_Hercules:_ The rest will I hunt out, yea, all that lurk 995 Within this city's walls, without delay. A greater war against Mycenae waits, That by my hands those Cyclopean walls May be o'erthrown; and that the royal hall, Its high walls shattered, noble roof in-fall'n, Doors burst, may be to utter ruin brought, 1000 And all its royal secrets be revealed. [_He sees his second son hiding._] Ah, here I see another hiding son Of that most wicked sire. [_He seizes the child and drags him from the scene._] _Amphitryon_ [_standing where he can see what is being done behind the scenes_]: Behold the child, His coaxing hands stretched out to clasp the knees Of his mad father, begs with piteous tones. Oh, crime unspeakable, pathetic, grim: For by his pleading hand the child is caught, 1005 And, madly whirled again and yet again, Sent headlong through the air. A sickening sound-- And with his scattered brains the roof is wet. But wretched Megara, her little son Protecting in her arms, flees madly forth. _Hercules_ [_behind the scenes, to_ Megara _also behind the scenes_]: Though thou shouldst hide thee in the Thunderer's arms, 1010 This hand of mine will seek and snatch thee forth. _Amphitryon_ [_standing throughout this scene as above_]: Oh, whither, wretched woman dost thou flee? What flight, what hiding-places dost thou seek? No place is safe from angry Hercules. Embrace his knees the rather, and with prayer Attempt to soothe his wrath. 1015 _The voice of Megara:_ O husband, spare; Thy Megara behold and recognize; This son of thine thy face and manner bears. See how he stretches out his hands to thee. _The voice of Hercules:_ At last I have thee, stepdame, in my power. Come thou with me, and pay full penalty For all my wrongs; free thy poor, troubled lord From his base yoke. But ere the mother dies, 1020 This little monster must be put to death. _The voice of Megara:_ What wouldst thou, madman? Shed thine infant's blood?