Sophocles, Trachiniae, Richard Jebb (Translator), 61

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Enter Hyllus.

Deianeira

My child, my son, wise words fall, it seems, from humble lips. For this woman is a slave, but her advice is worthy of the free.

Hyllus

What sort of advice, Mother? Tell me, if I may be told.

Deianeira

It brings shame, she says, that you have not sought to learn of your father and where he is, when he has been abroad for so long.
65

Hyllus

But I know where, if one can put any trust in rumors.

Deianeira

And in what region, my child, do you hear that he has settled?

Hyllus

Last year, they say, through all its length,

he toiled as a slave to a Lydian woman.
70

Deianeira

If he endured even that, then one might believe any and all rumors.

Hyllus

Well, he has been released from that service, as I hear.

Deianeira

Where, then, is he reported to be now—alive, or dead?

Hyllus

He is waging or yet planning a war,

they say, upon Euboea , the realm of Eurytus.
75

Deianeira

Are you aware, my son, that he has left with me sure oracles concerning that land?

Hyllus

What are they, mother? I do not know the oracles you mean.

Trachiniae. Sophocles. Richard Jebb (Translator). Cambridge. 1892.

Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.

Funding provided by The Annenberg CPB/Project.

Current edition Experimental

Trachiniae (English) (Sophocles the plays and fragments, Part 5: The Trachiniae. Jebb, Richard Claverhouse, Sir, translator. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1892. (Modernized by Perseus.))

Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.

Editions (2)

Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 61 focus

ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ, κἀξ ἀγεννήτων ἄρα

μῦθοι καλῶς πίπτουσιν· ἥδε ἦδε ἥδε γὰρ γυνὴ

δούλη μέν, εἴρηκεν δ᾽ ἐλεύθερον λόγον.

ΥΛΛΟΣ.

ποῖον; δίδαξον, μῆτερ, εἰ διδακτά μοι.

ΔΗ.

σὲ πατρὸς οὕτω δαρὸν ἐξενωμένου
65

τὸ μὴ πυθέσθαι ποῦ ᾿στιν πούστιν ποῦ ἐστιν αἰσχύνην φέρειν φέρει φέρειν.

ΥΛ.

ἀλλ᾽ οἶδα, μύθοις εἴ τι πιστεύειν χρεών.

ΔΗ.

καὶ ποῦ κλύεις νιν, τέκνον, ἱδρῦσθαι ἱδρύσθαι χθονός ;

ΥΛ.

τὸν μὲν παρελθόντ᾽ ἄροτον ἄροτρον ἄροτον ἐν μήκει χρόνου

Λυδῇ γυναικί φασί νιν λάτριν πονεῖν.
70

ΔΗ.

πᾶν τοίνυν, εἰ καὶ τοῦτ᾽ ἔτλη, κλύοι τις ἄν.

ΥΛ.

ἀλλ᾽ ἐξαφεῖται τοῦδέ γ', ὡς ἐγὼ κλύω.

ΔΗ.

ποῦ δῆτα νῦν ζῶν ἢ θανὼν ἀγγέλλεται ;

ΥΛ.

Εὐβοῖδα Εὐβοῖδα χώραν φασίν, Εὐρύτου πόλιν,

ἐπιστρατεύειν αὐτόν, ἢ μέλλειν ἔτι.
75

ΔΗ.

ἆρ᾽ οἶσθα δῆτ', ὦ τέκνον, ὡς ἔλειπέ μοι

μαντεῖα πιστὰ τῆσδε τῆς χώρας πέρι;

ΥΛ.

τὰ ποῖα, μῆτερ; τὸν λόγον γὰρ ἀγνοῶ.

ΔΗ.

Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 61 focus

Δηιάνειρα

ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ, κἀξ ἀγεννήτων ἄρα

μῦθοι καλῶς πίπτουσιν· ἥδε γὰρ γυνὴ

δούλη μέν, εἴρηκεν δʼ ἐλεύθερον λόγον.

Ὕλλος

ποῖον; δίδαξον, μῆτερ, εἰ διδακτά μοι.

Δηιάνειρα

σὲ πατρὸς οὕτω δαρὸν ἐξενωμένου
65

τὸ μὴ πυθέσθαι ποῦ ʼστιν, αἰσχύνην φέρειν.

