CH. Hush! For I see approaching one in haste,
Garlanded, as if laden with good news.
[page 182][180-212]
Enter Messenger.
MESSENGER. Queen Dêanira, mine shall be the tongue
To free thee first from fear. Alcmena’s child
Is living, be assured, and triumphing,
And bringing to our Gods the fruits of war.
DÊ. What mean’st thou, aged sir, by what thou sayest?
MESS. That soon thy husband, envied all around,
Will come, distinguished with victorious might.
DÊ. What citizen or stranger told thee this?
MESS. Your herald Lichas, where the oxen graze
The summer meadow, cries this to a crowd.
I, hearing, flew off hither, that being first
To bring thee word thereof, I might be sure
To win reward and gratitude from thee.
DÊ. And how is he not here, if all be well?
MESS. Crossed by no light impediment, my Queen.
For all the Maliac people, gathering round,
Throng him with question, that he cannot move.
But he must still the travail of each soul,
And none will be dismissed unsatisfied.
Such willing audience he unwillingly
Harangues, but soon himself will come in sight.