Stasimon 1
[Episode]
The very word that I wished to hear from you—you admit that she is your mistress?
Lichas
Yes, it is only right to do so.
Messenger
Well, then, what penalty would you think it right to pay, if you should be found to be behaving wrongly towards her?
410
Lichas
Wrongly? What fiction have you created?
Messenger
None. Rather it is you, to be sure, who do this.
Lichas
I am leaving—I was foolish to listen to you so long.
Messenger
No, not until you have answered a small question.
415
Lichas
Speak, if you require something. You are not the silent type.
Messenger
That captive, whom you escorted into the house, you know whom I mean?
Lichas
Yes. But why do you ask?
Messenger
Did you not avow that she, on whom you look as if in ignorance,
was Iole, the seed of Eurytus, your captive?
420
Lichas
To whom on earth did I say it? Who and where is the man who heard me say it and will be your witness?
Messenger
To many of our own citizens you said it. In the public gathering of Trachinians a great crowd heard this much, at least, from you.
they said they heard. But it does not amount to the same thing to tell one’s fancy and to give an accurate report.
425
Messenger
What do you mean, fancy! Did you not speak on your oath when you said that you were bringing her as a bride for Heracles?
Lichas
I? Bringing a bride? In the name of the gods, dear
mistress, tell me who on earth this stranger is?
430
Messenger
I am a man who heard from your own lips that the conquest of the whole city was due to desire for this girl and that the Lydian woman did not destroy it, but the passion which arose for the girl.