Ὕλλος

ἀλλʼ οἶδα, μύθοις εἴ τι πιστεύειν χρεών.

Δηιάνειρα

καὶ ποῦ κλύεις νιν, τέκνον, ἱδρῦσθαι χθονός;

Ὕλλος

τὸν μὲν παρελθόντʼ ἄροτον ἐν μήκει χρόνου

Λυδῇ γυναικί φασί νιν λάτριν πονεῖν.
70

Δηιάνειρα

πᾶν τοίνυν, εἰ καὶ τοῦτʼ ἔτλη, κλύοι τις ἄν.

Ὕλλος

ἀλλʼ ἐξαφεῖται τοῦδέ γʼ, ὡς ἐγὼ κλύω.

Δηιάνειρα

ποῦ δῆτα νῦν ζῶν ἢ θανὼν ἀγγέλλεται;

Ὕλλος

Εὐβοΐδα χώραν φασίν, Εὐρύτου πόλιν,

ἐπιστρατεύειν αὐτὸν ἢ μέλλειν ἔτι.
75

Δηιάνειρα

ἆρʼ οἶσθα δῆτʼ, ὦ τέκνον, ὡς ἔλειπέ μοι

μαντεῖα πιστὰ τῆσδε τῆς χώρας πέρι;

Ὕλλος

τὰ ποῖα, μῆτερ; τὸν λόγον γὰρ ἀγνοῶ.

Translations (4)

English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 61 focus

Dear child, dear boy! even from the lowliest head

Wise counsel may come forth. This woman here,

Though a bond-maiden, hath a free-born tongue.

HYL

What word is spoken, mother? May I know?

DÊ

That, with thy father lost to us so long,
65

’Tis shame thou dost not learn his dwelling-place.

HYL

Yea, I have learnt, if one may trust report.

DÊ

Where art thou told his seat is fixed, my son?

HYL

’Tis said that through the length of this past year

He wrought as bondman to a Lydian girl.
70

DÊ

Hath he borne that? Then nothing can be strange!

HYL

Well, that is over, I am told. He is free.

DÊ

Where is he rumoured, then, alive or dead?

HYL

In rich Euboea, besieging, as they tell,

The town of Eurytus, or offering siege.
75

DÊ

Child, hast thou heard what holy oracles

He left with me, touching that very land?

HYL

What were they, mother, for I never knew?

DÊ

German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 61 focus

Sohn, Geliebter, aus dem Mund Unedler auch

Fällt oft ein Rath zum Guten; so sprach dieses Weib,

Zwar eine Magd nur, doch ein hochgesinntes Wort.

Hyllos.

Was, Mutter? Laß mich's hören, wenn ich's hören darf.

Deianeira.

Daß du's versäumst, zu forschen, wo dein Vater weilt,
65

Der schon so lang entfernte, bringt Unehre dir.

Hyllos.

Nun, wenn ich Sagen trauen darf, so weiß ich es.

Deianeira.

Und wo des Landes, hörst du, daß er weilt, o Kind?

Hyllos.

Im abgewichnen Sommer fröhnt' er lange Zeit

Als Diener, sagt man, einem Weib in Lydia.
70

Deianeira.

Nun, wenn er das vermochte, kann er Alles thun!

Hyllos.

Doch ward er dieses Joches frei, wie ich vernahm.

Deianeira.

Wo soll er jezt sein, lebt er oder starb er gar?

Hylos.

Er rückte, heißt es, vor die Burg des Eurytos

Im Land Euböa's, oder schickt hiezu sich an.
75

Deianeira.

Und weißt du nicht, Sohn, daß er zuverlässige

Orakel über dieses Land mir hinterließ?

Hyllos.

Und welche, Mutter? Denn ich weiß von diesen Nichts.

Deianeira.

English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 61 focus

His distant lands, save at the needful time

Of seed or harvest. Wandering thus, and thus

Returning ever, is he sent to serve

I know not whom. When crowned with victory,

Then most my feai-s prevail ; for since he slew

We live in exile with our generous friend,

The hospitable Ceyx ; he meantime

Is gone, and none can tell me where. He went

And left me most unhappy. Oh ! some ill

Hath sure befallen him ! for no little time

Hath he been absent ; 'tis full fifteen moons

Since I beheld him, and no messenger

Is come to Deianira. Some misfortune

Doubtless hath happened, for he left behind

A dreadful scroll. Oh ! I have prayed the gods

A thousand times it may contain no ill.

