Messenger Mistress, though thine eyes see him, yet will I announce we have brought Eurystheus hither for thy pleasure, an unexpected sight, for him no less a chance he ne’er foresaw; for little he thought of ever falling into thy hands, what time he marched from Mycenae with his toil-worn warriors, to sack Athens, thinking himself far above fortune. But a power divine hath reversed our destinies, changing their position. Now Hyllus and brave Iolaus I left raising an image to Zeus, who routs the foe, for their triumphant victory, whilst they bid me bring this prisoner to thee, wishing to gladden thy heart; for ’tis the sweetest sight to see a foe fall on evil days after prosperity.
Alcmena Art come, thou hateful wretch? Hath Justice caught thee then at last? First, turn thy head this way to me, and endure to look thy enemies in the face, for thou art no more the ruler, but the slave. Art thou the man—for this I fain would learn—who didst presume to heap thy insults on my son, who now is where he is, thou miscreant? What outrage didst thou abstain from putting upon him? Thou that didst make him go down alive even to Hades, and wouldst send him with an order to slay hydras and lions? Thy other evil schemes I mention not, for to tell them were a tedious task for me. Nor did it content thee to venture thus far only; no! but from all Hellas wouldst thou drive me and my children, heaven’s suppliants though we were, grey-heads some of us, and some still tender babes. But here hast thou found men and a free city, that feared not thee. Die in torment must thou, and e’en so wilt thou gain in every way, for one death is not thy due, after all the sorrow thou hast caused.
Messenger Thou mayst not slay him.
Alcmena Then have we taken him captive in vain. But say, what law forbids his death?
Messenger It is not the will of the rulers of this land.
Alcmena Why, what is this? Do they not approve of slaying enemies?
Messenger Not such as they have taken alive in battle.
Alcmena Did Hyllus uphold this decision?
Messenger He, I suppose, ought to have disobeyed the law of the land.
Alcmena The prisoner’s life ought not to have been spared a moment.
Messenger It was then that he was wronged, by not being slain at first.
Alcmena Why, then, he is still in time to pay his penalty.
Messenger There is no one, who will slay him now.
Alcmena I will; and yet I count myself someone.
Messenger Well, thou wilt incur great blame, if thou do this deed.
Alcmena I love this city well; that cannot be gainsaid. But since this man hath fallen into my power, no mortal hand shall wrest him from me. Wherefore let who will, call me the woman bold, with thoughts too high for her sex; yet shall this deed be brought to pass by me.
Chorus Lady, full well I understand thou hast a dire quarrel with this man, and ’tis pardonable.
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