So the woman took of the blood and kept it by her. And it came to pass
after a time that the two went to the city of Trachis and dwelt there.
Now Trachis is in the land of Thessaly, near unto the springs of Oeta.
And Hercules loved his wife, and she dwelt in peace and happiness, only
that he sojourned not long at home, but wandered over the face of the
earth, doing many wonderful works at the commandment of Eurystheus, his
brother. For the Gods had made Eurystheus to be master over him, for all
that he was so strong. Now for the most part this troubled not his wife
overmuch; for he departed from his house as one who counted it certain
that he should return thereto. But at the last this was not so. For he
left a tablet wherein were written many things such as a man writeth who
is about to die. For he had ordered therein the portion which his wife
should have as her right of marriage, and how his possessions should be
divided among his children. Also he wrote therein a certain space of
time, even a year and three months, for when that was come to an end, he
said, he must either be dead or have finished happily all his labours,
and so be at peace continually. And this he had heard as an oracle from
the doves that dwell in the oaks of Dodona. And when this time was
well-nigh come to an end, Deïaneira, being in great fear, told the
matter to Hyllus, her son. And even as she had ended, there came a
messenger, saying, "Hail, lady! Put thy trouble from thee. The son of
Alcmena lives and is well. This I heard from Lichas the herald; and
hearing it I hastened to thee without delay, hoping that so I might
please thee."

"But," said the Queen, "why cometh not the herald himself?"

"Because all the people stand about him, asking him questions, and
hinder him."