Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/127

Lo, hitherward himself in haste draws nigh,
And Akamas his brother, to hear thy claim.

Enter Demophon, Akamas, and attendants.

Since thou, the old, preventedst younger men 120
In rescue-rush to Zeus's altar-hearth.
Tell thou what chance hath gathered all this throng.

Here suppliant sit the sons of Herakles,
Who have wreathed the altar, as thou seest, O king,
And Iolaus, leal henchman of their sire. 125

What need herein for lamentable cries?

Yon man essayed to drag them from the hearth
By force; raised outcry so, and earthward hurled
The ancient, that for ruth burst forth my tears.

Yet is the fashion of his vesture Greek; 130
But deeds of a barbarian hand are these.
Man, thine it is to tell me, tarrying not.
From what land's marches hither thou hast come.

An Argive I, since this thou wouldest know.