EURIPIDES
then I shall give you to the world below. 335
(Exit Lycus.)
Megara
Come, my sons, follow your poor mother's steps
into your father's halls. Other men
possess his wealth; we still possess his name.
(Exit Megara "with children.)
Amphitryon
For nothing, then, O Zeus, you shared my wife!
In vain we called you partner in my son! 340
Your love is even less than you pretended;
and I, mere man, am nobler than you, great god.
I did not betray the sons of Heracles.
You knew well enough to creep into my bed
and take what was not yours, what no man gave: 345
what do you know of saving those you love?
You are a callous god or were born unjust!
(Exit Amphitryon to palace.)
Chorus
STROPHE i
First for joy, the victor's song;
then the dirge; sing ailinos for Linos!
So Apollo sings, sweeping with golden pick 350
his lyre of lovely voice.
And so I sing of him
who went in darkness underground—
let him be the son of Zeus,
let him be Amphitryon's—
of him I sing, a dirge of praise, 355
a crown of song upon his labors.
For of noble deeds the praises are
the glory of the dead.
First he cleared the grove of Zeus,
and slew the lion in its lair; 360
the tawny hide concealed his back,
320