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HERACLES
It will not be the first contest I have risked.
LEADER
And if you conquer the King will you gain anything?
HERACLES
I shall bring back his foals to the lord of Tiryns.
LEADER
It is not easy to thrust the bit into their jaws.
HERACLES
Only if they breathe fire from their nostrils!
LEADER
But they tear men with their swift jaws.
HERACLES
You speak of the food of wild mountain beasts, not of horses.
LEADER
You may see their mangers foul with blood.
HERACLES
Of what father does the breeder boast himself the son?
LEADER
Of Ares, the lord of the gold-rich shield of Thrace!
HERACLES
In this task once more you remind me of my fate, which is ever upon
harsh steep ways, since I must join battle with the sons of Ares—first with
Lycaon, then with Cycnus, and now in this third contest I am come to
match myself with these steeds and their master!
LEADER
But see, the lord of this land, Admetus himself, comes from the
house!
(The central doors of the Palace have opencd, and ADMETUS comes slowly
on the Stage, preceded and followed by guards and attendants. The
King has put off all symbols of royalty, and is dressed in black. His
long hair is clipped close to his head. ADMETUS dissembles his grief
throughout this scene, in obedience to the laws of hospitality, which
were particularly reverenced in Thessaly.)