Oedipus at Colonus Oedipus AT COLONUS. TELL me, thou daughter of a blind old man, Or to what city? Who th' inhabitants ? Who with a slender pittance will relieve, I ask indeed but little, and receive Less than that little; yet for me e'en that Suffices; my afflictions, the long course Of years so pass'd, and fortitude of soul Teach me with cheerfulness to bear my ills. But, O my daughter, some one if thou seest Or in the sacred groves, or on the seats Not hallow'd, lead me thither, place me there, That in what land we are we may inquire; For of the natives, strangers as we are, We come to learn, and as instructed act. My father, woe-enduring Edipus, Tow'rs, the strong bulwarks of some city, rise In distant view. This place, if right I judge, Antigone Is sacred, flourishing with laurels, vines, And olives close enwoven; in the midst Thick-fluttering nightingales their sweet notes tune. Rest therefore seated on this unhewn stone, For tiresome to thine age the length of way. Oedipus Then seat me there, and guide a blind old man. That tender office length of time hath made Familiar to me. What the place, where now We rest our steps? Canst thou inform me? Antigone Well I know we tread Athenian ground; the place I know not. Oedipus From each passing traveller Of that we are inform'd. Antigone Wilt thou I go, And what the place inquire? Oedipus Such is my wish, Antigone If near us it hath habitants, my child. It is inhabited: but that I go Needs not; for near us I behold a man. Oedipus Doth he advance, and hither speed his steps? Antigone He is e'en present; what th' occasion then Prompts thee to say, speak, for the man is here. 'ŒDIP. Stranger, I hear from her who sees for me And for herself, that thou in happy hour Art come to teach us what we wish to know. Stranger CŒDIPUS, ANTIGONE, A COLONIATE. Ere thou speak more, come from that seat; the place, That holds thee now, is hallow'd from thy tread. Oedipus What is the place then, sacred to what god? Stranger Nor touch, nor habitation dares profane That place; for there the dreadful goddesses, Daughters of Earth and Night, have their abode. Oedipus Them by what awful name should I invoke? Stranger This people call them the Eumenides, The all-beholding pow'rs: in other realms By other honour'd names they are rever'd. Oedipus Their supplicant propitious may these pow'rs Receive; that never from their seat here fix'd I may henceforth depart! Stranger What may this mean? Oedipus It is the sign which ratifies my fate. Stranger Nay, hence I dare not move thee, till I show The mandate of the city how to act. Oedipus Now by the gods disdain not to inform E'en such a wanderer what I wish to ask. Stranger Speak; thou shalt find that I disdain thee not. Oedipus What is this place, which now our feet hath reach'd? Stranger Whate'er I know, attend, and thou shalt hear. Sacred is all this place, for Neptune here Is lord revered; and he, who bears the fire, Prometheus the Titanian: but the ground Beneath thy feet is call'd the brazen way, Which forms the firm base of th' Athenian tow'rs. The fields adjoining glory in their Chief, Colonus the Equestrian; and from him All bear their common name. I tell thee things, O stranger, not by fame alone renown'd, But by consent of ages honour'd more. Oedipus Are there these places who inhabit ? Stranger Here Are many habitants, and from this god They take their name. Oedipus O'er these who bears command? Or in the people is the pow'r? Stranger This place Is govern'd by the king, whose royal seat Is in the city. Oedipus What his name, who holds The sovereign pow'r? Stranger The noble Theseus, son Of Ægeus late our king. Oedipus Would one of you A message to him bear? Stranger With what report, Or what instructions charged? Oedipus That for his aid, A little aid, he much may gain. Stranger What gain From one of sight bereav'd? Oedipus What I shall speak Stranger Shall all be found to have the pow'r of sight. Stranger, I would not thou shou'dst err: but since Noble is thy appearance, save the wrongs Of fortune, where I saw thee first, remain, Till I seek those who have their dwelling here, Not in the city, and relate these things. For they will judge if here thou may'st remain, Or from this place behoves thee to depart. Oedipus CEDIPUS, ANTIGONE. My daughter, hath the stranger left this place? Antigone He hath; and unmolested thou may'st speak Whate'er thou wilt, for I am here alone. Oedipus Ye awful goddesses, of aspect stern, Since in this country on your seats I first Rested my limbs, to Phœbus and to me Be not ungentle; for when all those ills To me his voice oracular declared, This rest he in the length of time announced, When to the destin'd country I should come, And place me in the hospitable seat Of these tremendous