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322. Yea, since thou deignest not to hear thy sire.

. But must I learn, then, to be impious, my father?

. Tis not impiety, if thou shalt gladden my heart.

. Dost thou command me, then, to do this deed, as a clear duty?

. I command thee,—the gods bear me witness!

. Then will I do it, and refuse not,—calling upon the gods to witness thy deed. I can never be condemned for loyalty to thee, my father.

. Thou endest well; and to these words, my son, quickly add the gracious deed, that thou mayest lay me on the pyre before any pain returns to rend or sting me.

Come, make haste and life me! This, in truth, is rest from troubles; this is the end, the last end, of Heracles!

. Nothing, indeed, hinders the fulfilment of thy wish, since thy command constrains us, my father.

. Come, then, ere thou arouse this plague, O my stubborn soul, give me a curb as of steel on lips set like stone to stone, and let no cry escape them; seeing that the deed which thou art to do, though done perforce, is yet worthy of thy joy!

. Lift him, followers! And grant me full forgiveness for this; but mark the great cruelty of the gods in the deeds that are being done. They beget children, they are hailed as fathers, and yet they can look upon such sufferings.