she has enough already. Now let us all go in, so that you may go speedily on your journey, while I make all things ready in the house.
Exit Lichas, followed by the Captives, into the house.
330
335
Then let her be left in peace, and go beneath our roof
as it pleases her. Let her not in addition to her existing troubles take fresh grief from me; she has enough already. Now let us all go in, so that you may go speedily on your journey, while I make all things ready in the house.
Exit Lichas, followed by the Captives, into the house.
330
Messenger
Coming nearer to Deianeira.
Do go in, but first remain here a short while, so that you may learn, apart from these others, who they are whom you take into your home, and gain necessary knowledge of the facts which you have not heard. For of these I am in full possession.
335
Do go in, but first remain here a short while, so that you may learn, apart from these others, who they are whom you take into your home, and gain necessary knowledge of the facts which you have not heard. For of these I am in full possession.
335
Deianeira
What do you mean? Why do you stay my departure?
What do you mean? Why do you stay my departure?
Messenger
Stop and listen. My former report was not a waste of your time, and neither, I believe, will this one be.
340
Stop and listen. My former report was not a waste of your time, and neither, I believe, will this one be.
340
Deianeira
Shall I call those others back again? Or do you wish to speak before me and these women?
Shall I call those others back again? Or do you wish to speak before me and these women?
Messenger
To you and the women I can speak freely. Never mind the others.
To you and the women I can speak freely. Never mind the others.
Deianeira
Well, they are gone. Now let your speech signal your meaning.
345
Well, they are gone. Now let your speech signal your meaning.
345
Messenger
That man Lichas spoke nothing of what he just told you in strict accordance with the truth. He was just now lying, or else he was dishonest in his earlier report.
That man Lichas spoke nothing of what he just told you in strict accordance with the truth. He was just now lying, or else he was dishonest in his earlier report.
Deianeira
What do you say? Explain to me clearly all that you mean,
for I cannot understand what you said.
350
351
What do you say? Explain to me clearly all that you mean,
for I cannot understand what you said.
350
Messenger
I heard this man declare, before many witnesses, that it was for the sake of this girl that Heracles overthrew Eurytus and the high towers of
Oechalia
: Eros,
alone of the gods, enchanted him into doing those deeds of arms, not the toilsome servitude to Omphale in
Lydia
, nor the death to which Iphitus was hurled. But now the herald has thrust Eros aside and tells a different tale. Well, when Heracles could not persuade him whose seed produced the child
355
to give him the girl for his secret concubine, he devised some petty complaint as a pretext, and made war upon her fatherland, in which, as the herald said, that Eurytus ruled. He killed the king, her father, and
360
sacked her city. And now, as you see, he makes his return, sending her to this house not without consideration, lady, and not as if she were to be a slave. No, do not expect that; it is not likely, if his heart has been kindled with desire. On this account, my Queen, I resolved to reveal to you all
365
that I had heard from that man. Many others were listening to it, as I was, in the public place where the Trachinians were assembled, so they can convict him. If my words are unwelcome, I am grieved; but nevertheless I have spoken the truth.
370
375
I heard this man declare, before many witnesses, that it was for the sake of this girl that Heracles overthrew Eurytus and the high towers of
Oechalia
: Eros,
alone of the gods, enchanted him into doing those deeds of arms, not the toilsome servitude to Omphale in
Lydia
, nor the death to which Iphitus was hurled. But now the herald has thrust Eros aside and tells a different tale. Well, when Heracles could not persuade him whose seed produced the child
355
to give him the girl for his secret concubine, he devised some petty complaint as a pretext, and made war upon her fatherland, in which, as the herald said, that Eurytus ruled. He killed the king, her father, and
360
sacked her city. And now, as you see, he makes his return, sending her to this house not without consideration, lady, and not as if she were to be a slave. No, do not expect that; it is not likely, if his heart has been kindled with desire. On this account, my Queen, I resolved to reveal to you all
365
that I had heard from that man. Many others were listening to it, as I was, in the public place where the Trachinians were assembled, so they can convict him. If my words are unwelcome, I am grieved; but nevertheless I have spoken the truth.
370
Deianeira
Ah, misery! What is happening to me? What secret plague have I welcomed beneath my roof? Ah, me! So, she was born without a name, as her escort swore?
