3. The TRUTH is revealed to Heracles...

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         <titleStmt>
            <title>The Plays of <persName>Euripides</persName></title>
            <title>Translated into English Prose from the text of Paley</title>
            <author>Edward P. Coleridge</author>
         </titleStmt>
         <publicationStmt>
            <publisher>London G. Bell and Sons, LTD.</publisher>
            <pubPlace>Oriel College, Oxford</pubPlace>
            <date>1913</date>
         </publicationStmt>
         <sourceDesc>
            <p>Euripides, was one of the greatest greek tragedian playwriters of his time. According
               to resources, "The writer of some 90 plays, Euripides was also famous for posing
               awkward questions, unsettling his auidence with a thought-provoking treatmemt of
               common themes, and spicing up the story with thoroughtly immortal characters." This
               lead him to win a few festival competitions, unlike Aeschylus and Sopholes. He was
               well known for his problematic plays during his lifetime which was around f400-500
               BCE. According to resources he was "born in <placeName>Athens</placeName>c, 484 BCE
               to a well-to-do family, Euripides was the youngest of the city's other great
               playwrights." As he wrote tragedy it required him to become a producer and director
               of his own plays. Source:“Euripides.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. Accessed May 4,
               2018. https://www.ancient.eu/Euripides/. </p>
            <p>Fun Fact about Greek Tragedy: "Greek tragedy was a popular and influential form of
               drama performed in theatres across ancient Greece from the late 6th century BCE. The
               most famous playwrights of the genre were Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides and
               many of their works were still performed centuries after their initial premiere.
               Greek Tragedy led to Greek comedy and, together, these genres formed the foundation
               upon which all modern theatre is based." The three great Tragedians, wrote plays in
               order to compete in festivals but as the years went by their work was copied into
               scripts to be re-perform. This goes to show how the legacy continues on no matter how
               much time has passed. We will never truly understand what inspired them to write
               these plays but reserachers provides us with minimal information to figure it out on
               our own. Source: “Greek Tragedy.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. Accessed May 4, 2018.
               https://www.ancient.eu/Greek_Tragedy/. </p>
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      <front>
         <div type="castlist">
            <castList>
               <head rend="uppercase"><!-- The persons of the play --><hi rend="bold">Dramatis
                     Personae</hi></head>
               <castGroup>
                  <castItem><role>Amphitryon<note>Husband of Alcmena, the mother of Heracles. He
                           will appear abbreviated as AMP in the script.</note></role></castItem>
                  <castItem><role>Megara<note>Wife of Hercales, daughter of Creon. She will appear
                           abbreviated as MEG in the script.</note></role></castItem>
                  <castItem><role>Lycus<note>unlawful King of Thebes. He will appear abbreviated as
                           LYC in the script.</note></role></castItem>
                  <castItem><role>Iris<note>The messenger Goddess</note></role></castItem>
                  <castItem><role>Madness<note>Madness will appear abbreviated as
                     MAD.</note></role></castItem>
                  <castItem><role>Messenger<note>Messenger will appear abbreviated as
                        MES.</note></role></castItem>
                  <castItem><role>Heracles<note>Son of Zeus and Alcmena. He will appear abbreviated
                           as HER.</note></role></castItem>
                  <castItem><role>Theseus<note>King of Athens. He will appear abbreviated as
                           THE.</note></role></castItem>
                  <castItem><role>Chorus of Old Men of Thebes<note>Chorus will appear abbreviated as
                           CHO.</note></role>,</castItem>
               </castGroup>
            </castList>
         </div>
      </front>
      <body>
         <p>After reading the short summary provided in the previous file, please keep in mind that
            it is essential to read the actual play of Heracles in order to understand the Greek
            version of this hero. You will find that certain characters and place names differ from
            the Roman version of Heracles.</p>
         <stage type="action"> After the Massacre, Heracles is awakening at the altar of Zeus, his
            father. </stage>

