Hercules being at that time away in the underworld, where he had gone to seek out Cerberus as the final labour assigned him by Eurystheus through Juno's hatred.

Here he found Theseus, who had made a descent into the regions of Pluto in company of Pirithous with the intention of carrying off Proserpine.

Lycus seized his opportunity, and aided by conspirators, slew Creon together with his two sons, and usurped the Kingdom of Thebes.

The chorus begins with a description of the dawn of day alludes to the customs of the times, condemning the pursuits and undertakings of the nobles.

[1] Hercules asks for the pardon of Phoebus and the rest of the gods for having brought Cerberus to the regions above, albeit in obedience to divine commands.