375
Ah, misery! What is happening to me? What secret plague have I welcomed beneath my roof? Ah, me! So, she was born without a name, as her escort swore?
375
Messenger
No, illustrious by name, as by birth;
she is the daughter of Eurytus, and was once called Iole. But he could say nothing of her birth, because, of course, he made no investigation.
380
No, illustrious by name, as by birth;
she is the daughter of Eurytus, and was once called Iole. But he could say nothing of her birth, because, of course, he made no investigation.
380
Chorus
May destruction seize not all wrongdoers—no, only the man who practices stealthy wrongdoing that is shameful to his rank!
May destruction seize not all wrongdoers—no, only the man who practices stealthy wrongdoing that is shameful to his rank!
Deianeira
Ah, friends, what should I do? I am dumbstruck by this latest news!
385
Ah, friends, what should I do? I am dumbstruck by this latest news!
385
Chorus
Go and question Lichas, since he might tell the truth, if you were willing to compel him by threat of force to answer.
Go and question Lichas, since he might tell the truth, if you were willing to compel him by threat of force to answer.
Deianeira
I will go. Your advice does not lack good judgment.
I will go. Your advice does not lack good judgment.
Messenger
And I, shall I wait here? Or what do you require?
390
And I, shall I wait here? Or what do you require?
390
Deianeira
Stay here—since he is coming out from the house without my summons, but of his own accord.
393
Enter Lichas.
Stay here—since he is coming out from the house without my summons, but of his own accord.
Lichas
My lady, what message shall I bear to Heracles? Instruct me, for, as you see, I am going.
My lady, what message shall I bear to Heracles? Instruct me, for, as you see, I am going.
Deianeira
How quickly you rush away, when your arrival had been so tardy—before we have even resumed our talk.
395
How quickly you rush away, when your arrival had been so tardy—before we have even resumed our talk.
395
Lichas
Well, if there is anything you must ask, I am at your service.
Well, if there is anything you must ask, I am at your service.
Deianeira
Will you indeed give me the honest truth?
Will you indeed give me the honest truth?
Lichas
Yes, be great Zeus my witness—in anything that I know.
Yes, be great Zeus my witness—in anything that I know.
Deianeira
Who is the woman, then, whom you escorted here?
400
Who is the woman, then, whom you escorted here?
400
Lichas
She is Euboean. But whose offspring, I cannot say.
She is Euboean. But whose offspring, I cannot say.
Messenger
You there, look at me. To whom do you think you speak?
You there, look at me. To whom do you think you speak?
Lichas
And you, to what end have you asked me such a question?
And you, to what end have you asked me such a question?
Messenger
Dare to answer my question, if you are sensible.
Dare to answer my question, if you are sensible.
Lichas
I speak to the royal Deianeira, daughter of Oeneus, wife of Heracles and, unless my eyes deceive me, my mistress.
405
I speak to the royal Deianeira, daughter of Oeneus, wife of Heracles and, unless my eyes deceive me, my mistress.
405
Messenger
The very word that I wished to hear from you—you admit that she is your mistress?
The very word that I wished to hear from you—you admit that she is your mistress?
Lichas
Yes, it is only right to do so.
Yes, it is only right to do so.
Messenger
Well, then, what penalty would you think it right to pay, if you should be found to be behaving wrongly towards her?
410
Well, then, what penalty would you think it right to pay, if you should be found to be behaving wrongly towards her?
410
Lichas
Wrongly? What fiction have you created?
Wrongly? What fiction have you created?
Messenger
None. Rather it is you, to be sure, who do this.
None. Rather it is you, to be sure, who do this.
Lichas
I am leaving—I was foolish to listen to you so long.
I am leaving—I was foolish to listen to you so long.
Messenger
No, not until you have answered a small question.
415
No, not until you have answered a small question.
415
Lichas
Speak, if you require something. You are not the silent type.
Speak, if you require something. You are not the silent type.
Messenger
That captive, whom you escorted into the house, you know whom I mean?
That captive, whom you escorted into the house, you know whom I mean?
Lichas
Yes. But why do you ask?
Yes. But why do you ask?