         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <stage>waking</stage>
            <p> Aha! my breath returns<note>Unfortunately, Heracles has no idea what he just did and
                  he will never forgive himself for this tragedy.</note>; I am alive; and my eyes
               resume their function, opening on the sky and earth and yon<note> "Yon" is another
                  word for young sun referencing to the morning sun.</note>sun's darting beam; but
               how my senses reel! in what strange turmoil am I plunged! my fevered breath in quick
               spasmodic gasps escapes my lungs. How now? why am I lying here, made fast with cables
               like a ship, my brawny chest and arms tied to a shattered piece of masonry, with
               corpses for my neighbors; while o'er the floor my bow and arrows are scattered, that
               erst like trusty squires to my arm both kept me safe and were kept safe by me? Surely
               I am not come a second time to Hades' halls, having just returned from thence for
               Eurystheus? No, I do not see Sisyphus with his stone, or Pluto, or his queen,
               Demeter's child. Surely I am distraught; I cannot remember where I am. Ho, there!
               which of my friends is near or far to help me in my perplexity? For I have no clear
               knowledge of things once familiar. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> My aged friends, shall I approach the scene of my sorrow? </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>CHO.</speaker>
            <p> Yes, and let me go with thee, nor desert thee in thy trouble. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p> Father, why dost thou weep and veil thy eyes, standing aloof from thy beloved son?
            </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p>My child!<note>Amphitryon, speaks to Heracles in denial after witnessing such a
                  horrifying scene.</note> mine still, for all thy misery.</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p> Why, what is there so sad in my case that thou dost weep? </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> That which might make any of the gods weep, were he to suffer so. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p> A bold assertion that, but thou art not yet explaining what has happened. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> Thine own eyes see that, if by this time thou art restored to thy senses. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p>Fill in thy sketch if any change awaits my life.</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> I will explain, if thou art no longer mad as a fiend of hell. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p> God help us! what suspicions these dark hints of thine again excite! </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> I am still doubtful whether thou art in thy sober senses. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p>I never remember being mad.</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> Am I to loose my son, old friends, or what? </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p> Loose and say who bound me; for I feel shame at this. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> Rest content with what thou knowest of thy woes; the rest forego. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p> Enough! I have no wish to probe thy silence </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> O Zeus, dost thou behold these deeds proceeding from the throne of Hera? </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p>What! have I suffered something from her enmity?</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> A truce to the goddess! attend to your own troubles. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p>I am undone; what mischance wilt thou unfold? </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p>See here the corpses of thy children.</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p>O horror! what hideous sight is here? ah me!</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> My son, against thy children hast thou waged unnatural war. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p>War! what meanst thou? who killed these?</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> Thou and thy bow and some god, whoso he be that is to blame. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER></speaker>
            <p> What sayst thou? what have I done? Speak, father, thou messenger of evil! </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> Thou wert distraught; 'tis a sad explanation thou art asking. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p>Was it I that slew my wife also?</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p>Thy own unaided arm hath done all this.</p>
            <note/>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p> Ah, woe is me! a cloud of sorrow wraps me round. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p>The reason this that I lament thy fate.</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p>Did I dash my house to pieces or incite others thereto?</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> Naught know I save this, that thou art utterly undone. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p> Where did my frenzy seize me? where did it destroy me? </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p>In the moment thou wert purifying thyself with fire at the altar. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p> Ah me! [why do I spare my own life when I have taken that of my dear children?]
               Shall I not hasten to leap from some sheer rock, or aim the sword against my heart
               and avenge my children's blood, or burn my body in the fire and so avert from my life
               the infamy which now awaits me? </p>
            <p> But hither I see Theseus coming to check my deadly counsels, my kinsman and friend.
               Now shall I stand revealed, and the dearest of my friends will see the pollution I
               have incurred by my children's murder. Ah, woe is me! what am I to do? Where can I
               find release from my sorrows? shall I take wings or plunge beneath the earth? Come,
               let me veil my head in darkness;for I am ashamed of the evil I have done, and, since
               for these I have incurred fresh blood-guiltiness, I would fain not want to harm the
               innocent. </p>
         </sp>