Attendant

Deianira, Attendant.

Deianira

O my son I
65

Oft from the meanest tongue the words of truth
65

And safety flow. This woman, though a slave,
65

Hath spoke what would have well become the mouth

Of freedom's self to utter.

Hyllus

May I know

What she hath said ?

Deianira

She says it doth reflect

Disgrace on thee, thy father so long absent,

Not to have gained some knowledge of his fate.

Hyllus

I have already, if I may rely

On what report hath said of him.
70

Deianira

Oh, wliere —

Where is he then, my son ^

Hyllus

These twelve months past,

If fame say true, a Lydian woman held him

In shameful servitude.

Deianira

If it be so,

May every tongue reproach him !

He now is free.

Deianira

And where doth rumour say

He is ? alive or dead.

Hyllus

'Tis said, he leads,

Or means to lead, his forces towards Euboea,

Tlie land of Eurytus.
75

Deianira

Alas ! my son,

Dost thou not know the oracles he left

Touching that kingdom ?

Hyllus

No, I know not of them ;

What were they ?

Deianira

English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 61 focus

Which only when he sows and when he reaps

He visits; such the life, that brings my lord

Back to his house, and ever sends him thence

On some harsh service: now, these toils achieved,

I thence feel greater fears; for since he slew

The mighty Iphitus, at Trachin here

Exiled we dwell, with hospitable rites

Received; but whither he is gone none knows;

But he is gone, with pangs of piercing grief

Rending my heart, for I have cause to fear

That evil hath befall'n him; no short time,

But ten slow months have roll'd away, and five

Added to these, yet absent he remains,

Nor have I tidings of him; there must be

Some dreadful ill; at his departure such

The writing he left with me; to the gods

My earnest supplications oft I pour

That no affliction thence may be derived.

Attendant

Inform me what, if I may be inform'd.

Deianira

Thy father absent in a distant land
65

So long, she deems it shame that search by thee
65

What region thus detains him is not made.

Hyllus

If credence to report be due, I know.

Deianira

Where doth fame say, my son, that he resides ?

Hyllus

All the past year in sordid tasks employ'd,

And by a Lydian woman held a slave.
70

Deianira

If he bore this, what more may we not hear?

Hyllus

It is reported he hath burst those bonds.

Deianira

Living or dead where is he said to be?

Hyllus

In arms, and in Eubæœa, 'gainst the state

Of Eurytus advanced, or on his march.
75

Deianira

Know'st thou th' unerring prophecies, my son,

That land respecting, which he left with me?

Hyllus

What are they? Never have they reach'd my ear.

Deianira

Commentary

Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))

mvp-comment-33-1 ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ ¹

mvp-comment-33-2 ἀγεννή<*>ων ²

mvp-comment-34-1 διδακτά ³

mvp-comment-35-1 σὲ … τὸ μὴ πυθέσθαι ⁴ ἐξενωμένου ⁵

mvp-comment-35-2 ποῦ )στιν ⁶

mvp-comment-35-3 φέρειν ⁷ φέρει ⁸

mvp-comment-36-1 μύθοις ⁹ μύθοις γ’ ¹⁰

mvp-comment-37-1 ἱδρῦσθαι ¹¹

mvp-comment-38-1 μὲν ¹² ἀλλ’ ¹³

mvp-comment-38-2 ἄροτον ¹⁴

mvp-comment-38-3 Λυδῇ ¹⁵

mvp-comment-39-1 εἰ καὶ τοῦτ’ ἔτλη ¹⁶

mvp-comment-40-1 ἀλλά ¹⁷

mvp-comment-41-1 ἢ θανὼν ¹⁸

mvp-comment-42-1 Εὐβοῖδα ¹⁹

mvp-comment-42-2 πόλιν ²⁰ Εὐβοῖδα χώραν ²¹ ἢ μέλλειν ἔτι ²²

mvp-comment-43-1 ἔλειπε ²³

mvp-comment-43-2 τῆσδε τῆς χώρας πέρι ²⁴

mvp-comment-44-1 ἀγνοῶ ²⁵

Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus

61. mvp-comment-55-1 ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ] The affectionate repetition betrays excitement. Cp. Philoct. 260, ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ πατρὸς ἐξ ᾿Αχιλλέως. ἀγεννήτων] · Of no birth, i.e. low-born. à priv., as in ἀγεννής, has the meaning of δυσ-. Cp. ἄγλωσσος for βάρβαρος, infr. 1060.