Messenger
Did you not avow that she, on whom you look as if in ignorance,
was Iole, the seed of Eurytus, your captive?
420
Did you not avow that she, on whom you look as if in ignorance,
was Iole, the seed of Eurytus, your captive?
420
Lichas
To whom on earth did I say it? Who and where is the man who heard me say it and will be your witness?
To whom on earth did I say it? Who and where is the man who heard me say it and will be your witness?
Messenger
To many of our own citizens you said it. In the public gathering of Trachinians a great crowd heard this much, at least, from you.
To many of our own citizens you said it. In the public gathering of Trachinians a great crowd heard this much, at least, from you.
Lichas
Sure,
they said they heard. But it does not amount to the same thing to tell one’s fancy and to give an accurate report.
425
Sure,
they said they heard. But it does not amount to the same thing to tell one’s fancy and to give an accurate report.
425
Messenger
What do you mean, fancy! Did you not speak on your oath when you said that you were bringing her as a bride for Heracles?
What do you mean, fancy! Did you not speak on your oath when you said that you were bringing her as a bride for Heracles?
Lichas
I? Bringing a bride? In the name of the gods, dear
mistress, tell me who on earth this stranger is?
430
I? Bringing a bride? In the name of the gods, dear
mistress, tell me who on earth this stranger is?
430
Messenger
I am a man who heard from your own lips that the conquest of the whole city was due to desire for this girl and that the Lydian woman did not destroy it, but the passion which arose for the girl.
I am a man who heard from your own lips that the conquest of the whole city was due to desire for this girl and that the Lydian woman did not destroy it, but the passion which arose for the girl.
Lichas
Lady, send this creature away.
To babble with the insane is not the mark of a sensible man.
435
436
Lady, send this creature away.
To babble with the insane is not the mark of a sensible man.
435
Deianeira
No, I implore you by Zeus whose strikes lightning down along the high glens of Oeta, do not rob me of a true report! Your words will not fall on the ears of a cruel woman, nor has she yet to learn the fate of humanity,
how by our nature we are often inconstant in our pleasures. He does not use good sense, then, who like a boxer opposes the blows of Eros. For Eros rules the gods as he pleases, and he rules me as well—that is certain. Why not another woman, just like me?
440
And so I am crazed indeed, if I blame my husband because that disease has seized him or because he was seized by this woman, his partner in a thing which is no shame to them, and no wrong to me. Impossible! If it was from him that you learned
445
to lie, it was not a noble lesson. But if you are your own teacher in this, you will be seen as cruel when it is your wish to prove kind. No, tell me the whole truth, since to a free-born man the name of liar attaches like an ugly stain.
450
If your hope is to escape detection, that cannot come to pass: many are those whom you told and who will inform me. And if you are afraid, your fear is mistaken, since it is not learning the truth that would pain me. But to know it, what is terrible in that? Has
455
Heracles not all by himself already mated with a multitude of other women? And never yet has one of them come away with a harsh word or reproach from me, nor shall this girl, even if she should melt in her passion. Indeed, I felt a profound pity when I saw her because
460
her beauty has destroyed her life, and she, unfortunate one, has against her will devastated her fatherland and enslaved it.
Well, those things must go with the wind. But as for you, I tell you, be dishonest to others, but always speak the truth to me.
465
470
No, I implore you by Zeus whose strikes lightning down along the high glens of Oeta, do not rob me of a true report! Your words will not fall on the ears of a cruel woman, nor has she yet to learn the fate of humanity,
how by our nature we are often inconstant in our pleasures. He does not use good sense, then, who like a boxer opposes the blows of Eros. For Eros rules the gods as he pleases, and he rules me as well—that is certain. Why not another woman, just like me?
440
And so I am crazed indeed, if I blame my husband because that disease has seized him or because he was seized by this woman, his partner in a thing which is no shame to them, and no wrong to me. Impossible! If it was from him that you learned
445
to lie, it was not a noble lesson. But if you are your own teacher in this, you will be seen as cruel when it is your wish to prove kind. No, tell me the whole truth, since to a free-born man the name of liar attaches like an ugly stain.
