Eksodos
Heracles
Stop when you have said what it is you desire. In this pain of mine I understand none of your many riddles.
1120
Hyllus
I come to tell you of my mother—her present circumstances and how she erred unknowingly.
Heracles
You corrupt thing! Have you indeed mentioned her name again,
the name, “Mother, Murderess of Father,” in my hearing?
1125
Hyllus
Yes, for her condition is such that my silence shames me.
Heracles
No, it does not shame you, when you consider her past crimes.
Hyllus
You will not say so, at least in view of her deeds today.
Heracles
Speak—but take care that you not be found corrupt.
Hyllus
I will speak. She is just now dead, a new murder.
1130
Heracles
By whose hand? Your sinister words give a prophecy of wonder!
Hyllus
She did it by her own hand, and no other’s.
Heracles
Ah, no! Before she died by mine as she deserved!
Hyllus
Even your rage would be deflected, if you would learn the whole of it.
Heracles
Your tale begins strangely, but tell me what you mean.
1135
Hyllus
The sum is this: she did wrong, but with a good intent.
Heracles
Did she do a good deed, corrupt traitor, when she killed your father?
Hyllus
No, her plan was to apply a love-charm for your heart, when she saw your new marriage inside the house, but she missed her aim.
Heracles
And what Trachinian is so potent a charmer?
1140
Hyllus
Nessus the Centaur persuaded her long ago to inflame your desire with such a potion.
Heracles
Ah! Ah, misery! I am lost, ruined, ruined! The light of day exists for me no more!
