ALCESTIS.
25
Chorus.
How canst thou? Sure he is unknown to thee!
Herakles.
Unknown: to land Bistonian fared I never. 485
Chorus.
Not save by battle may those steeds be won.
Herakles.
Yet flinch I may not from the appointed toils.
Chorus.
Thy life or his—a triumph or a grave.
Herakles.
Not this the first time I have run such course.
Chorus.
What profit is it if thou slay their lord? 490
Herakles.
Those steeds shall I drive back to Tiryns' king.
Chorus.
Hard task, to set the bit betwixt their jaws.
Herakles.
That shall I, if their nostrils breathe not fire.
Chorus.
Yea, but with ravening jaws do they rend men.