62. mvp-comment-56-1 πίπτουσιν] 'Drop,' or 'Fall from the lips.' The notion is that of coming forth unexpectedly. Cp. χρησμὸς ἐκπίπτει, and the other expressions mentioned by L. and S. s. v. ἐκπίπτω, 5.

63. mvp-comment-57-1 δούλη μέν] Sc. ἐστίν. For this form of the senarius, see on O. T. 1513. ἐλεύθερον· ἐλευθέρῳ πρέποντα, Schol.

64. mvp-comment-58-1 εἰ διδακτά μοι] Sc. ἐστίν. ‘If I may be told.' The plural neuter of the verbal adjective has the force of an impersonal verb.

65. mvp-comment-59-1 ἐξενωμένου] 'Estranged,' i.e. Remaining away from home. Compare the use of févos in Εl. 865-7, εἰ ξένος .. κέκευθεν.

66. mvp-comment-60-1 αἰσχύνην φέρειν] The infinitive (depending on εἴρηκεν, 1. 63) is necessary, although most MSS. have φέρει.

67-78. mvp-comment-61-1 Hyllus has only just heard the rumour which he repeats; and Deianira is prompted by his mention of the new enterprise to communicate to him the special anxiety, over which she has hitherto brooded in solitude. The objection of Dobree, that she ought to have done so before, is like that made against the ignorance of Jocasta in the Oedipus Tyrannus. If such improbabilities in things external to the immediate action are not to be allowed, the composition of any drama becomes impossible.

67. mvp-comment-62-1 μύθοις] Three MSS. read μύθοις γ', a plausible reading, but made less likely by the recurrence of the same variant after θανών in line 73.

69. mvp-comment-63-1 ἐν μήκει χρόνου] ‘All this while,' is to be taken with πονεῖν. 'He has been labouring all this while for the past year.' Cp. infr. 824, 5, ὁπότε τελεόμηνος ἐκφέροι . . ἄροτος.

70. mvp-comment-64-1 λάτριν πονεῖν] 'That he has been serving as a menial.' The tense is the imperfect.

73. mvp-comment-65-1 ἢ θανών] ‘If he be indeed alive.' Deianira is stung by the report of Heracles' servitude to a barbarian woman, and. as she herself says, is prepared for anything. She even imagines that the prophecy of liberation may have been fulfilled by his death. Hence ἢ θανών is added with despairing bitterness. On the passive ἀγγέλλεται, see Essay on L. § 31. p. 54 b. The reading ἢ θανών γ᾽ (Par. B) is plausible, but see on 1. 67.

74. mvp-comment-66-1 Εὐρύτου πόλιν] Apposition of a part to the whole. Essay on L. § 33. p. 56.

75. mvp-comment-67-1 ἢ μέλλειν ἔτι] 'Or is on the eve of doing so. The second clause is a qualification of the first, and is added to avoid an absolute statement. Cp. infr. 460, ἀνὴρ εἶς, and note.

76. mvp-comment-68-1 ἔλειπε] The imperfect (being more descriptive) refers more pointedly to the time of Heracles' departure (sc. ὅτε ἔστειχε, cp. supr. 47), than the aorist would have done.

77. mvp-comment-69-1 τῆσδε τῆς χώρας πέρι] As Wunder observes, Oechalia was not mentioned in the oracle, but Deianira infers, from the coincidence of time, that the prophecy referred to what Heracles was doing now. Dobr. conj. πείρας, Dronke, ὥρας, Hense, χρείας.

78. mvp-comment-70-1 τὰ ποῖα] More precise than ποῖα. What were they exactly?' τὸν λόγον] The matter' to which you refer. Cp. Aj. 734, τοῖς κυρίοις γὰρ πάντα χρὴ δηλοῦν λόγον.

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Deianeira My child, my son, wise words fall, it seems, from humble lips. For this woman is a slave, but her advice is worthy of the free.

Hyllus What sort of advice, Mother? Tell me, if I may be told.

