Thus shall no conqueror of Hercules1480

Survive to tell the tale. Now shall my death

Be glorious, illustrious, renowned,

And worthy of myself. This final day

Will I make famous in the ears of men.

Go, cut down all the woods, and Oeta's groves

Bring hither, that a mighty funeral pyre

May hold great Hercules before he dies.

And thee, dear son of Poeas, thee I ask1485

To do this last, sad office for thy friend,