EPITOME OF THE DRAMA.

1-352. ACT I. Political.

Iolaus, who had been the companion of Heracles in his labours, is discovered clinging, with the young boys of Heracles, to the altar in front of the temple of Zeus at Marathon.

1-54. Iolaus soliloquises. He who lives for himself is useless. But I, who of my own will shared the toils of Heracles, now defend his fatherless children, who are driven by their father's foe, Eurystheus of Argos, from city to city: for with threats of the vengeance of Argos he forces men to drive them forth. At last we have come to Marathon, over which city Demophon, son of Theseus, and Athens are lords. And with us, but within the temple, is Alcmena the mother of Heracles, with his daughters. Hyllus, his son, has gone to seek if there be yet another city of refuge.-But once more I see the Herald of Eurystheus, who has come to drive us hence also.

55-72. Enters Copreus the Herald of Eurystheus. Copreus: Go back to Argos, to your doom. Iolaus: Nay: for this altar of Zeus, and this free people, will protect me. Help!

73-98. Enter the Chorus, citizens of Marathon: to whom Iolaus sets forth his story and his claim.

99-119. The Chorus remonstrate in vain with Copreus. Enter Demophon, who has heard the cry of Iolaus.

120-129. To him the Chorus state the case.

130-133. D. to Copreus. Justify yourself.

134-178. Copreus. Eurystheus of Argos claims his own. Hitherto that claim has been granted. These suppliants must think you foolish. For, consider, if you become the champion of babes you will gain nothing, but will lose : for defence of these will mean War with Argos. Surrender these, and a powerful state is your friend.

181-231. Iolaus, to Demophon. Sire, in this country I may plead my case. First since (184-190) they have disowned and exiled us from Argos, how can they claim us back? Next: (191-204) as for fear of Argos, free Athens would never-but I will not praise her to her face. Thirdly, (205-213) the claims of blood: your father and Heracles were kinsmen. Fourthly, (214-222) the call of gratitude : since by Heracles was your father brought back from Hades. Lastly, (223-231) besides all these, for pity's sake.

236-252. Demophon to Iolaus. Four things-Religion, Kinship, Gratitude, and Shame-constrain me. Betray, and to Argives?—(to the herald) Go, tell your master, the Courts are open: but force we will not endure.

253-273. Rapid interchange of arguments, (chiefly on the grounds above stated,) culminating in threats, between Demophon and Copreus.

274-283. Copreus. I go, then; but will return with Eurystheus and his host. Tremble at Argos. Exit Copreus.

284-287. Demophon, to Chorus. Argos, quotha! But Athens is dauntless and free.

288-296. Chorus. True; but yet this is a crisis. What a coloured picture he will draw to his master!

297-328. Iolaus, to the Heracleida. You see how great a thing it is to be nobly born. For from all Hellas, the sons of Theseus alone are found to defend the defenceless. Never, in days to come, lift a hand against your saviour Athens, neither you nor your children.-Demophon, you are worthy of your father.

329-332. Chorus. Truly Athens was ever the friend of the friendless.

333-343. Demophon. Who can doubt that Heracles' children's children will be grateful for this! Retire within now, while I array my army. Exit D.

344-352. Iolaus. Nay, we will abide at the altar. And may Pallas the Invincible defend the right! Iolaus remains.

353-380. CHORAL ODE I, closing Act I.

The boasts of Argos shall not make Athens quail, nor surrender suppliants to violent hands. Her Empire is peace; but ill will he fare who shall touch the city of the Graces.

381-697. ACT II.

381-388. Iolaus (to Demophon re-entering). My son, what news? Eurystheus must come, I know: but Zeus will abate his pride.

66

389-424. Demophon. He has come. His camp is on our borders. We too are ready. Every oracle have I sought, and from all have one answer: we succeed if we sacrifice a maid of noble blood." Mine own, I will not: nor will I force my people. If I do not fight, they will blame me; but if I shed the blood of their daughters, my people are not free.

427-460. Iolaus. Then are we again blown back from harbour. The gods have willed our death. For myself I care not: surrender me, instead of these.

464-473. Demophon. Not thee does Eurystheus seek, but the children of his foe. Nor is there any help for it.

Iolaus groans aloud.

474-483. Whereon enters, from the temple, the daughter of Heracles, Macaria: Forgive this boldness in a maid who is the eldest of her brethren. What new woe is this?

484-499. Iolaus relates to Macaria the answer of the oracles, and what is practically the refusal of Demophon to help the Heracleidæ further.

500-534. Macaria. Then fear no more. Lo, unbidden, I offer myself. Shall Athens risk her lives for us, and we, children of such a father, not offer our own for ourselves? And, (511) if I refuse, it will but be to die at the hands of Eurystheus, or to wander ever outcast as a coward. (526) My father's daughter has no choice. I die then, for my race.

539-546. Iolaus. You are indeed your father's child. But draw the lot with your sisters.

547-551. Macaria. Draw me no lots. Of my own will only will I die.

552-557. Iolaus.. Do as you will.

558-563. Macaria. Be present at my death.

564. Iolaus. I cannot.

565, 6. Macaria. At least ask Demophon that my own sex may

attend me.

567-573. Demophon. It shall be so. Say now your last words. Exit Demophon finally.

574-596. Macaria in a beautiful and simple speech takes farewell of Iolaus and of the Heracleida; and exit finally.

597-607. Iolaus falls to the ground, and there remains.

608-627. CHORAL ODE II, closing Act II.

The gods put down the mighty from their seat, and exalt the humble and meek.-How great and lovely is a noble death!

630-747. ACT III.

630-645. Enters servant of Hyllus, with news that he, with an army, is at hand. Iolaus calls from the temple Alcmena, who,

646-665, at first threatens the messenger, thinking him another emissary of Eurystheus; but is reassured by Iolaus, who

666-679, questions the messenger about the united armies of Hyllus and Demophon, and,

680-701, finally asserting that he will himself join the battle, against much remonstrance wins his point, and sends the messenger to the temple for armour.

702-708. The Chorus protest, and

709-719, Alcmena protests; but,

720-747, on the re-appearance of the messenger with the armour, Iolaus, after painfully equipping himself, hobbles off supported by the dubious messenger, flinging as he goes an imprecation at Eurystheus. Alcmena remains.

748-783. CHORAL ODE III, closing Act III.

The Chorus in this great but inevitable crisis invokes the aid of heaven and especially of Athena.