Euripides, Heracleidae
David Kovacs, Ed.

Herald
Not even if I have a just cause and am victorious in my plea?

Demophon
And how is it just to abduct a suppliant?

Herald
[255] Is that not a blot on my name but no harm to you?

Demophon
The disgrace is mine if I let you drag these children off.

Herald
Put them beyond your border and we will take them from there.

Demophon
You are a fool to think you can outwit the god.

Herald
This is the place, it seems, for the worthless to flee.

Demophon
[260] The gods' sanctuaries are a common defense for all.

Herald
Perhaps Mycenae's people will not think so.

Demophon
Am I not then the master of things here?

Herald
Yes, if you are wise enough not to injure them.

Demophon
Be injured! I shall not defile the gods.

Herald
[265] I am not eager you should have war with Argos.

Demophon
No more am I. But these I'll not let go.

Herald
I'll take them all the same for they are mine.

Demophon
Then you will find the trip to Argos hard.

Herald
I'll learn from the event if this is so.

Demophon
[270] You touch them to your cost—your present cost!

Chorus Leader
In the gods' name, don't dare to strike a herald!

Demophon
I will, unless the herald learns some sense.

Chorus Leader
Be off! To Demophon And you, my lord, do not touch him.

Herald
I am going: a single man can put up only a weak fight. [275] But I shall return with a great force of Argive soldiers in full armor. Ten thousand targeteers are waiting for me with Eurystheus their lord as general. He is standing by on the edge of Alcathous' land,¹ awaiting the outcome of events here. [280] When he hears of your insolence, he will appear in his fury to you, your citizens, your land, and its crops. There would be no point in Argos' possessing so great an army of young men if we did not punish you.

Demophon
Clear out! I am not afraid of your Argos. [285] It was not destined that you would remove these suppliants from Athens and disgrace me. For the city that I rule is not Argos' subject but free.Exit Herald by Eisodos A.