Lycus Amphitryon, it is high time you came forth from the palace; you have been too long arraying yourselves in the robes and trappings of the dead. Come, bid the wife and children of Heracles show themselves outside the house, to die on the conditions you yourselves offered.
Amphitryon Lord, you persecute me in my misery and heap insult upon me over and above the loss of my son; you should have been more moderate in your zeal, though you are my lord and master. But since you impose death’s necessity on me, I must acquiesce; what you wish must be done.
Lycus Now, where is Megara? where are the children of Alcmena’s son?
Amphitryon She, I believe, so far as I can guess from outside—
Lycus What grounds do you have to base your fancy on?
Amphitryon Is sitting as a suppliant on the altar’s hallowed steps—
Lycus Imploring them quite uselessly to save her life.
Amphitryon And calling on her dead husband, in vain.
Lycus He is nowhere near, and he certainly will never come.
Amphitryon No, unless perhaps a god should raise him from the dead.
Lycus Go to her and bring her from the palace.
Amphitryon By doing so I should become an accomplice in her murder.
Lycus Since you have this scruple, I, who have left fear behind, will myself bring out the mother and her children. Follow me, servants, that we may joyfully put an end to this delay of our work.
Amphitryon Then go your way along the path of fate; for what remains, maybe another will provide. Expect for your evil deeds to find some trouble yourself. Ah! my aged friends, he is marching fairly to his doom; soon will he lie entangled in the snare of the sword, thinking to slay his neighbors, the villain! I will go, to see him fall dead; for the sight of a foe being slain and paying the penalty of his misdeeds affords pleasurable feelings.
Chorus Evil has changed sides; he who was once a mighty king is now turning his life backward into the road to Hades. Hail to you! Justice and heavenly retribution. At last have you reached the goal where your death will pay the penalty, for your insults against your betters. Joy makes my tears burst forth. He has come back— which I never once thought in my heart would happen—the prince of the land. Come, old friends, let us look within to see if someone has met the fate I hope.
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