Deianeira It brings shame, she says, that you have not sought to learn of your father and where he is, when he has been abroad for so long. 65

Hyllus But I know where, if one can put any trust in rumors.

Deianeira And in what region, my child, do you hear that he has settled?

Hyllus Last year, they say, through all its length, he toiled as a slave to a Lydian woman. 70

Deianeira If he endured even that, then one might believe any and all rumors.

Hyllus Well, he has been released from that service, as I hear.

Deianeira Where, then, is he reported to be now—alive, or dead?

Hyllus He is waging or yet planning a war, they say, upon Euboea , the realm of Eurytus. 75

Deianeira Are you aware, my son, that he has left with me sure oracles concerning that land?

Hyllus What are they, mother? I do not know the oracles you mean.

Current edition Experimental

ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ, κἀξ ἀγεννήτων ἄρα μῦθοι καλῶς πίπτουσιν· ἥδε ἦδε ἥδε γὰρ γυνὴ δούλη μέν, εἴρηκεν δ᾽ ἐλεύθερον λόγον.

ΥΛΛΟΣ. ποῖον; δίδαξον, μῆτερ, εἰ διδακτά μοι.

ΔΗ. σὲ πατρὸς οὕτω δαρὸν ἐξενωμένου 65 τὸ μὴ πυθέσθαι ποῦ ᾿στιν πούστιν ποῦ ἐστιν αἰσχύνην φέρειν φέρει φέρειν.

ΥΛ. ἀλλ᾽ οἶδα, μύθοις εἴ τι πιστεύειν χρεών.

ΔΗ. καὶ ποῦ κλύεις νιν, τέκνον, ἱδρῦσθαι ἱδρύσθαι χθονός ;

ΥΛ. τὸν μὲν παρελθόντ᾽ ἄροτον ἄροτρον ἄροτον ἐν μήκει χρόνου Λυδῇ γυναικί φασί νιν λάτριν πονεῖν. 70

ΔΗ. πᾶν τοίνυν, εἰ καὶ τοῦτ᾽ ἔτλη, κλύοι τις ἄν.

ΥΛ. ἀλλ᾽ ἐξαφεῖται τοῦδέ γ', ὡς ἐγὼ κλύω.

ΔΗ. ποῦ δῆτα νῦν ζῶν ἢ θανὼν ἀγγέλλεται ;

ΥΛ. Εὐβοῖδα Εὐβοῖδα χώραν φασίν, Εὐρύτου πόλιν, ἐπιστρατεύειν αὐτόν, ἢ μέλλειν ἔτι. 75

ΔΗ. ἆρ᾽ οἶσθα δῆτ', ὦ τέκνον, ὡς ἔλειπέ μοι

μαντεῖα πιστὰ τῆσδε τῆς χώρας πέρι;

ΥΛ. τὰ ποῖα, μῆτερ; τὸν λόγον γὰρ ἀγνοῶ.

ΔΗ.

Δηιάνειρα ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ, κἀξ ἀγεννήτων ἄρα μῦθοι καλῶς πίπτουσιν· ἥδε γὰρ γυνὴ δούλη μέν, εἴρηκεν δʼ ἐλεύθερον λόγον.

Ὕλλος ποῖον; δίδαξον, μῆτερ, εἰ διδακτά μοι.

Δηιάνειρα σὲ πατρὸς οὕτω δαρὸν ἐξενωμένου 65 τὸ μὴ πυθέσθαι ποῦ ʼστιν, αἰσχύνην φέρειν.

Ὕλλος ἀλλʼ οἶδα, μύθοις εἴ τι πιστεύειν χρεών.

Δηιάνειρα καὶ ποῦ κλύεις νιν, τέκνον, ἱδρῦσθαι χθονός;

Ὕλλος τὸν μὲν παρελθόντʼ ἄροτον ἐν μήκει χρόνου Λυδῇ γυναικί φασί νιν λάτριν πονεῖν. 70

Δηιάνειρα πᾶν τοίνυν, εἰ καὶ τοῦτʼ ἔτλη, κλύοι τις ἄν.

Ὕλλος ἀλλʼ ἐξαφεῖται τοῦδέ γʼ, ὡς ἐγὼ κλύω.

