Epeisodion 3
Iolaus
Is then the host already armed for battle?
Servant (of Hyllus)
Yea, and already are the victims broughtκατῆρκται has been proposed for παρῆκται. nearπέλας is Dindorf’s emendation for ‘εκάς. the ranks.
Iolaus
About what distance is the Argive host from us?
Servant (of Hyllus)
Near enough for their general to be plainly seen.
675
Iolaus
What is he about? marshalling the enemy’s line?
Servant (of Hyllus)
So we guessed; we could not hear exactly. But I must go, for I would not that my master should engage the foe without me, if I can help it.
Iolaus
I also will go with thee; for I like thee am minded, so it seems, to be there and help my friends.
680
Servant (of Hyllus)
It least of all becomes thee thus to utter words of folly.
Iolaus
Far less to shrink from sharing with my friends the stubborn fight.
Servant (of Hyllus)
Mere looks can wound no one, if the arm do naught.
Iolaus
Why, cannot I smite even through their shields?
685
Servant (of Hyllus)
Smite perhaps, more likely be smitten thyself.
Iolaus
No foe will dare to meet me face to face.
Servant (of Hyllus)
Friend, the strength, that erst was thine, is thine no more,
Iolaus
Well, at any rate, I will fight with as many as ever I did.
Servant (of Hyllus)
Small the weight thou canst throw into the balance for thy friends.
690
Iolaus
Detain me not, when I have girded myself for action.
Servant (of Hyllus)
The power to act is thine no more, the will maybe is there.
Iolaus
Stay here I will not, say what elseBadham proposed τἀμὰ for τἄλλα. thou wilt
Servant (of Hyllus)
How shalt thou show thyself before the troops unarmed?
Iolaus
There be captured arms within this shrine; these will I use, and, if I live, restore; and, if I am slain, the god will not demand them of me back. Go thou within, and from its peg take down a suit of armour and forthwith bring it to me.
695
To linger thus at home is infamous, while some go fight, and others out of cowardice remain behind. [Exit Servant.
700
