Eksodos
Hyllus
You mean Iole, I would guess.
1220
Heracles
You know her. Just this is the command that I impose upon you, my son: when I am dead, if you wish to show your piety by remembrance of your oath to your father, make this woman your wife and do not disobey your father.
Let no other but you take her who has lain close at my side. You, my son, make that marriage-bond your own. Obey; for although you were obedient in great affairs, your disobedience in small ones cancels the gratitude already won.
1225
Hyllus
Ah, me, it is wrong to be angry with a sick man, but who could bear to see him have thoughts like these?
1230
Heracles
Your words show no willingness to do as I say.
Hyllus
Who on earth would, when she alone is to blame for my mother’s death, and for your present condition besides?
Who would choose to do so, unless he were infected by avenging fiends? It would be better, Father, that I also die, rather than live united with those whom I most detest!
1235
Heracles
The man will render no due respect, it seems, to my dying prayer. No, be sure that the curse of the gods
will await you for disobeying my commands.
1240
Hyllus
Ah, you will soon show, it seems, how diseased you are!
Heracles
Yes, for you stir me from my slumbering plague.
Hyllus
I am miserable! I have no way out of so many dilemmas!
Heracles
Yes, since you think it wrong to obey your begetter.
Hyllus
But must I then learn to be unholy, Father?
1245
Heracles
It is not unholy, if you gladden my heart.
Hyllus
Do you, then, command me to do this as a clear duty?
Heracles
I do, and I call on the gods to bear me witness!
Hyllus
Then I will do it, and not refuse,
—calling upon the gods to witness your deed. I can never be condemned for obeying you, Father.
1250
Heracles
Your words make a fair ending, and to them, my son, quickly add the gracious deed itself, so that you may place me on the pyre before any pain returns to tear or sting me.