         <stage>Theseus and his retinue enter.</stage>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p> I am come, and others with me, young warriors from the land of
                  <placeName>Athens</placeName> , encamped at present by the streams of Asopus, to
               help thy son, old friend. For a rumour reached the city of the Erechtheidae, that
               Lycus had usurped the scepter of this land and had become your enemy even to battle.
               Wherefore I came making recompense for the former kindness of Heracles in saving me
               from the world below, if haply ye have any need of such aid as I or my allies can
               give, old prince. </p>
            <p> Ha! what means this heap of dead upon the floor? Surely I have not delayed too long
               and come too late to check a revolution? Who slew these children? whose wife is this
               I see? Boys do not go to battle; nay, it must be some other strange mischance I here
               discover.</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p>O king, whose home is that olive-clad hill!</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p>Why this piteous prelude in addressing me?</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> Heaven has afflicted us with grievous suffering. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p>Whose are these children, o'er whom thou weepest?</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> My own son's children, woe to him! their father and butcher both was he, hardening
               his heart to the bloody deed. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p>Hush! good words only!</p>
            <note>Theseus, being heracles good friend, is in awe about what he is being told. He
               cannot believe that heracles would commit such a horrifying crime to his own family.
               When he says "Hush! good words only!", he does not want Amphitryon to say another
               word about what just happen because he sincerely wants to believe it is just a bad
               joke. In reality it is not. </note>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p>I would I could obey! </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p>What dreadful words!</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> Fortune has spread her wings, and we are ruined, ruined. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p>Whatmeanst thou? what hath he done?</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> Slain them in a wild fit of frenzy with arrows dipped in the venom of the
               hundred-headed hydra.<note>The Hundred-headed hydra in Greek mythology has been
                  considered one of the most ferocious monsters that is known to be the largest
                  snake.</note>
            </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p> This is Hera's work; but who lies there among the dead, old man? </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> My son, my own enduring son, that marched with gods to Phlegra's plain, there to
               battle with giants and slay them, warrior that he was. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p>Ah! woe for him! whose fortune was e'er so curst as his? <note> Is Heracles life
                  cursed because he was born with some much strength? are trying to vengate against
                  him.</note>
            </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> Never wilt thou find another that hath borne a larger share of suffering or been
               more fatally deceived. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p> Why doth he veil his head, poor wretch, in his robe? </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> He is ashamed to meet thine eye; his kinsman's kind intent and his children's blood
               make him abashed. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p>But I come to sympathize; uncover him.</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>AMP.</speaker>
            <p> My son, remove that mantle from thine eyes, throw it from thee, show your face unto
               the sun; a counterpoise to weeping is battling for the mastery. In suppliant wise I
               entreat thee, as I grasp thy beard, thy knees, thy hands, and let fall the tear from
               my old eyes. O my child! restrain thy savage lion-like temper, for thou art rushing
               forth on an unholy course of bloodshed, eager to join mischief to mischief. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p> What ho! To thee I call who art huddled there in thy misery, show to thy friends thy
               face; for no darkness is black enough to hide thy sad mischance. Why dost thou wave
               thy hand at me, signifying murder? is it that I may not be polluted by speaking with
               thee? If I share thy misfortune, what is that to me? For if I too had luck in days
               gone by, I must refer it to the time when thou didst bring me safe from the dead to
               the light of life. I hate a friend whose gratitude grows old; one who is ready to
               enjoy his friends' prosperity but unwilling to sail in the same ship with them when
               their fortune lours. Arise, unveil thy head, poor wretch! and look on me. The gallant
               soul endures without such blows as heaven deals. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p> O Theseus, didst thou witness this struggle with my children? </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p> I heard of it, and now I see the horrors thou meanest. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p>Why then hast thou unveiled my head to the sun?</p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p> Why have I? Thou, a man, canst not pollute what is of the God. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p> Fly, luckless wretch, from my unholy taint. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p> The avenging fiend does not go forth from friend to friend. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p> For this I thank thee; I do not regret the service I did thee. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>THE.</speaker>
            <p> While I, for kindness then received, now show my pity for thee. </p>
         </sp>
         <sp>
            <speaker>HER.</speaker>
            <p>Ah yes! I am piteous object, a murderer of my own sons.</p>
         </sp>
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</TEI>
The Plays of Euripides Translated into English Prose from the text of Paley Edward P. Coleridge London G. Bell and Sons, LTD. Oriel College, Oxford 1913

