'Tis sad Alcmena. With what signs of woe

She makes her way, while in her breast she bears

The pitiful remains of Hercules.

[Enter Alcmena, carrying in her bosom a funeral urn.]

Alcmena: Ye powers of heaven, I bid you fear the fates.

[Holding up the urn.]

How small a space Alcides' ashes fill!

To this small compass has that giant come!

O shining sun, how great a man has gone1760

To nothingness. Alas, this agéd breast