450
If your hope is to escape detection, that cannot come to pass: many are those whom you told and who will inform me. And if you are afraid, your fear is mistaken, since it is not learning the truth that would pain me. But to know it, what is terrible in that? Has
455
Heracles not all by himself already mated with a multitude of other women? And never yet has one of them come away with a harsh word or reproach from me, nor shall this girl, even if she should melt in her passion. Indeed, I felt a profound pity when I saw her because
460
her beauty has destroyed her life, and she, unfortunate one, has against her will devastated her fatherland and enslaved it.
Well, those things must go with the wind. But as for you, I tell you, be dishonest to others, but always speak the truth to me.
465
Well, those things must go with the wind. But as for you, I tell you, be dishonest to others, but always speak the truth to me.
Chorus
Obey her good and kind advice, and hereafter you will neither have cause to complain of this lady, nor lack my thanks.
470
Obey her good and kind advice, and hereafter you will neither have cause to complain of this lady, nor lack my thanks.
470
Lichas
Indeed, then, dear mistress. Since I see that you think as mortals should think and not without good judgment, I will tell you the whole truth, and not hide it.
Yes, it is just as this one says. That terrible longing for the girl long ago shot through Heracles, and for her sake the desolate
Oechalia
, her father’s land, was leveled by his spear. But he—I must say what is in his favor—
475
he never ordered me to conceal the fact and never denied it. Instead I, lady, fearing to wound your heart by such news, erred—if you regard this in any way an error.
Since, however, you now know the whole story,
480
for his sake and for yours equally bear with the woman, and be willing that the gentle words which you spoke about her have been spoken unalterably. For though by the strength of his hands he is victorious in all else, Heracles has been utterly subdued by his passion for this girl.
485
Indeed, then, dear mistress. Since I see that you think as mortals should think and not without good judgment, I will tell you the whole truth, and not hide it.
Yes, it is just as this one says. That terrible longing for the girl long ago shot through Heracles, and for her sake the desolate
Oechalia
, her father’s land, was leveled by his spear. But he—I must say what is in his favor—
475
he never ordered me to conceal the fact and never denied it. Instead I, lady, fearing to wound your heart by such news, erred—if you regard this in any way an error.
Since, however, you now know the whole story,
480
Since, however, you now know the whole story,
for his sake and for yours equally bear with the woman, and be willing that the gentle words which you spoke about her have been spoken unalterably. For though by the strength of his hands he is victorious in all else, Heracles has been utterly subdued by his passion for this girl.
485
Deianeira
My own thoughts move me to act as you advise. Rest assured that I will not earn another affliction for myself by waging a fruitless fight against the gods. But let us go into the house, so that you may carry him my messages and since gifts should be given in due recompense for gifts received,
490
so that you may take these also. It would not be right that you should go back with empty hands, after coming with such a rich cargo.
Exit Lichas, the Messenger and Deianeira into the house.
495
My own thoughts move me to act as you advise. Rest assured that I will not earn another affliction for myself by waging a fruitless fight against the gods. But let us go into the house, so that you may carry him my messages and since gifts should be given in due recompense for gifts received,
490
so that you may take these also. It would not be right that you should go back with empty hands, after coming with such a rich cargo.
Exit Lichas, the Messenger and Deianeira into the house.
495
Commentary
Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
157. mvp-comment-122-1 The δέλτος mentioned above (l. 47) contained Heracles' memorandum of the oracle received at Dodona, infr. 1165. In giving this to Deianira before leaving home, he also told her by word of mouth what disposition of his property he desired in case of his death. ἐγγεγραμμένην ξυνθήμαθ'] Having notes inscribed on it. The word ξύνθημα occurs in two places of the O. C., (1) in the singular, of a sign, l. 46, (2) of the record of an agreement, l. 1594. Neither of these meanings exactly suits the context here. A closer parallel is the expression ξυνθήματα κρυπτὰ χαράξας, which appears on an altar in the Museum at Athens, on which certain hierophantic symbols are inscribed. Here it clearly refers to the oracular indication of the doom of Heracles as inscribed on the tablet. The testamentary instructions which are further mentioned were given orally. For the construction of the accusative with the passive verb, see Essay on L. § 16. p. 236. Heracles might be said ἐγγράψαι τὴν δέλτον (οι τῇ δέλτῳ) ξυνθήματα.