EURIPIDES
Chorus
Ares'. And he is lord of the golden shield of Thrace.
Heracles
It sounds like my life and the kind of work I do.
It is a hard and steep way always that I go, 500
having to fight one after another all the sons
the war god ever got him, with Lycaon first,
again with Cycnus, and now here is a third fight
that I must have with the master of these horses. So—
I am Alcmene's son, and the man does not live 505
who will see me break before my enemy's attack.
Chorus
Here is the monarch of our country coming
from the house himself, Admetus.
(Enter Admetus.)
Admetus
Welcome and happiness
to you, O scion of Perseus' blood and child of Zeus.
Heracles
Happiness to you likewise, lord of Thessaly, 510
Admetus.
Admetus
I could wish it. I know you mean well.
Heracles
What is the matter? Why is there mourning and cut
hair?
Admetus
There is one dead here whom I must bury today.
Heracles
Not one of your children! I pray God shield them from
that.
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