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292 . Ah me unhappy! In what plight do I stand? What secret bane have I received beneath my roof? Hapless that I am! Is she nameless, then, as her convoy sware?

. Nay, illustrious by name as by birth; she is the daughter of Eurytus, and was once called Iolè; she of whose parentage Lichas could say nothing, because, forsooth, he asked no questions.

. Accursed, above other evil-doers, be the man whom deeds of treachery dishonour!

. Ah, maidens, what am I to do? These latest tidings have bewildered me!

. Go and inquire from Lichas; perchance he will tell the truth, if thou constrain him to answer.

. Well, I will go; thy counsel is not amiss.

. And I, shall I wait here? Or what is thy pleasure?

. Remain;—here he comes from the house of his own accord, without summons from me.

. Lady, what message shall I bear to Heracles? Give me thy commands, for, as thou seest, I am going.

. How hastily thou art rushing away, when thy visit had been so long delayed,—before we have had time for further talk.

. Nay, if there be aught that thou would'st ask, I am at thy service.

. Wilt thou indeed give me the honest truth?

. Yes, be great Zeus my witness,—in anything that I know.