Euripides, was one of the greatest greek tragedian playwriters of his time. According to resources, "The writer of some 90 plays, Euripides was also famous for posing awkward questions, unsettling his auidence with a thought-provoking treatmemt of common themes, and spicing up the story with thoroughtly immortal characters." This lead him to win a few festival competitions, unlike Aeschylus and Sopholes. He was well known for his problematic plays during his lifetime which was around f400-500 BCE. According to resources he was "born in Athensc, 484 BCE to a well-to-do family, Euripides was the youngest of the city's other great playwrights." As he wrote tragedy it required him to become a producer and director of his own plays. Source:“Euripides.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. Accessed May 4, 2018. https://www.ancient.eu/Euripides/.

Fun Fact about Greek Tragedy: "Greek tragedy was a popular and influential form of drama performed in theatres across ancient Greece from the late 6th century BCE. The most famous playwrights of the genre were Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides and many of their works were still performed centuries after their initial premiere. Greek Tragedy led to Greek comedy and, together, these genres formed the foundation upon which all modern theatre is based." The three great Tragedians, wrote plays in order to compete in festivals but as the years went by their work was copied into scripts to be re-perform. This goes to show how the legacy continues on no matter how much time has passed. We will never truly understand what inspired them to write these plays but reserachers provides us with minimal information to figure it out on our own. Source: “Greek Tragedy.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. Accessed May 4, 2018. https://www.ancient.eu/Greek_Tragedy/.

Dramatis Personae Amphitryon01 Husband of Alcmena, the mother of Heracles. He will appear abbreviated as AMP in the script. Megara02 Wife of Hercales, daughter of Creon. She will appear abbreviated as MEG in the script. Lycus03 unlawful King of Thebes. He will appear abbreviated as LYC in the script. Iris04 The messenger Goddess Madness05 Madness will appear abbreviated as MAD. Messenger06 Messenger will appear abbreviated as MES. Heracles07 Son of Zeus and Alcmena. He will appear abbreviated as HER. Theseus08 King of Athens. He will appear abbreviated as THE. Chorus of Old Men of Thebes09 Chorus will appear abbreviated as CHO. ,

After reading the short summary provided in the previous file, please keep in mind that it is essential to read the actual play of Heracles in order to understand the Greek version of this hero. You will find that certain characters and place names differ from the Roman version of Heracles.

After the Massacre, Heracles is awakening at the altar of Zeus, his father. HER. waking

Aha! my breath returns10 Unfortunately, Heracles has no idea what he just did and he will never forgive himself for this tragedy.; I am alive; and my eyes resume their function, opening on the sky and earth and yon11 "Yon" is another word for young sun referencing to the morning sun.sun's darting beam; but how my senses reel! in what strange turmoil am I plunged! my fevered breath in quick spasmodic gasps escapes my lungs. How now? why am I lying here, made fast with cables like a ship, my brawny chest and arms tied to a shattered piece of masonry, with corpses for my neighbors; while o'er the floor my bow and arrows are scattered, that erst like trusty squires to my arm both kept me safe and were kept safe by me? Surely I am not come a second time to Hades' halls, having just returned from thence for Eurystheus? No, I do not see Sisyphus with his stone, or Pluto, or his queen, Demeter's child. Surely I am distraught; I cannot remember where I am. Ho, there! which of my friends is near or far to help me in my perplexity? For I have no clear knowledge of things once familiar.

AMP.

My aged friends, shall I approach the scene of my sorrow?

CHO.

Yes, and let me go with thee, nor desert thee in thy trouble.

HER.

Father, why dost thou weep and veil thy eyes, standing aloof from thy beloved son?

AMP.

My child!12 Amphitryon, speaks to Heracles in denial after witnessing such a horrifying scene. mine still, for all thy misery.

HER.

Why, what is there so sad in my case that thou dost weep?

AMP.

That which might make any of the gods weep, were he to suffer so.

HER.

A bold assertion that, but thou art not yet explaining what has happened.

AMP.

Thine own eyes see that, if by this time thou art restored to thy senses.

HER.

Fill in thy sketch if any change awaits my life.

AMP.

I will explain, if thou art no longer mad as a fiend of hell.

HER.

God help us! what suspicions these dark hints of thine again excite!

