But there is another point about Messengers that can be more easily illustrated. Their entrance in Euripides is nearly always carefully prepared. The point is of cardinal importance and needs some explanation. In mere literature it is the words that matter; in dramatic literature it is partly the words, and partly the situation in which they are uttered. A Messenger's Speech ought not only to be a good story in itself, but it ought to be so prepared and led up to that before the speaker begins we are longing to hear what he has to say. An instance of a Messenger's speech with no preparation is in Sophocles' _Oedipus, The King_ (I do not at all suggest that preparation is needed; very likely the situation itself is enough.) Oedipus has rushed into the house in a fury of despair, and the Messenger simply walks out of the house crying O ye above this land in honour old Exalted, what a tale shall ye be told, What sights shall see and tears of horror shed. . . . Contrast with this the preparation in the _Hippolytus_ (1153 ff.). Hippolytus, cursed, and of course wrongfully cursed, by his father, Theseus, has gone forth to exile. His friends and the women of the Chorus have been grieving for him: Theseus has refused to listen to any plea. Then LEADER OF THE CHORUS Look yonder! . . . Surely from the Prince 'tis one That cometh, full of haste and woe-begone. We are all watching; a man in great haste enters. Observe what he says. HENCHMAN Ye women, whither shall I go to seek King Theseus? Is he in this dwelling? Speak! Our suspense deepens. The Leader evidently has hesitated in her answer; she wants to ask a question. . . . But at this moment the door opens and she falls back: LEADER Lo, where he cometh through the Castle Gate. Through the gate comes Theseus, wrapped in gloom, evidently trying still to forget Hippolytus. The Henchman crosses his path. HENCHMAN O King, I bear thee tidings of dire weight To thee, yea, and to every man, I ween, From Athens to the marches of Trozên. Will Theseus guess? Will he see that this is one of his son's servants? At any rate he shows no sign of so doing. THESEUS What? Some new stroke hath touched, unknown to me The sister cities of my sovranty? HENCHMAN Hippolytus is. . . . Nay, not dead; but stark Outstretched, a hairsbreadth this side of the dark. The forbidden name is spoken; there is evidently a moment of shock, but how will Theseus take the news? Will he soften? THESEUS (_as though unmoved_) How slain? Was there some other man, whose wife He had like mine defiled, who sought his life? Stung by the taunt the Henchman answers boldly. HENCHMAN