THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

and this land, hath won a glorious death, and splendid fame shall be
her meed from all mankind; for virtue's path leads through troublous
ways. Worthy of her father, worthy of her noble birth is this she does.
And if thou dost honour the virtuous dead, I share with thee that
sentiment.
(The SERVANT OF HYLLUS enters.)
SERVANT OF HYLLUS
All hail, ye children! Where is aged lolaus? where the mother of your
sire, absent from their place at this altar?
IOLAUS
Here am I, so far as I can be here at all.
SERVANT
Why dost thou lie there? Why that downcast look?
IOLAUS
There is come a sorrow on my house, whereby I suffer.
Arise, lift up thy head.
SERVANT
IOLAUS
I am old, and all my strength is gone.
SERVANT
But I come with tidings of great joy for thee.
IOLAUS
Who art thou? Where have I met thee? I have no remembrance.
SERVANT
I am a vassal of Hyllus; dost not recognize me now?
IOLAUS
Best of friends, art thou come to save us twain from hurt?
SERVANT
Assuredly; and moreover thou art lucky in the present case.
IOLAUS
Alcmena, mother of a noble son, to thee I call! come forth, hear this
welcome news. For long has anguish caused thee inwardly to waste, wondering
if those, who now are here, would ever come.
(ALCMENA enters from the temple in answer to the call.)