Stasimon 6
[Episode]
Ha! why this heap of dead upon the floor? Surely I have not delayed too long and come too late to check a revolution? Who slew these children?
Theseus
whose wife is this I see? Boys do not go to battle; no, it must be some other strange mischance I here discover.
1175
Amphitryon
O king, whose home is that olive-clad hill!
Theseus
Why this piteous prelude in addressing me?
Amphitryon
The gods have afflicted us with grievous suffering.
1180
Theseus
Whose are these children, over whom you weep?
Amphitryon
My own son’s children, woe is him! he was their father and butcher both, hardening his heart to the bloody deed.
Theseus
Hush! good words only!
Amphitryon
I would I could obey!
1185
Theseus
What dreadful words!
Amphitryon
Fortune has spread her wings, and we are ruined, ruined.
Theseus
What do you mean? what has he done?
Amphitryon
Slain them in a wild fit of frenzy
with arrows dipped in the venom of the hundred-headed hydra.
1190
Theseus
This is Hera’s work; but who lies there among the dead, old man?
Amphitryon
My son, my own enduring son, that marched with gods to Phlegra’s plain, there to battle with giants and slay them, warrior that he was.
Theseus
Ah, ah! whose fortune was ever so cursed as his?
1195
Amphitryon
Never will you find another mortal that has suffered more or been driven harder.
Theseus
Why does he veil his head, poor wretch, in his robe?
Amphitryon
He is ashamed to meet your eye;
