The Tragedies of Seneca / Translated into English Verse, to Which Have Been Appended Comparative Analyses of the Corresponding Greek and Roman Plays, and a Mythological Index - Lucius Annaeus Seneca

HERCULES OETAEUS

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

Hercules	Son of Jupiter and Alcmena.
Hyllus	Son of Hercules and Deianira.
Alcmena	Daughter of Electryon, king of Mycenae.
Deianira	Daughter of Oeneus, king of Aetolia, and wife of Hercules.
Iole	Daughter of Eurytus, king of Oechalia.
Nurse	Of Deianira.
Philoctetes	A prince of Thessaly, son of Poeas, and the faithful friend of Hercules.
Lichas	The messenger (persona muta) of Deianira to Hercules.
Chorus	Of Aetolian women, faithful to Deianira.
Band	Of Oechalian maidens, suffering captivity in company with Iole.

The scene is laid, first in Euboea, and later at the home of Hercules in Trachin.

The long, heroic life of Hercules has neared its end. His twelve great tasks, assigned him by Eurystheus through Juno's hatred, have been done. His latest victory was over Eurytus, king of Oechalia. Him he slew and overthrew his house, because the monarch would not give him Iole to wife.

And now the hero, having overcome the world, and Pluto's realm beneath the earth, aspires to heaven. He sacrifices to Cenaean Jove, and prays at last to be received into his proper home.