Δηιάνειρα ποῦ δῆτα νῦν ζῶν ἢ θανὼν ἀγγέλλεται;

Ὕλλος Εὐβοΐδα χώραν φασίν, Εὐρύτου πόλιν, ἐπιστρατεύειν αὐτὸν ἢ μέλλειν ἔτι. 75

Δηιάνειρα ἆρʼ οἶσθα δῆτʼ, ὦ τέκνον, ὡς ἔλειπέ μοι μαντεῖα πιστὰ τῆσδε τῆς χώρας πέρι;

Ὕλλος τὰ ποῖα, μῆτερ; τὸν λόγον γὰρ ἀγνοῶ.

Dear child, dear boy! even from the lowliest head Wise counsel may come forth. This woman here, Though a bond-maiden, hath a free-born tongue.

HYL What word is spoken, mother? May I know?

DÊ That, with thy father lost to us so long, 65 ’Tis shame thou dost not learn his dwelling-place.

HYL Yea, I have learnt, if one may trust report.

DÊ Where art thou told his seat is fixed, my son?

HYL ’Tis said that through the length of this past year He wrought as bondman to a Lydian girl. 70

DÊ Hath he borne that? Then nothing can be strange!

HYL Well, that is over, I am told. He is free.

DÊ Where is he rumoured, then, alive or dead?

HYL In rich Euboea, besieging, as they tell, The town of Eurytus, or offering siege. 75

DÊ Child, hast thou heard what holy oracles He left with me, touching that very land?

HYL What were they, mother, for I never knew?

DÊ

Sohn, Geliebter, aus dem Mund Unedler auch Fällt oft ein Rath zum Guten; so sprach dieses Weib, Zwar eine Magd nur, doch ein hochgesinntes Wort.

Hyllos. Was, Mutter? Laß mich's hören, wenn ich's hören darf.

Deianeira. Daß du's versäumst, zu forschen, wo dein Vater weilt, 65 Der schon so lang entfernte, bringt Unehre dir.

Hyllos. Nun, wenn ich Sagen trauen darf, so weiß ich es.

Deianeira. Und wo des Landes, hörst du, daß er weilt, o Kind?

Hyllos. Im abgewichnen Sommer fröhnt' er lange Zeit Als Diener, sagt man, einem Weib in Lydia. 70

Deianeira. Nun, wenn er das vermochte, kann er Alles thun!

Hyllos. Doch ward er dieses Joches frei, wie ich vernahm.

Deianeira. Wo soll er jezt sein, lebt er oder starb er gar?

Hylos. Er rückte, heißt es, vor die Burg des Eurytos Im Land Euböa's, oder schickt hiezu sich an. 75

Deianeira. Und weißt du nicht, Sohn, daß er zuverlässige Orakel über dieses Land mir hinterließ?

Hyllos. Und welche, Mutter? Denn ich weiß von diesen Nichts.

Deianeira.

Attendant

Deianira, Attendant.

Deianira O my son I 65 Oft from the meanest tongue the words of truth 65 And safety flow. This woman, though a slave, 65 Hath spoke what would have well become the mouth Of freedom's self to utter.

Hyllus May I know What she hath said ?

Deianira She says it doth reflect Disgrace on thee, thy father so long absent, Not to have gained some knowledge of his fate.

Hyllus I have already, if I may rely On what report hath said of him. 70

Deianira Oh, wliere — Where is he then, my son ^

Hyllus These twelve months past, If fame say true, a Lydian woman held him In shameful servitude.

Deianira If it be so, May every tongue reproach him ! He now is free.

Deianira And where doth rumour say He is ? alive or dead.

Hyllus 'Tis said, he leads, Or means to lead, his forces towards Euboea, Tlie land of Eurytus. 75

Deianira Alas ! my son, Dost thou not know the oracles he left Touching that kingdom ?

Hyllus No, I know not of them ; What were they ?

Deianeira

My child, my son, wise words fall, it seems, from humble lips. For this woman is a slave, but her advice is worthy of the free.

Hyllus

What sort of advice, Mother? Tell me, if I may be told.

Deianeira

It brings shame, she says, that you have not sought to learn of your father and where he is, when he has been abroad for so long.
65

Hyllus

But I know where, if one can put any trust in rumors.

Deianeira

And in what region, my child, do you hear that he has settled?

