Alcmene
What? Are you out of your senses?
[710]
Do you mean to leave me bereft with my grandchildren?
Iolaus
Yes, for defense is the concern of men, while you must care for these children.
Alcmene
But if you die, how shall I survive?
Iolaus
Your grandsons will care for those who are left behind.
Alcmene
But what if, God forbid, they should die?
Iolaus
[715]
Fear not, our hosts here will not give you up.
Alcmene
So much, and no more, are my grounds for hope!
Iolaus
And Zeus, I am sure, is concerned for your troubles.
Alcmene
Ah me! Zeus, to be sure, shall not hear words of reproach from me, but he knows best whether he has behaved towards me with piety.
Enter from the temple Servant bearing armor.
Servant
[720]
Here, as you see, is a full suit of armor. It would not be premature to put it on. For the contest is near and Ares hates the sluggard most of all. But if you are afraid of the weight of the weapons, walk without your armor and then when you are in the ranks
[725]
cover yourself with this finery. I shall carry it in the meantime.
Iolaus
Your suggestion is good. Carry my armor at the ready, and put the spear in my hand, then support my left forearm, directing my steps.
Servant
Must I lead a warrior as if he were a child?
Iolaus
[730]
My foot must not slip. It is a bad omen.
Servant
How I wish you were able to do all you desire to do!
Iolaus
Hurry! It will be terrible for me if I miss the battle.
Servant
But it is you, not I, who seem slow to act.
Iolaus
Don't you see how my feet hasten?
Servant
[735]
I see more imagination than haste.
Iolaus
This will not be your tune when you see me there...
Servant
Doing what? I could wish it were enjoying great success.
Iolaus
striking one of the enemy through his shield!
Servant
Yes, if we ever get there. That is a worry!
Iolaus
[740]
Would that I could get you as an ally, o right arm of mine, as I remember you when you were young, when in company with Heracles you sacked Sparta! How I would put Eurystheus to flight! For, you know, he is too cowardly to stand up to the spear.
[745]
There is this further injustice about prosperity: the prosperous are thought to be brave. We suppose that the fortunate can do everything well.Exit Iolaus and Servant by Eisodos A.
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Euripides. Euripides, with an English translation by David Kovacs. Cambridge. Harvard University Press. forthcoming.
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