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Enter by Eisodos A Peleus with retinue.
Peleus
Women of Phthia, tell me the answer to my question: I have heard an indistinct rumor that Menelaus' daughter has left the house [1050] and is gone and have come here eager to learn whether this is true. For those who are at home must be solicitous of the fortunes of their loved ones abroad. Chorus Leader
Peleus, the rumor you heard was true, and it is not right for me to conceal the troubles in whose midst I find myself: [1055] the queen has gone off in flight from this house. Peleus
In fear of what? Continue your account. Chorus Leader
Afraid from this house her husband might expel her. Peleus
For planning murder of the boy, perhaps? Chorus Leader
Yes, and in terror of her serving-woman. Peleus
[1060] With whom did she leave home? Was it her father? Chorus Leader
Agamemnon's son has led her from the land. Peleus
In hope of what? Meaning to marry her? Chorus Leader
Yes, and contriving death against your grandson. Peleus
Crouching in ambush or in open battle? Chorus Leader
[1065] With the help of Delphians there in Loxias' shrine. Peleus
Oh, oh, this is dreadful! Will not someone go with all speed to the Pythian altar and report what has happened here to our friends there before Achilles' son is killed at the hands of his enemies? Enter by Eisodos B a messenger.
Messenger
[1070] Ah me! What an unhappy lot is mine, and what terrible news have I come bearing for you, old sir, and for my master's kin! Peleus
Oh no! How my prophetic heart foretells disaster! Messenger
To tell you my news, aged Peleus, your grandson is dead: such are the sword-thrusts he has received [1075] from the men of Delphi and the stranger from Mycenae. Peleus staggers backwards.
Chorus Leader
Oh, oh, what are you doing, old man? Do not fall! Hold yourself up! Peleus
I am no more, I am destroyed! My speech has departed and the strength of the limbs that hold me up! Messenger
If you wish to avenge yourself and your kin, [1080] hear what has happened and hold yourself erect. Peleus
Ah fate, how you have overwhelmed me, unhappy man that I am, on the farthest edge of old age! But how did the only son of my only son perish? Though the news is past all hearing, I wish to hear.
Euripides. Euripides, with an English translation by David Kovacs. Cambridge. Harvard University Press. forthcoming.
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