EURIPIDES
They cringe and end by sending us away. 25
With displaced children I displace myself
To share with those who have more than their share
Of sorrows. If I left them, men might say,
"He failed to do his duty by them, once
Their father died, in spite of family ties/' 30
And since the rest of Greece is banned to us,
We've reached the neighborhood of Marathon
To throw ourselves upon the mercy of
The gods and seek their help. Two kings, Fin told,
Of Pandion's and Theseus* line have here 35
Come into power, both our relatives.
That's why we've come to the world-famous state
Of Athens, on a trip conceived and planned
By two old strategists. So I, for one,
Am seeing to the safety of these boys. 40
Meanwhile Alcmene minds the girls and keeps
Them all inside the temple. It would look
Highly improper if we let them stand
In front of it, exposed to people's eyes.
Then Hyllus and the older boys have gone 45
To find another refuge, just in case
We ever should be forced to leave this town.
Quick, children! Come back! Hold on tight!
That's Eurystheus* herald coming here,
The one that has us chased from place to place, 50
(Enter Copreus.)
And made us homeless refugees. Scum!
Ill see you damned and your employer too.
Why, you're the selfsame man who used to bring
Bad news repeatedly to Heracles.
Copreus
Oh come now, do you really think you've found 55
A refuge and protection? Are you mad
Enough to think that anyone would choose
Your helplessness in preference to our strength?