And now I am all but sure he bears some woe. These fifteen months he hath sent me not one word. And I have cause for fear. Ere he set forth He left a scroll with me, whose dark intent I oft pray Heaven may bring no sorrow down. ATTENDANT. Queen Deanira, many a time ere now Have I beheld thee with all tearful moan Bewailing the departure of thy lord. But, if it be permitted that a slave Should tender counsel to the free, my voice May venture this:--Of thy strong band of sons Why is not one commissioned to explore For Heracles? and why not Hyllus first, Whom most it would beseem to show regard For tidings of his father's happiness? Ah! here I see him bounding home, with feet Apt for employment! If you count me wise, He and my words attend upon your will. _Enter_ HYLLUS. DE. Dear child, dear boy! even from the lowliest head Wise counsel may come forth. This woman here, Though a bond-maiden, hath a free-born tongue. HYL. What word is spoken, mother? May I know? DE. That, with thy father lost to us so long, 'Tis shame thou dost not learn his dwelling-place. HYL. Yea, I have learnt, if one may trust report. DE. Where art thou told his seat is fixed, my son? HYL. 'Tis said that through the length of this past year He wrought as bondman to a Lydian girl. DE. Hath he borne that? Then nothing can be strange! HYL. Well, that is over, I am told. He is free. DE. Where is he rumoured, then, alive or dead? HYL. In rich Euboea, besieging, as they tell, The town of Eurytus, or offering siege. DE. Child, hast thou heard what holy oracles He left with me, touching that very land? HYL. What were they, mother, for I never knew? DE. That either he must end his being there, Or, this one feat performed, his following time Should grace his life with fair prosperity. Wilt thou not then, my child, when he is held In such a crisis of uncertain peril, Run to his aid?--since we must perish with him, Or owe our lasting safety to his life. HYL. I will go, mother. Had I heard this voice Of prophecy, long since I had been there. Fear is unwonted for our father's lot. But now I know, my strength shall all be spent To learn the course of these affairs in full. DE. Go then, my son. Though late, to learn and do What wisdom bids, hath certainty of gain. [_Exit_ HYLLUS. DEANIRA _withdraws_