Hyllus

Last year, they say, through all its length,

he toiled as a slave to a Lydian woman.
70

Deianeira

If he endured even that, then one might believe any and all rumors.

Hyllus

Well, he has been released from that service, as I hear.

Deianeira

Where, then, is he reported to be now—alive, or dead?

Hyllus

He is waging or yet planning a war,

they say, upon Euboea , the realm of Eurytus.
75

Deianeira

Are you aware, my son, that he has left with me sure oracles concerning that land?

Hyllus

What are they, mother? I do not know the oracles you mean.

ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ, κἀξ ἀγεννήτων ἄρα

μῦθοι καλῶς πίπτουσιν· ἥδε ἦδε ἥδε γὰρ γυνὴ

δούλη μέν, εἴρηκεν δ᾽ ἐλεύθερον λόγον.

ΥΛΛΟΣ.

ποῖον; δίδαξον, μῆτερ, εἰ διδακτά μοι.

ΔΗ.

σὲ πατρὸς οὕτω δαρὸν ἐξενωμένου
65

τὸ μὴ πυθέσθαι ποῦ ᾿στιν πούστιν ποῦ ἐστιν αἰσχύνην φέρειν φέρει φέρειν.

ΥΛ.

ἀλλ᾽ οἶδα, μύθοις εἴ τι πιστεύειν χρεών.

ΔΗ.

καὶ ποῦ κλύεις νιν, τέκνον, ἱδρῦσθαι ἱδρύσθαι χθονός ;

ΥΛ.

τὸν μὲν παρελθόντ᾽ ἄροτον ἄροτρον ἄροτον ἐν μήκει χρόνου

Λυδῇ γυναικί φασί νιν λάτριν πονεῖν.
70

ΔΗ.

πᾶν τοίνυν, εἰ καὶ τοῦτ᾽ ἔτλη, κλύοι τις ἄν.

ΥΛ.

ἀλλ᾽ ἐξαφεῖται τοῦδέ γ', ὡς ἐγὼ κλύω.

ΔΗ.

ποῦ δῆτα νῦν ζῶν ἢ θανὼν ἀγγέλλεται ;

ΥΛ.

Εὐβοῖδα Εὐβοῖδα χώραν φασίν, Εὐρύτου πόλιν,

ἐπιστρατεύειν αὐτόν, ἢ μέλλειν ἔτι.
75

ΔΗ.

ἆρ᾽ οἶσθα δῆτ', ὦ τέκνον, ὡς ἔλειπέ μοι

ΥΛ.

τὰ ποῖα, μῆτερ; τὸν λόγον γὰρ ἀγνοῶ.

Δηιάνειρα

ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ, κἀξ ἀγεννήτων ἄρα

μῦθοι καλῶς πίπτουσιν· ἥδε γὰρ γυνὴ

δούλη μέν, εἴρηκεν δʼ ἐλεύθερον λόγον.

Ὕλλος

ποῖον; δίδαξον, μῆτερ, εἰ διδακτά μοι.

Δηιάνειρα

σὲ πατρὸς οὕτω δαρὸν ἐξενωμένου
65

τὸ μὴ πυθέσθαι ποῦ ʼστιν, αἰσχύνην φέρειν.

Ὕλλος

ἀλλʼ οἶδα, μύθοις εἴ τι πιστεύειν χρεών.

Δηιάνειρα

καὶ ποῦ κλύεις νιν, τέκνον, ἱδρῦσθαι χθονός;

Ὕλλος

τὸν μὲν παρελθόντʼ ἄροτον ἐν μήκει χρόνου

Λυδῇ γυναικί φασί νιν λάτριν πονεῖν.
70

Δηιάνειρα

πᾶν τοίνυν, εἰ καὶ τοῦτʼ ἔτλη, κλύοι τις ἄν.

Ὕλλος

ἀλλʼ ἐξαφεῖται τοῦδέ γʼ, ὡς ἐγὼ κλύω.

Δηιάνειρα

ποῦ δῆτα νῦν ζῶν ἢ θανὼν ἀγγέλλεται;

Ὕλλος

Εὐβοΐδα χώραν φασίν, Εὐρύτου πόλιν,

ἐπιστρατεύειν αὐτὸν ἢ μέλλειν ἔτι.
75

Δηιάνειρα

ἆρʼ οἶσθα δῆτʼ, ὦ τέκνον, ὡς ἔλειπέ μοι

μαντεῖα πιστὰ τῆσδε τῆς χώρας πέρι;

Ὕλλος

τὰ ποῖα, μῆτερ; τὸν λόγον γὰρ ἀγνοῶ.

