Iolaus
There is no finer honor for children than this, to be born of a noble and brave father: [and to marry into nobility. But I will not praise the man
[300]
who is overcome by desire and casts in his lot with the base, getting pleasure for himself but leaving his children disgrace.] noble birth repels misfortune better than base birth. We ourselves, when we had fallen into the utmost disaster, found friends and kinsmen here, men who,
[305]
alone of all Hellas, have been these children's champions. Children, give these men your right hands, and you, my friends, give the children yours! Draw near!
The children and the Chorus clasp hands.
My children, we have put our friends to the test.
[310]
And so if you ever return to your country and live in your ancestral home and <get back again> your patrimony, you must consider <the rulers of this land> for all time as your saviors and friends. Remember never to raise a hostile force against this land, but consider it always your greatest friend. The Athenians are worthy of your reverence
[315]
seeing that in exchange for us they took the enmity of the great land of Argos and its army, even though they saw that we were wandering beggars [they did not give us up or drive us from the land].
[320]
In life <I shall proclaim to everyone your nobility>, and in death, when I die, I shall stand next to Theseus and extoll you in praise and cheer him with this story, that in kindness you took in and defended the children of Heracles and that you enjoy good repute throughout all Hellas
[325]
and keep your father's reputation and, though born of noble stock, you in no way prove less noble than your father. Of few others can this be said: only one man out of a great multitude can be found who is not inferior to his father.
Chorus Leader
It is always the desire of this land
[330]
to help the weak in a just cause. Therefore she has borne countless toils on behalf of friends, and now too I see that this struggle is upon us.