EURIPIDES
His mother would not endure
to have her body hidden in the ground
for him, nor the aged father.
He was theirs, but they had not courage to save him.
Oh shame, for the gray was upon them. 470
But you, in the pride
of youth, died for him and left the daylight.
May it only be mine to win
such wedded love as hers from a wife; for this
is given seldom to mortals; but were my wife such, I
would have her
with me unhurt through her lifetime. 475
(Enter Heracles from the road, travel-stained.)
Heracles
My friends, people of Pherae and the villages
hereby, tell me, shall I find Admetus at home?
Chorus
Yes, Heracles, the son of Pheres is in the house.
But tell us, what is the errand that brings you here
to Thessaly and the city of Pherae once again? 480
Heracles
I have a piece of work to do for Eurystheus
of Tiryns.
Chorus
Where does it take you? On what far journey?
Heracles
To Thrace, to take home Diomedes' chariot.
Chorus
How can you? Do you know the man you are to meet?
Heracles
No. I have never been where the Bistones live. 485
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