Deianeira
There is a saying among men, put forth long ago, that you cannot judge a mortal’s life and know whether it is good or bad until he dies. But well I know, even before I have passed away to Hades’ domain, that my life is ill-fortuned and heavy. For I, while still dwelling in the house of my father Oeneus at Pleuron, had such fear of marriage as never any woman of Aetolia had. For my suitor was a river-god, Achelous, who in three shapes was always asking me from my father—coming now as a bull in visible form, now as a serpent, sheeny and coiled, now ox-faced with human trunk, while from his thick-shaded beard wellheads of fountain-water sprayed. In the expectation that such a suitor would get me, I was always praying in my misery that I might die, before I should ever approach that marriage-bed. But at last, to my joy, the glorious son of Zeus and Alcmena came and closed with him in combat and delivered me. The manner of their fighting I cannot clearly recount. I know it not, but if there be anyone who watched that sight without trembling, he might give an account of it. But I, as I sat there, was struck with terror, lest my beauty should win me sorrow in the end. But Zeus, Arbiter of Contests, accomplished a good ending—if indeed it was good. For since being joined with Heracles as his chosen bride, I nourish one fear after another in my anxiety for him. One night brings distress, and the next night, in turn, drives it out. Children, furthermore, were born to us, whom at the time he looked at only as the farmer looks at a distant field, visiting it only once to sow seed and once to reap. Such was the manner of his life, ever sending him to and from our home in servitude to some master. But now, when he has risen above those trials—now it is that my fear is keenest. For ever since he slew the mighty Iphitus, we have been dwelling here in Trachis, refugees in the home of a foreign host. But where Heracles is, no one knows. I only know that he is gone, and has caused me sharp pain for him. I am almost sure that he has come to some suffering. The interval has not been brief; rather, he is unheard from ten months already, plus another five. Yes, there has been some terrible misfortune. That tablet which he left with me before departing suggests it to me. I often pray to the gods that I did not receive it to my misfortune.
Nurse
Deianeira, my mistress, many are the times already that I have observed you mourning the departure of Heracles with great weeping and lamentation. But now—if it is proper to school the free-born with the doctrines of a slave, and if I am obliged to point out what you should do—how is it that you so abound in sons, yet you do not send one of them to seek your husband, especially Hyllus? It would be appropriate to send him, if he cared for his father’s sake that he be deemed to fare well. Here he is now, dashing to the house in timely stride. So if in your eyes I speak in season, you can use both my counsel and the man.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Deianeira They read that either he shall meet the end of his life, or, after taking on this contest, he shall thereafter, at least, enjoy a happy life for its duration. And so, my child, when his fate is thus trembling in the balance, will you not go to assist him? For we are saved, if he finds safety, or we perish along with him.
Hyllus I will go, Mother. Had I known the substance of these prophecies, I would have long been at his side. As it was, my father’s usual good fortune did not allow me to fear for him, nor to be overly anxious. Now that I have the knowledge, I will spare no pains to learn the whole truth in this matter.
Deianeira Go, then, my son. For prosperity yields advantage even for him who learns of it late.
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