AMP.

I am still doubtful whether thou art in thy sober senses.

HER.

I never remember being mad.

AMP.

Am I to loose my son, old friends, or what?

HER.

Loose and say who bound me; for I feel shame at this.

AMP.

Rest content with what thou knowest of thy woes; the rest forego.

HER.

Enough! I have no wish to probe thy silence

AMP.

O Zeus, dost thou behold these deeds proceeding from the throne of Hera?

HER.

What! have I suffered something from her enmity?

AMP.

A truce to the goddess! attend to your own troubles.

HER.

I am undone; what mischance wilt thou unfold?

AMP.

See here the corpses of thy children.

HER.

O horror! what hideous sight is here? ah me!

AMP.

My son, against thy children hast thou waged unnatural war.

HER.

War! what meanst thou? who killed these?

AMP.

Thou and thy bow and some god, whoso he be that is to blame.

HER>

What sayst thou? what have I done? Speak, father, thou messenger of evil!

AMP.

Thou wert distraught; 'tis a sad explanation thou art asking.

HER.

Was it I that slew my wife also?

AMP.

Thy own unaided arm hath done all this.

13
HER.

Ah, woe is me! a cloud of sorrow wraps me round.

AMP.

The reason this that I lament thy fate.

HER.

Did I dash my house to pieces or incite others thereto?

AMP.

Naught know I save this, that thou art utterly undone.

HER.

Where did my frenzy seize me? where did it destroy me?

AMP.

In the moment thou wert purifying thyself with fire at the altar.

HER.

Ah me! [why do I spare my own life when I have taken that of my dear children?] Shall I not hasten to leap from some sheer rock, or aim the sword against my heart and avenge my children's blood, or burn my body in the fire and so avert from my life the infamy which now awaits me?

But hither I see Theseus coming to check my deadly counsels, my kinsman and friend. Now shall I stand revealed, and the dearest of my friends will see the pollution I have incurred by my children's murder. Ah, woe is me! what am I to do? Where can I find release from my sorrows? shall I take wings or plunge beneath the earth? Come, let me veil my head in darkness;for I am ashamed of the evil I have done, and, since for these I have incurred fresh blood-guiltiness, I would fain not want to harm the innocent.

Theseus and his retinue enter. THE.

I am come, and others with me, young warriors from the land of Athens , encamped at present by the streams of Asopus, to help thy son, old friend. For a rumour reached the city of the Erechtheidae, that Lycus had usurped the scepter of this land and had become your enemy even to battle. Wherefore I came making recompense for the former kindness of Heracles in saving me from the world below, if haply ye have any need of such aid as I or my allies can give, old prince.

Ha! what means this heap of dead upon the floor? Surely I have not delayed too long and come too late to check a revolution? Who slew these children? whose wife is this I see? Boys do not go to battle; nay, it must be some other strange mischance I here discover.

AMP.

O king, whose home is that olive-clad hill!

THE.

Why this piteous prelude in addressing me?

AMP.

Heaven has afflicted us with grievous suffering.

THE.

Whose are these children, o'er whom thou weepest?

AMP.

My own son's children, woe to him! their father and butcher both was he, hardening his heart to the bloody deed.

THE.

Hush! good words only!

14 Theseus, being heracles good friend, is in awe about what he is being told. He cannot believe that heracles would commit such a horrifying crime to his own family. When he says "Hush! good words only!", he does not want Amphitryon to say another word about what just happen because he sincerely wants to believe it is just a bad joke. In reality it is not.
AMP.

I would I could obey!

THE.

What dreadful words!

AMP.

Fortune has spread her wings, and we are ruined, ruined.

THE.

Whatmeanst thou? what hath he done?

AMP.

Slain them in a wild fit of frenzy with arrows dipped in the venom of the hundred-headed hydra.15 The Hundred-headed hydra in Greek mythology has been considered one of the most ferocious monsters that is known to be the largest snake.

THE.

This is Hera's work; but who lies there among the dead, old man?

AMP.

My son, my own enduring son, that marched with gods to Phlegra's plain, there to battle with giants and slay them, warrior that he was.

THE.

