Epeisodion 3
Iolaus
A messenger who says thy grandson cometh hither.
Alcmena
All hail to thee for these thy tidings! But why is he not here, where is he? if in this land he hath set foot. What hath happened to keep him from coming hither with thee, to cheer my heart?
660
Servant (of Hyllus)
He is posting the army he brought with him, and seeing it marshalled.
Alcmena
Then have I no concern herein.
665
Iolaus
Yes, thou hast; though it is my business to inquire into these matters.
Servant (of Hyllus)
What then wouldst thou learn of these events?
Iolaus
About how many allies has he with him?
Servant (of Hyllus)
A numerous force; I cannot otherwise describe the number.
Iolaus
The leaders of the Athenians know this, I suppose?
670
Servant (of Hyllus)
They do; already is their left wing set in array.
Iolaus
Is then the host already armed for battle?
Servant (of Hyllus)
Yea, and already are the victims broughtκατῆρκται has been proposed for παρῆκται. nearπέλας is Dindorf’s emendation for ‘εκάς. the ranks.
Iolaus
About what distance is the Argive host from us?
Servant (of Hyllus)
Near enough for their general to be plainly seen.
675
Iolaus
What is he about? marshalling the enemy’s line?
Servant (of Hyllus)
So we guessed; we could not hear exactly. But I must go, for I would not that my master should engage the foe without me, if I can help it.
Iolaus
I also will go with thee; for I like thee am minded, so it seems, to be there and help my friends.
680
Servant (of Hyllus)
It least of all becomes thee thus to utter words of folly.
Iolaus
Far less to shrink from sharing with my friends the stubborn fight.
Servant (of Hyllus)
Mere looks can wound no one, if the arm do naught.
