EURIPIDES
lolaus
This man here dragged me from the altar by
Main force, and showed contempt for all your gods.
Chorus
What country are you coming from, old man?
Have you reached these federated states
By the blade of the oar in the sea? Were you
Rowed over here from some Eubocan port?
lolaus
No, we're no islanders. We've made our way
To Athens from Mycenae.
Chorus
And what name did you go by
Among the Mycenaean citizens?
lolaus
YouVe heard of me, I think. I'm lolaus,
Known as the right-hand man of Heracles.
Chorus
The name has a familiar ring. But please,
Why don't you tell us whose young children these
Are, whom you're leading by the hand?
lolaus
These are the sons of Heracles, who've come
To ask protection here from you and yours.
Chorus
Just what is it you want of us? Are you
Applying for a hearing here?
lolaus
We ask you to stand by us and to keep
The Argives from abducting us by force.
136'