Euripides, Heracleidae
David Kovacs, Ed.

Alcmene
[660] I wish you joy as well, sir, for your news. But why, when he has come to this land, <has he not returned to us?> Where is he? What misfortune prevents him from coming here with you and giving joy to my heart?

Servant
He is encamping and marshalling the army he brought with him.

Alcmene
[665] This last report is of no concern to us.

Iolaus
But it is. It is my task to inquire into this.

Servant
Which events do you want to learn of?

Iolaus
How large an allied force has he arrived with?

Servant
A large one. The number beyond this I cannot tell you.

Iolaus
[670] The Athenian leaders, I suppose, are aware of this.

Servant
Yes, and what is more, they have posted them on our left wing.

Iolaus
What? Is the force already armed for battle?

Servant
Yes, and sacrificial victims have been brought to each company.

Iolaus
How far off is the Argive force?

Servant
[675] Close enough to see their general clearly.

Iolaus
What is he doing? Marshalling the enemy ranks?

Servant
That was our guess. We could not hear him clearly. But I shall go. I would not like to see my masters closing on the enemy deprived of my part in their defense.

Iolaus
[680] I shall go with you. For we have the same thought, it seems, to stand by our friends and help them.

Servant
It is most unlike you to utter such a foolish thought.

Iolaus
Unlike me, too, to fail to join my friends in battle.

Servant
The strength you once had, my friend, is no more.

Iolaus
[689] I shall, at all events, fight against as many foes as before.

Servant
Slight is the weight you add to your friends' side.

Iolaus
No enemy will be able to endure looking at me.

Servant
The sight of you will not wound without the help of your hand.

Iolaus
What? Will not even my blow pierce through their shields?

Servant
[686] You will strike a blow, but perhaps you will fall over first.

Iolaus
Do not stand in my way when I am prepared to act.

Servant
To act is not in your power. Perhaps you may wish.

Iolaus
Say on, if you like. I will not stay to hear further words.

Servant
How can you appear as a hoplite if you have no armor?

Iolaus
[695] There are captured weapons in this temple. I shall make use of them. If I live, I shall give them back, but if I die, the god will not ask me for their return. Go in, take down a suit of armor from the pegs on the wall and bring it to me with all speed. [700] This home-watch of mine is a disgraceful thing, some of the men joining in battle while others in cowardice stay behind.Exit the Servant into the temple.