Dear child, dear boy! even from the lowliest head

Wise counsel may come forth. This woman here,

Though a bond-maiden, hath a free-born tongue.

HYL

What word is spoken, mother? May I know?

DÊ

That, with thy father lost to us so long,
65

’Tis shame thou dost not learn his dwelling-place.

HYL

Yea, I have learnt, if one may trust report.

DÊ

Where art thou told his seat is fixed, my son?

HYL

’Tis said that through the length of this past year

He wrought as bondman to a Lydian girl.
70

DÊ

Hath he borne that? Then nothing can be strange!

HYL

Well, that is over, I am told. He is free.

DÊ

Where is he rumoured, then, alive or dead?

HYL

In rich Euboea, besieging, as they tell,

The town of Eurytus, or offering siege.
75

DÊ

Child, hast thou heard what holy oracles

He left with me, touching that very land?

HYL

What were they, mother, for I never knew?

Sohn, Geliebter, aus dem Mund Unedler auch

Fällt oft ein Rath zum Guten; so sprach dieses Weib,

Zwar eine Magd nur, doch ein hochgesinntes Wort.

Hyllos.

Was, Mutter? Laß mich's hören, wenn ich's hören darf.

Deianeira.

Daß du's versäumst, zu forschen, wo dein Vater weilt,
65

Der schon so lang entfernte, bringt Unehre dir.

Hyllos.

Nun, wenn ich Sagen trauen darf, so weiß ich es.

Deianeira.

Und wo des Landes, hörst du, daß er weilt, o Kind?

Hyllos.

Im abgewichnen Sommer fröhnt' er lange Zeit

Als Diener, sagt man, einem Weib in Lydia.
70

Deianeira.

Nun, wenn er das vermochte, kann er Alles thun!

Hyllos.

Doch ward er dieses Joches frei, wie ich vernahm.

Deianeira.

Wo soll er jezt sein, lebt er oder starb er gar?

Hylos.

Er rückte, heißt es, vor die Burg des Eurytos

Im Land Euböa's, oder schickt hiezu sich an.
75

Deianeira.

Und weißt du nicht, Sohn, daß er zuverlässige

Orakel über dieses Land mir hinterließ?

Hyllos.

Und welche, Mutter? Denn ich weiß von diesen Nichts.

Deianira

O my son I
65

Oft from the meanest tongue the words of truth
65

And safety flow. This woman, though a slave,
65

Hath spoke what would have well become the mouth

Of freedom's self to utter.

Hyllus

May I know

What she hath said ?

Deianira

She says it doth reflect

Disgrace on thee, thy father so long absent,

Not to have gained some knowledge of his fate.

Hyllus

I have already, if I may rely

On what report hath said of him.
70

Deianira

Oh, wliere —

Where is he then, my son ^

Hyllus

These twelve months past,

If fame say true, a Lydian woman held him

In shameful servitude.

Deianira

If it be so,

May every tongue reproach him !

He now is free.

Deianira

And where doth rumour say

He is ? alive or dead.

Hyllus

'Tis said, he leads,

Or means to lead, his forces towards Euboea,

Tlie land of Eurytus.
75

Deianira

Alas ! my son,

Dost thou not know the oracles he left

Touching that kingdom ?

Hyllus

No, I know not of them ;

What were they ?

Deianira

Thy father absent in a distant land
65

So long, she deems it shame that search by thee
65

What region thus detains him is not made.

Hyllus

If credence to report be due, I know.

Deianira

Where doth fame say, my son, that he resides ?

Hyllus

All the past year in sordid tasks employ'd,

And by a Lydian woman held a slave.
70

Deianira

If he bore this, what more may we not hear?

Hyllus

It is reported he hath burst those bonds.

Deianira

Living or dead where is he said to be?

Hyllus

In arms, and in Eubæœa, 'gainst the state

Of Eurytus advanced, or on his march.
75

Deianira

Know'st thou th' unerring prophecies, my son,

That land respecting, which he left with me?