Source edition
Moschus. The Greek Bucolic Poets. Edmonds, J. M., editor. London: William Heinemann, Ltd.; New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1916.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This Hellenistic epic-style poem depicts a poignant dialogue between Megara, the wife of the hero Heracles, and his mother, Alcmene. The work opens with Megara expressing her profound grief over the tragic loss of her children, who were slain by Heracles during a fit of madness. She pours out her heart to her mother-in-law, lamenting her fathomless sorrow and her constant anxiety for her husband, who is away on dangerous labors. In response, Alcmene deeply sympathizes with Megara's pain and reaffirms her own maternal love for Heracles. She then reveals a premonitory and ominous dream of Heracles enveloped in flames, wishing that this impending doom fall instead upon Eurystheus, the king who imposes these trials. The poem masterfully captures the domestic tragedy and enduring anxiety of the women left behind by the legendary hero.