Chorus On the contrary. If there is any reason for confidence in these actions, we think that your plan is not wrong.
Deianeira My reason for confidence is this: there is the appearance of success in the plan. But the proof I have not yet essayed.
Chorus Your knowledge must come after you act. For you can have no test which is not fanciful except by making the attempt.
Deianeira Well, we shall know shortly, for there I see the man already at the doors. He will soon depart. Only I ask that I may be well sheltered by you! When you accomplish even shameful deeds under the cover of darkness, you will never fall into disgrace.
Lichas What are your instructions? Tell me, daughter of Oeneus, for already I am tardy because of my long stay.
Deianeira
In fact I have just been seeing to this very thing for you, Lichas, while you were addressing the foreign women in the house: take for me this long robe, prepared by my own hand, a gift to my absent husband. Give it to him and tell him to be sure that no man puts it on his body before him and that it not be seen by the light of the sun, nor by the sacred precinct, nor by the blaze at the hearth, until he stands conspicuous before all eyes and shows it clearly to the gods on a day for the sacrifice of bulls. For so had I vowed, that if I should ever see or hear that he had come safely home, I would dutifully adorn him with this robe and reveal him to the god as a new sacrificer in new garb. As proof of your commission you will carry a token which he will easily recognize within the circle of this seal. Now go; and first, observe the rule that messengers should be unwilling to act out of line, and second, see to it that my thanks may be joined to his, doubling the gratitude you earn.
Lichas If I practice Hermes’ art of heraldry with any skill, I certainly will never slip up while doing your errand. I will not fail to carry and present this chest in the same condition, nor to add to it the proper assurance of the reasons which you have for sending it.
Deianeira You may go now, for you know well how things are with us in the house.
Lichas I know and will report that all is well.
Deianeira And you know, further, from your own eyes my greeting to the foreign girl, how I welcomed her warmly.
Lichas So much so that my heart was struck with joy.
Deianeira What more, then, is there for you to tell him? I am afraid that it would be too soon to speak of the longing on my part, before I know if I am longed for there.
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