od and because of his
arms; for his eyes flashed as with fire. What mortal men would have
dared to meet him face to face save Heracles and glorious Iolaus? For
great was their strength and unconquerable were the arms which grew
from their shoulders on their strong limbs. Then Heracles spake to his
charioteer strong Iolaus:

(ll. 78-94) 'O hero Iolaus, best beloved of all men, truly Amphitryon
sinned deeply against the blessed gods who dwell on Olympus when he came
to sweet-crowned Thebe and left Tiryns, the well-built citadel, because
he slew Electryon for the sake of his wide-browned oxen. Then he came to
Creon and long-robed Eniocha, who received him kindly and gave him
all fitting things, as is due to suppliants, and honoured him in their
hearts even more. And he lived joyfully with his wife the neat-ankled
daughter of Electyron: and presently, while the years rolled on, we were
born, unlike in body as in mind, even your father and I. From him Zeus
took away sense, so that he left his home and his parents and went to
do honour to the wicked Eurystheus--unhappy man! Deeply indeed did he
grieve afterwards in bearing the burden of his own mad folly; but that
cannot be taken back. But on me fate laid heavy tasks.

(ll. 95-101) 'Yet, come, friend, quickly take the red-dyed reins of the
swift horses and raise high courage in your heart and guide the swift
chariot and strong fleet-footed horses straight on. Have no secret fear
at the noise of man-slaying Ares who now rages shouting about the holy
grove of Phoebus Apollo, the lord who shoots form afar. Surely, strong
though he be, he shall have enough of war.'

(ll. 102-114) And blameless Iolaus answered him again: 'Good friend,
truly the father of men and gods greatly honours your head and the
bull-like Earth-Shaker also, who keeps Thebe's veil of walls and guards
the city,--so great and strong is this fellow they bring into your hands
that you may win great glory. But come, put on your arms of war that
with all speed we may bring the car of Ares and our own together and
fight; for he shall not frighten the dauntless son of Zeus, nor yet the
son of Iphiclus: rather, I think he will flee before the two sons of
blameless Alcides who are near him and eager to raise the war cry for
battle; for this they love better than a feast.'

(ll. 115-117) So he said. And mighty Heracles was glad in heart and
smiled, for the other's words pleased him well, and he answered him with
wing