Epeisodion 3
Iolaus
Why, cannot I smite even through their shields?
685
Servant (of Hyllus)
Smite perhaps, more likely be smitten thyself.
Iolaus
No foe will dare to meet me face to face.
Servant (of Hyllus)
Friend, the strength, that erst was thine, is thine no more,
Iolaus
Well, at any rate, I will fight with as many as ever I did.
Servant (of Hyllus)
Small the weight thou canst throw into the balance for thy friends.
690
Iolaus
Detain me not, when I have girded myself for action.
Servant (of Hyllus)
The power to act is thine no more, the will maybe is there.
Iolaus
Stay here I will not, say what elseBadham proposed τἀμὰ for τἄλλα. thou wilt
Servant (of Hyllus)
How shalt thou show thyself before the troops unarmed?
Iolaus
There be captured arms within this shrine; these will I use, and, if I live, restore; and, if I am slain, the god will not demand them of me back. Go thou within, and from its peg take down a suit of armour and forthwith bring it to me.
695
To linger thus at home is infamous, while some go fight, and others out of cowardice remain behind. [Exit Servant.
700