Ah! woe for him! whose fortune was e'er so curst as his? 16 Is Heracles life cursed because he was born with some much strength? are trying to vengate against him.

AMP.

Never wilt thou find another that hath borne a larger share of suffering or been more fatally deceived.

THE.

Why doth he veil his head, poor wretch, in his robe?

AMP.

He is ashamed to meet thine eye; his kinsman's kind intent and his children's blood make him abashed.

THE.

But I come to sympathize; uncover him.

AMP.

My son, remove that mantle from thine eyes, throw it from thee, show your face unto the sun; a counterpoise to weeping is battling for the mastery. In suppliant wise I entreat thee, as I grasp thy beard, thy knees, thy hands, and let fall the tear from my old eyes. O my child! restrain thy savage lion-like temper, for thou art rushing forth on an unholy course of bloodshed, eager to join mischief to mischief.

THE.

What ho! To thee I call who art huddled there in thy misery, show to thy friends thy face; for no darkness is black enough to hide thy sad mischance. Why dost thou wave thy hand at me, signifying murder? is it that I may not be polluted by speaking with thee? If I share thy misfortune, what is that to me? For if I too had luck in days gone by, I must refer it to the time when thou didst bring me safe from the dead to the light of life. I hate a friend whose gratitude grows old; one who is ready to enjoy his friends' prosperity but unwilling to sail in the same ship with them when their fortune lours. Arise, unveil thy head, poor wretch! and look on me. The gallant soul endures without such blows as heaven deals.

HER.

O Theseus, didst thou witness this struggle with my children?

THE.

I heard of it, and now I see the horrors thou meanest.

HER.

Why then hast thou unveiled my head to the sun?

THE.

Why have I? Thou, a man, canst not pollute what is of the God.

HER.

Fly, luckless wretch, from my unholy taint.

THE.

The avenging fiend does not go forth from friend to friend.

HER.

For this I thank thee; I do not regret the service I did thee.

THE.

While I, for kindness then received, now show my pity for thee.

HER.

Ah yes! I am piteous object, a murderer of my own sons.

Toolbox

Themes:

The Plays of Euripides Translated into English Prose from the text of Paley Edward P. Coleridge London G. Bell and Sons, LTD. Oriel College, Oxford 1913

Euripides, was one of the greatest greek tragedian playwriters of his time. According to resources, "The writer of some 90 plays, Euripides was also famous for posing awkward questions, unsettling his auidence with a thought-provoking treatmemt of common themes, and spicing up the story with thoroughtly immortal characters." This lead him to win a few festival competitions, unlike Aeschylus and Sopholes. He was well known for his problematic plays during his lifetime which was around f400-500 BCE. According to resources he was "born in Athensc, 484 BCE to a well-to-do family, Euripides was the youngest of the city's other great playwrights." As he wrote tragedy it required him to become a producer and director of his own plays. Source:“Euripides.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. Accessed May 4, 2018. https://www.ancient.eu/Euripides/.

Fun Fact about Greek Tragedy: "Greek tragedy was a popular and influential form of drama performed in theatres across ancient Greece from the late 6th century BCE. The most famous playwrights of the genre were Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides and many of their works were still performed centuries after their initial premiere. Greek Tragedy led to Greek comedy and, together, these genres formed the foundation upon which all modern theatre is based." The three great Tragedians, wrote plays in order to compete in festivals but as the years went by their work was copied into scripts to be re-perform. This goes to show how the legacy continues on no matter how much time has passed. We will never truly understand what inspired them to write these plays but reserachers provides us with minimal information to figure it out on our own. Source: “Greek Tragedy.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. Accessed May 4, 2018. https://www.ancient.eu/Greek_Tragedy/.

Dramatis Personae AmphitryonHusband of Alcmena, the mother of Heracles. He will appear abbreviated as AMP in the script. MegaraWife of Hercales, daughter of Creon. She will appear abbreviated as MEG in the script. Lycusunlawful King of Thebes. He will appear abbreviated as LYC in the script. IrisThe messenger Goddess MadnessMadness will appear abbreviated as MAD. MessengerMessenger will appear abbreviated as MES. HeraclesSon of Zeus and Alcmena. He will appear abbreviated as HER. TheseusKing of Athens. He will appear abbreviated as THE. Chorus of Old Men of ThebesChorus will appear abbreviated as CHO. ,

After reading the short summary provided in the previous file, please keep in mind that it is essential to read the actual play of Heracles in order to understand the Greek version of this hero. You will find that certain characters and place names differ from the Roman version of Heracles.

