Spite of the god whose darkness whelped the Fear.

Down went the hero, "back—how should he come?"

So laughed King Lukos, an old enemy,

Who judged that absence testified defeat

Of the land's loved one,—since he saved the land

And for that service wedded Megara

Daughter of Thebai, realm her child should rule.

Ambition, greed and malice seized their prey,

The Heracleian House, defenceless left,

Father and wife and child, to trample out