first would have speech of the Queen alone. And when she had dismissed
all the people, he told her that Lichas had not spoken truly, saying
that he knew not who was this stranger, for that she was the daughter of
King Eurytus, Iolé by name, and that indeed for love of her Hercules had
taken the city.

And when the Queen heard this she was sore troubled, fearing lest the
heart of her husband should now have been turned from her. But first she
would know the certainty of the matter. So when Lichas came, being now
about to depart, and inquired what he should say, as from the Queen to
Hercules, she said to him, "Lichas, art thou one that loveth the truth?"

"Yea, by Zeus!" said he, "if so be that I know it."

"Tell me, then, who is this woman whom thou hast brought?"

"A woman of Euboea; but of what lineage I know not."

"Look thou here. Knowest thou who it is to whom thou speakest?"

"Yea, I know it; to Queen Deïaneira, daughter of Oeneus and wife to
Hercules, and my mistress."

"Thou sayest that I am thy mistress. What should be done to thee if thou
be found doing wrong to me?"

"What wrong? What meanest thou? But this is idle talk, and I had best
depart."

"Thou departest not till I shall have inquired somewhat further of