_Amphitr.:_ Nay, rather think upon thy worthy deeds, 1265 And grant thyself remission of one sin. _Hercules:_ Shall he give absolution to himself, Who granted none to other men? My deeds Which have deserved the praise of men, I did Because another bade. This is my own. Then help me, father, whether piety Or my sad fortune move thee to my aid, 1270 Or the glory of my manhood, now profaned. Give me my arms again, that my right hand May vanquish fate. _Theseus:_ Thy father's prayers, indeed, Are strong enough; but by my pleadings, too, Be moved. Rise up, and meet adversity With thine accustomed force. Thy strength of mind 1275 Recall, which no misfortune ever yet Has daunted. Now must thou with all thy might Contend, and curb the wrath of Hercules. _Hercules:_ If yet I live, I have committed wrong; But if I die, then have I suffered it. I haste to purge the earth of such as I. Now long enough has there been hovering Before my eyes that monstrous shape of sin, 1280 So impious, savage, merciless, and wild. Then come, my hand, attempt this mighty task, Far greater than the last. Dost hesitate Through cowardice? Or art thou brave alone 'Gainst boys and trembling mothers? Give my arms, Or else I shall from Thracian Pindus strip 1285 The woods, the groves of Bacchus, and shall burn Cithaeron's ridgy heights along with me. The homes of Thebes together with their lords, The temples with their gods, will I o'erthrow, And 'neath a ruined city will I lie. 1290 And if this weight of walls should prove too light For these strong shoulders, and the seven gates Be not enough to crush me to the earth, The mighty mass of earth which separates The upper from the nether skies I'll take, And hurl its crushing weight upon my head. _Amphitr.:_ Lo, I return thine arms. 1295 _Hercules:_ Now are thy words More worthy of the sire of Hercules. See, by this arrow pierced, my child was slain. _Amphitr.:_ 'Tis true, but Juno shot it by thy hand. _Hercules:_ Then I myself shall use it now. _Amphitryon:_ Behold, How throbs his heart within his anxious breast. _Hercules:_ The shaft is ready. 1300