Stasimon 4
[Episode]
Is it fancy, or did I just now hear some cry of grief rushing through the house?
First Semi-Chorus
What is this?
865
Second Semi-Chorus
It is no uncertain sound, but a wail of anguish from inside. The house has some new trouble.
Chorus
And note how strangely, with what consternation on her brow
that old woman approaches to give us some news.
870
Nurse
Ah, my daughters, great, indeed, are the sorrows for us that began with the gift sent to Heracles!
Chorus
Old woman, what new trouble have you to tell?
Nurse
Deianeira has departed on the last
of all her journeys, departed without stirring a foot.
875
Chorus
Surely you do not mean she is dead?
Chorus
Dead, the poor woman?
Nurse
Again you hear me affirm it.
Chorus
Poor, lost one! Tell me, what was the manner of her death?
Nurse
Oh, it was most cruel in its execution!
woman, with what end did she meet?
880
Nurse
She destroyed herself.
Chorus
What impulse drove her? What disease of her mind seized her on the point of its evil shaft? How did she contrive
this death upon death, accomplishing it all on her own?
885
Nurse
By a stroke of the sword which gives cause for mourning.
Chorus
Did you witness that violent deed, poor helpless one?
Nurse
I did, yes, since I was standing close by.
Chorus
What was it? How was it done? Oh, speak!
890
Nurse
Of her own accord she set her hand to the deed.
Chorus
What are you saying?
Chorus
The firstborn, the firstborn of that newly arisen bride is
a great Erinys on this house!
895
Nurse
Too true. And had you been close at hand and seen her do it, you would have pitied her even more.
