Joy is here and sorrow too,-for the state fair fame, and for our
captains double meed of honour. Bitter for me it is to see the limbs
of my dead sons, and yet a welcome sight withal, because I shall behold
the unexpected day after sorrow's cup was full.
(antistrophe)
Would that Father Time had kept me unwed from my youth up e'en till
now when I am old! What need had I of children? Methinks I should
not have suffered overmuch, had I never borne the marriage-yoke; but
now I have my sorrow full in view, the loss of children dear.
Lo! I see the bodies of the fallen youths. Woe is me! would I could
join these children in their death and descend to Hades with them!
(Theseus and his soldiers enter, carrying the corpses of the slain
chieftains. Adrastus and the Chorus chant the lament responsively.)
Adrastus: Mothers, raise the wail for the dead departed; cry in answer
when ye hear my note of woe.
Chorus: My sons, my sons! O bitter words for loving mothers to address
to you! To thee, my lifeless child, I call.
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