But at all costs I speak the right and true.
Deian. Oh! woe is me! What fate is come on me?
What mischief have I brought beneath my roof,
In secret lurking? Ah! and was she then
Without a name, as he who brought her swore?
Mess. Noble is she in beauty as in race,
The daughter of the house of Eurytos,380
And Iole her name, of whose descent
He nothing asked, forsooth, and nothing told.
Chor. A curse on all the wicked, most of all,
On him who loves ill deeds of secret guile.
Deian. What must I do, my friends? As one o'erwhelmed,
I stand perplexed by this report we hear.
Chor. Go, ask the man, for he, perchance, will speak
Clear answers, if thou question roundly with him.
Deian. And I will go; for wisely thou dost speak.
Mess. Shall we remain? Or what is right to do?390
Deian. Remain; for here the man approaches us,
Not summoned, but self-bidden, from the house.
Enter Lichas.
Lichas. What message hast thou, queen, for Heracles.
Tell me, for I, thou see'st, am on my way.
Deian. How quickly, having come with lingering time,
Thou startest, ere we can our talk renew.
Lichas. Here am I, if thou seek'st to question me.
Deian. And wilt thou give thy pledge of truthful speech?
Lichas. In all things I do know, so help me Zeus.
Deian. Who then is this, the maid thou bring'st to us?400
Lichas. Eubœan is she. What her birth I know not.
