Stasimon 6
[Episode]
Fortune has spread her wings, and we are ruined, ruined.
Theseus
What do you mean? what has he done?
Amphitryon
Slain them in a wild fit of frenzy
with arrows dipped in the venom of the hundred-headed hydra.
1190
Theseus
This is Hera’s work; but who lies there among the dead, old man?
Amphitryon
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.
Theseus
Ah, ah! whose fortune was ever so cursed as his?
1195
Amphitryon
Never will you find another mortal that has suffered more or been driven harder.
Theseus
Why does he veil his head, poor wretch, in his robe?
Amphitryon
He is ashamed to meet your eye;
his kinsman’s kind intent and his children’s blood make him abashed.
1200
Theseus
But I come to sympathize; uncover him.
Amphitryon
My son, remove that mantle
from your eyes, throw it from you, show your face to the sun. As a counterweight, fighting along with my tears, I entreat you as a suppliant, as I grasp your beard, your knees, your hands, and let fall
1205
the tear from my old eyes. O my child! restrain your savage lion-like temper, for you are rushing forth on an unholy course of bloodshed, eager to join mischief to mischief, child.
1210
Theseus
What! Enough! To you I call who are huddled there in your misery,
show to your friends your face; for no darkness is black enough to hide your sad mischance. Why do you wave your hand at me, signifying murder? is it that I may not be polluted by speaking with you?
1215
If I share your misfortune, what is that to me? For once I had good fortune with you. I must refer to the time when you brought 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
1220
but unwilling to sail in the same ship with them when they are unfortunate. Arise, unveil your head, poor wretch! and look on me. The gallant soul endures such blows as heaven deals and does not refuse them.
1225
Heracles
O Theseus, did you see this struggle with my children?
Theseus
I heard of it, and now I see the horrors you mean.
1230
Heracles
Why then have you unveiled my head to the sun?
Theseus
Why have I? you, a mortal, can not pollute what is of the gods.
Heracles
Try to escape, luckless wretch, from my unholy taint.
Theseus
The avenging fiend does not go forth from friend to friend.
Heracles
For this I thank you; I do not regret the service I did you.
1235
Theseus
While I, for kindness then received, now show my pity for you.
Heracles
Ah yes! I am piteous object, a murderer of my sons.
Theseus
I weep for you in your changed fortunes.
Heracles
Did you ever find another more afflicted?
