Iolaus Alcmena, mother of a noble son, to thee I call! come forth, hear this welcome news. For long has anguish caused thee inwardly to waste, wondering if those, who now are here, would ever come.
Alcmena What means that shout, that echoes throughout the house? Hath there come yet a herald from Argos, O Iolaus, and is he treating thee with violence? Feeble is any strength of mine; yet thus much let me tell thee, stranger, never, whilst I live, shalt thou drag them hence. Shouldst thou succeed, no more let me be thought the mother of that hero. And if thou lay a finger on them, thou wilt struggle to thy shame with two aged foes.
Iolaus Courage, aged dame, fear not; not from Argos is a herald come, with hostile messages.
Alcmena Why then didst raise a cry, fear’s harbinger?
Iolaus I called thee to come to me in front of this temple.
Alcmena I know not what it means; who is this?
Iolaus A messenger who says thy grandson cometh hither.
Alcmena All hail to thee for these thy tidings! But why is he not here, where is he? if in this land he hath set foot. What hath happened to keep him from coming hither with thee, to cheer my heart?
Servant (of Hyllus) He is posting the army he brought with him, and seeing it marshalled.
Alcmena Then have I no concern herein.
Iolaus Yes, thou hast; though it is my business to inquire into these matters.
Servant (of Hyllus) What then wouldst thou learn of these events?
Iolaus About how many allies has he with him?
Servant (of Hyllus) A numerous force; I cannot otherwise describe the number.
Iolaus The leaders of the Athenians know this, I suppose?
Servant (of Hyllus) They do; already is their left wing set in array.
Iolaus Is then the host already armed for battle?
Servant (of Hyllus) Yea, and already are the victims brought near the ranks.
Iolaus About what distance is the Argive host from us?
Servant (of Hyllus) Near enough for their general to be plainly seen.
Iolaus What is he about? marshalling the enemy’s line?
Servant (of Hyllus) So we guessed; we could not hear exactly. But I must go, for I would not that my master should engage the foe without me, if I can help it.
Iolaus I also will go with thee; for I like thee am minded, so it seems, to be there and help my friends.
Servant (of Hyllus) It least of all becomes thee thus to utter words of folly.
Iolaus Far less to shrink from sharing with my friends the stubborn fight.
Servant (of Hyllus) Mere looks can wound no one, if the arm do naught.
Iolaus Why, cannot I smite even through their shields?
Servant (of Hyllus) Smite perhaps, more likely be smitten thyself.
Iolaus No foe will dare to meet me face to face.
Servant (of Hyllus) Friend, the strength, that erst was thine, is thine no more,
Iolaus Well, at any rate, I will fight with as many as ever I did.
Servant (of Hyllus) Small the weight thou canst throw into the balance for thy friends.
Iolaus Detain me not, when I have girded myself for action.
Servant (of Hyllus) The power to act is thine no more, the will maybe is there.
Iolaus Stay here I will not, say what else thou wilt
Servant (of Hyllus) How shalt thou show thyself before the troops unarmed?
Iolaus There be captured arms within this shrine; these will I use, and, if I live, restore; and, if I am slain, the god will not demand them of me back. Go thou within, and from its peg take down a suit of armour and forthwith bring it to me. To linger thus at home is infamous, while some go fight, and others out of cowardice remain behind.
Chorus
Not yet hath time laid low thy spirit, ’tis young as ever; but thy body’s strength is gone. Why toil to no purpose? ’Twill do thee hurt and benefit our city little. At thy age thou shouldst confess thy error and let impossibilities alone. Thou canst in no way get thy vigour back again.
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