Chapter 3 Descendants of Hercules - 3

Hearing the cruel content of the oracle, the citizens of Athens assembled in the square also uttered lamentations and complaints, and the sound was heard all the way to the king's inner palace.King Demophon, shortly after the fugitives entered Athens, sent Alcmene, the old and feeble mother of Hercules, and Macaria, the beautiful daughter of Heracles and Deianera, to Hidden in the palace, lest outsiders see.Alcmene was deaf and blind, and couldn't hear the sound outside, but the granddaughter heard the lament from outside. She was very worried about the fate of her brothers, so she walked out of the deep palace to the square alone.She mixed in the crowd, heard the people's discussion, knew the disasters and dangers faced by the descendants of Athens and Hercules, and knew the difficulties and troubles the king encountered in executing the oracle.

So she came to Demophon fearlessly and resolutely, and said to him: "I know that you are looking for a sacrifice to ensure the victory of the war and to rescue my brothers from the tyrant's ravages." The oracle wants you to sacrifice a noble woman, have you forgotten that the daughter of Hercules is in your palace? I beg you to make me a sacrifice, because I am voluntary, so the gods will love it. If the city of Athens is willing to endure a war, and sacrifice hundreds of thousands of sons and daughters, to keep the children of Hercules safe, why should not one of the children of the great hero Hercules fight for victory? What about sacrificing ourselves? If none of us dares to think like that, what are we worth protecting?"

After hearing these generous words, Iolaus and the people around him were silent for a long time.At last the protector of the sons of Hercules said: "You are worthy of being the daughter of Hercules, but, in my opinion, let all his daughters gather together, and draw lots to decide who will sacrifice for her brothers." out of life." "I don't want to die by lottery," Macaria said, "I am willing. Well, don't hesitate any longer, or the oracle will be invalid when the enemy sneaks up." So saying, accompanied by the noble lady of Athens, this noble woman walked firmly and joyfully to her death.