EURIPIDES
You've worried yourself sick for so long now
About your grandsons' trip. They're back at last. 645
(Enter Alcmene.)
Alcmene
What's wrong? What's causing all this noise that fills
The house? Another Argive to assault
You? Stranger, I warn you. I'm weak, God knows
But I'll fight kidnappers till my last breath,
Or Heracles was not his mother's son. 650
If you so much as lay a hand upon
These children, then you'll have the glory of
Attacking two defenseless oldsters first.
lolaus
Cheer up. There's nothing of the sort. This man
Is not an Argive come to threaten us. 655
Alcmene
Then why cry out and give the sign of fright?
lolaus
I only cried out to bring you out here.
Alcmene
That's quite another thing. Who is this man?
lolaus
He's come to tell you that your grandson's here.
Alcmene
Your glad news makes you welcome, as he is. 660
But if he has arrived, where is he now?
What kept him from accompanying you
And gladdening his old grandmother's heart?
Attendant
He's halted, and is drawing up his troops.
156