HERACLES
Heracles
No, I came here first to learn of you.
Amphitryon
Why did you delay so long underground?
Heracles
To save Theseus from Hades, Father.
Amphitryon
Where is he now? Gone to his native land? 620
Heracles
He went to Athens, rejoicing to be free.
(He turns and addresses his children.)
Follow your father to the house, my sons,
for this, your going in, shall be more fair
than your coming out. Put your fears away,
and stop those tears that well up in your eyes. 625
And you, dear wife, gather your courage up,
tremble no more, and let my garments go.
I have no wings to fly from those I love.
Look:
They will not let me go, but clutch my clothes
more tightly. How close you came to death! 630
(He sets down his bow and club and takes
his children by the hands.)
Here, I'll take your hands and lead you in my wake,
like a ship that tows its little boats behind,
for I accept this care and service
of my sons. Here all mankind is equal:
rich and poor alike, they love their children.
With wealth distinctions come: some possess it, 635
some do not. All mankind loves its children.
(Exit Heracles with the children, followed
by Megara and Amphitryon,)
331