IOL. O ye who have dwelt in Athens a long time, defend us; for, being suppliants of Jove, the Presider over the Forum,[[3]] we are treated with violence, and our garlands are profaned, both a reproach to the city, and an insult to the Gods.
CHORUS. Hollo! hollo! what is this noise near the altar? what calamity will it straightway portend?
IOL. Behold me, a weak old man, thrown down on the plain; miserable that I am.
CHOR. By whose hand do you fall this unhappy fall?
* * * *
IOL. This man, O strangers, dishonoring your Gods, drags me violently from the altar of Jupiter.
CHOR. From what land, O old man, have you come hither to this people dwelling together in four cities?[[4]] or, have you come hither from across [the sea] with marine oar, having quitted the Eubœan shore?
IOL. O strangers, I am not accustomed to an islander's life, but we are come to your land from Mycenæ.
CHOR. What name, O old man, did the Mycenæan people call you?
IOL. Know that I am lolaus, once the companion of Hercules; for this body is not unrenowned.