After the Massacre, Heracles is awakening at the altar of Zeus, his father. HER. waking

Aha! my breath returnsUnfortunately, Heracles has no idea what he just did and he will never forgive himself for this tragedy.; I am alive; and my eyes resume their function, opening on the sky and earth and yon "Yon" is another word for young sun referencing to the morning sun.sun's darting beam; but how my senses reel! in what strange turmoil am I plunged! my fevered breath in quick spasmodic gasps escapes my lungs. How now? why am I lying here, made fast with cables like a ship, my brawny chest and arms tied to a shattered piece of masonry, with corpses for my neighbors; while o'er the floor my bow and arrows are scattered, that erst like trusty squires to my arm both kept me safe and were kept safe by me? Surely I am not come a second time to Hades' halls, having just returned from thence for Eurystheus? No, I do not see Sisyphus with his stone, or Pluto, or his queen, Demeter's child. Surely I am distraught; I cannot remember where I am. Ho, there! which of my friends is near or far to help me in my perplexity? For I have no clear knowledge of things once familiar.

AMP.

My aged friends, shall I approach the scene of my sorrow?

CHO.

Yes, and let me go with thee, nor desert thee in thy trouble.

HER.

Father, why dost thou weep and veil thy eyes, standing aloof from thy beloved son?

AMP.

My child!Amphitryon, speaks to Heracles in denial after witnessing such a horrifying scene. mine still, for all thy misery.

HER.

Why, what is there so sad in my case that thou dost weep?

AMP.

That which might make any of the gods weep, were he to suffer so.

HER.

A bold assertion that, but thou art not yet explaining what has happened.

AMP.

Thine own eyes see that, if by this time thou art restored to thy senses.

HER.

Fill in thy sketch if any change awaits my life.

AMP.

I will explain, if thou art no longer mad as a fiend of hell.

HER.

God help us! what suspicions these dark hints of thine again excite!

AMP.

I am still doubtful whether thou art in thy sober senses.

HER.

I never remember being mad.

AMP.

Am I to loose my son, old friends, or what?

HER.

Loose and say who bound me; for I feel shame at this.

AMP.

Rest content with what thou knowest of thy woes; the rest forego.

HER.

Enough! I have no wish to probe thy silence

AMP.

O Zeus, dost thou behold these deeds proceeding from the throne of Hera?

HER.

What! have I suffered something from her enmity?

AMP.

A truce to the goddess! attend to your own troubles.

HER.

I am undone; what mischance wilt thou unfold?

AMP.

See here the corpses of thy children.

HER.

O horror! what hideous sight is here? ah me!

AMP.

My son, against thy children hast thou waged unnatural war.

HER.

War! what meanst thou? who killed these?

AMP.

Thou and thy bow and some god, whoso he be that is to blame.

HER>

What sayst thou? what have I done? Speak, father, thou messenger of evil!

AMP.

Thou wert distraught; 'tis a sad explanation thou art asking.

HER.

Was it I that slew my wife also?

AMP.

Thy own unaided arm hath done all this.

HER.

Ah, woe is me! a cloud of sorrow wraps me round.

AMP.

The reason this that I lament thy fate.

HER.

Did I dash my house to pieces or incite others thereto?

AMP.

Naught know I save this, that thou art utterly undone.

HER.

Where did my frenzy seize me? where did it destroy me?

AMP.

In the moment thou wert purifying thyself with fire at the altar.

HER.

Ah me! [why do I spare my own life when I have taken that of my dear children?] Shall I not hasten to leap from some sheer rock, or aim the sword against my heart and avenge my children's blood, or burn my body in the fire and so avert from my life the infamy which now awaits me?

But hither I see Theseus coming to check my deadly counsels, my kinsman and friend. Now shall I stand revealed, and the dearest of my friends will see the pollution I have incurred by my children's murder. Ah, woe is me! what am I to do? Where can I find release from my sorrows? shall I take wings or plunge beneath the earth? Come, let me veil my head in darkness;for I am ashamed of the evil I have done, and, since for these I have incurred fresh blood-guiltiness, I would fain not want to harm the innocent.

Theseus and his retinue enter. THE.

I am come, and others with me, young warriors from the land of Athens , encamped at present by the streams of Asopus, to help thy son, old friend. For a rumour reached the city of the Erechtheidae, that Lycus had usurped the scepter of this land and had become your enemy even to battle. Wherefore I came making recompense for the former kindness of Heracles in saving me from the world below, if haply ye have any need of such aid as I or my allies can give, old prince.

Ha! what means this heap of dead upon the floor? Surely I have not delayed too long and come too late to check a revolution? Who slew these children? whose wife is this I see? Boys do not go to battle; nay, it must be some other strange mischance I here discover.

AMP.

O king, whose home is that olive-clad hill!

THE.

Why this piteous prelude in addressing me?

AMP.

Heaven has afflicted us with grievous suffering.

THE.

Whose are these children, o'er whom thou weepest?

AMP.

My own son's children, woe to him! their father and butcher both was he, hardening his heart to the bloody deed.

THE.

Hush! good words only!

Theseus, being heracles good friend, is in awe about what he is being told. He cannot believe that heracles would commit such a horrifying crime to his own family. When he says "Hush! good words only!", he does not want Amphitryon to say another word about what just happen because he sincerely wants to believe it is just a bad joke. In reality it is not.
AMP.

I would I could obey!

THE.

What dreadful words!

AMP.

Fortune has spread her wings, and we are ruined, ruined.

THE.

Whatmeanst thou? what hath he done?

AMP.

Slain them in a wild fit of frenzy with arrows dipped in the venom of the hundred-headed hydra.The Hundred-headed hydra in Greek mythology has been considered one of the most ferocious monsters that is known to be the largest snake.

THE.

This is Hera's work; but who lies there among the dead, old man?

AMP.

My son, my own enduring son, that marched with gods to Phlegra's plain, there to battle with giants and slay them, warrior that he was.

THE.

Ah! woe for him! whose fortune was e'er so curst as his? Is Heracles life cursed because he was born with some much strength? are trying to vengate against him.

AMP.

Never wilt thou find another that hath borne a larger share of suffering or been more fatally deceived.

THE.

Why doth he veil his head, poor wretch, in his robe?

AMP.

He is ashamed to meet thine eye; his kinsman's kind intent and his children's blood make him abashed.

THE.

But I come to sympathize; uncover him.

AMP.

My son, remove that mantle from thine eyes, throw it from thee, show your face unto the sun; a counterpoise to weeping is battling for the mastery. In suppliant wise I entreat thee, as I grasp thy beard, thy knees, thy hands, and let fall the tear from my old eyes. O my child! restrain thy savage lion-like temper, for thou art rushing forth on an unholy course of bloodshed, eager to join mischief to mischief.

THE.

What ho! To thee I call who art huddled there in thy misery, show to thy friends thy face; for no darkness is black enough to hide thy sad mischance. Why dost thou wave thy hand at me, signifying murder? is it that I may not be polluted by speaking with thee? If I share thy misfortune, what is that to me? For if I too had luck in days gone by, I must refer it to the time when thou didst bring me safe from the dead to the light of life. I hate a friend whose gratitude grows old; one who is ready to enjoy his friends' prosperity but unwilling to sail in the same ship with them when their fortune lours. Arise, unveil thy head, poor wretch! and look on me. The gallant soul endures without such blows as heaven deals.

HER.

O Theseus, didst thou witness this struggle with my children?

THE.

I heard of it, and now I see the horrors thou meanest.

HER.

Why then hast thou unveiled my head to the sun?

THE.

Why have I? Thou, a man, canst not pollute what is of the God.

HER.

Fly, luckless wretch, from my unholy taint.

THE.

The avenging fiend does not go forth from friend to friend.

HER.

For this I thank thee; I do not regret the service I did thee.

THE.

While I, for kindness then received, now show my pity for thee.

HER.

Ah yes! I am piteous object, a murderer of my own sons.