pow'rs, there to lay down My weary life; success and fame to those, Whose grace receiv'd me, doom'd to bring; to those, Who cast me out, discomfiture and shame. Signs, these events confirming, he foretold, The rocking of the earth, the thunder's roar, Or Jove's red lightening; therefore well I know None other but your faithful auspice led My footsteps to this grove: 1 had not else First as I journey'd, chanc'd to light on you From wine abhorrent, pure myself from wine, And place me in your awful unhewn seat. Then, goddesses, since thus Apollo's voice Hath destin'd, grant me now to end my life; Unless too light you deem the woes I bear, More than all mortals though to ills enslaved. Come then, sweet daughters of primeval Night, And thou, who from the mighty Pallas draw'st Antigone Thy name, illustrious Athens, pity me, Pity the shade of wretched Edipus, For what was once the man is now no more. Forbear: some men, in years they seem, advance : Their purpose haply to observe thy seat. Oedipus I will be silent; and lead thou my steps Aside. into the grove; that I may learn What their discourse; this caution prompts; for hence How to direct our conduct we may know. Chorus Who may this be? Where is he? Look around : Where now abides he? He hath left his seat, Of mortals the most restless. See you him? Look on each side; call to him; this old man Hath rov'd with wandering steps, with wandering steps Hath roved; a stranger surely; else he ne'er Had enter'd, where no foot may tread, the grove Of these infuriate virgins, whom we dread To name, and awe-struct pass without a look, Without addressing them, without a word, Save what of happy omen from our mouths Caution permits. Now we are told that one Revering nothing hath approach'd this place. Through all the grove I cast my searching eye, But cannot see where now he makes abode. Oedipus CŒDIPUS, ANTIGONE, CHORUS. I am that man; for what you said I heard. Chorus Horrid his aspect, horrid is his voice. Oedipus Nay, I beseech you, deem me not a wretch Profane, that bids defiance to the laws. Chorus Jove the Protector, who is this old man! Oedipus One, whom his former fortune hath not led To happiness, ye rulers of this land; In proof, I had not by another's eyes Else crawl'd along, nor had this heavy frame By a weak virgin been conducted thus. Chorus Alas, those sightless eyes denote thy fate Unhappy, and thy aspect gives me proof That thou art old. Yet charge not on our heads, For we are innocent, the curse that hangs O'er thee; for thou hast pass'd the bounds prescribed; These thou hast pass'd: but set not thy rash foot On the fresh verdure of that awful grove, Where the full goblet with the fluent stream Tempers the honied draught: forbear, restrain Thy steps, ill-fated stranger; thence withdraw. Wide is the space between us; dost thou hear, Unhappy wanderer? Wou'dst thou hold discourse With us, from that forbidden place remove Come to us; converse here is free to all, Here freely speak; till then refrain thy tongue. Oedipus Daughter, with prudence what may be resolved ? Antigone The judgment of the natives to regard, Oedipus And unreluctant, as behoves us, yield. Take hold on me. I touch, I feel thee now. O strangers, since I leave this hallow'd place In you confiding, let me not have wrong. Chorus From wrong thou art secure: nor from that seat.. Shalt thou, old man, against thy will be led. Oedipus Further must I come forward? Oedipus Yet further ? Antigone Further yet. Onward, virgin, guide his feet, Thou canst discern how far you must advance. Follow me, O my father, with dark steps Follow where I shall lead thee; and reflect Thou art a stranger in a foreign land; What to the natives then is odious, hate; And what is dear to them, with reverence treat. Oedipus Then lead me, daughter, where our foot may tread Offending no religion, there to speak, There hear; nor war we with Necessity. Chorus Stop there; nor o'er the rocky pavement set! Thy foot: there stay; enough hast thou advanced. On that stone's slooping top, Oedipus But may I sit? Chorus Gently inclining forward. Antigone Mine the care Softly to guide thee step by step. Now bend Thy aged body on my careful hand. Oedipus Ah, what severe affliction rends my heart! Chorus Unhappy man, since now thy foot hath rest, Oedipus Tell us who gave thee birth, and who thou art Through many toils thus led; thy country what I would inquire. Ostrangers, I have none, Outcast I have no country. But no more...... Chorus Why dost thou speak these words, old man? Oedipus No more Ask who I am, nor further question urge. Chorus What may this be? Oedipus A race to misery doom'd. Chorus Yet speak. Oedipus Ah me, how can I speak, my child! Chorus Whence is thy lineage, who thy father, say. Oedipus Alas, my daughter, what must I endure! Antigone Yet speak, since now th' extreme of ills is thine. Oedipus Then I will speak; t' evade it nought avails. Chorus How irksome your delay! Tell us with speed. Oedipus Know you one sprung from Laius? Oedipus Of the high race of Labdacus? What means this? Chorus O Jove! Oedipus The wretched Edipus ? Chorus And art thou he? Oedipus Nay, start not back through fear at what I say; I am that wretch. Chorus O all ye holy gods!........ Oedipus My child, what fortune will betide us now! Chorus Go hence, far hence, far from my country go. Oedipus Where shall thy promise then its sanction find? Chorus To none is vengeance destined, who repay. Wrongs first received; and fraud opposed to fraud Brings on the first deceiver punishment, Not grace. So then, since thou hast left those seats, Hence with thy utmost speed, and quit this land, Nor further violate my country's peace. Strangers revering virtue, since your minds Are adverse to my father old and blind, Hearing report of deeds to which his will Consented not, yet me, unhappy me, Ye generous strangers, pity; I implore Your pity, for my father I implore, Blushing as to your eyes my eyes I raise, Yet as deriving from your source my blood, Pray you to reverence his afflicted age: How godlike this! On you our hopes depend. Assent, refuse not to my pray'rs this grace, I beg by all your souls hold dear, your wives, Your children, by your duty, by the god. View mortal man, none ever will you find, If the god force him, that can shun his fate. Chorus Daughter of Edipus, be thou assured We pity thee, and with his sufferings moved. We pity him; yet, awed with holy dread, Other than what we said we dare not speak. Oedipus What then doth glory or fair fame avail, If thus without effect it glides away? What, that men say th' Athenian state adores q The gods with highest sanctity, alone Hath pow'r to aid the stranger sunk with ills, Alone hath pow'r to save him? Where to me Are all these boasts? You drew me from those seats, Then drive me from your land, a name alone And not my person dreading, or my deeds; For I have suffer'd, but have done no wrongs. My father and my mother, for whose sake Thou look'st on me with horror, if I here... Must mention, doth it show my nature vile, That I with force repell'd a rude assault? I knew not, (had I known, e'en then no guilt Had I incurr'd) I knew not to what height Of ills my steps advanced: but they, who caused My sufferings, knowingly my ruin wrought. By the gods then, O strangers, I implore... Your faith; since thence you drew me, save, O save Your supplicant; nor, honouring the gods, Neglect the gods: not so: but be assured The pious they behold, and they behold The impious too; nor shall th' unhallow'd wretch Ever escape: then dim not thou with these ( The lustre of blest Athens, lending aid h To deeds unhallow'd. As thou hast received Thy supplicant confiding in thy faith, Protect me, save me; nor, this griesly forın Beholding, treat me with indignity; Sacred and pious since I hither came. And much advantage to this people bringi When your lord comes, whoe'er your sovereign be, Full information shall be thine; meanwhile, Be not ungentle, do not work me ill. Chorus Thy pleaded reason with great force, old man, Commands respect; nor briefly is it urged, বাব And it contents me well that on these things... The rulers of the land for me decide. Oedipus Where, stranger, is the sovereign of these realms? // Chorus In his paternal city: but the man, Who saw thee first and sent me, hath in charge To hasten with these tidings to the king. Oedipus And think you he will hold a blind old man Worthy his care, and hither deign to come? Chorus Instant, as soon as he shall hear thy name. Oedipus Of this who shall inform him? Chorus Long the way Which thou hast pass'd; and travellers spread quick Their free reports; by these inform'd he soon, Be confident, will come; for much thy name.. Hath 'mongst us all been sounded it will add Speed to his steps, and he will soon be here. adir. And happy be his coming to his states) Happy to me! Why should not a good man Be to himself a friend obs Immortal Joveldid ata Antigone What should I say? Thoughts, whither do you lead? Oedipus «p1P. What may this be, Antigone, my child? Advancing near a woman I beholdin paleed of On a fleet courser of Sicilian breed daida A broad Thessalian bonnet shades her face From the sun's scorching beams. What can I say? May this be she? or is my sight deceived I doubt, then am assured, then doubt again: I doubt no more: 'tis she, 'tis she herself : Her eyes look cheerful on me, and her smile, As she draws near, assures me it is she; It is my dear Ismene, and none else.. Oedipus How hast thou said, my daughter? Ismene That I see Thy daughter, my dear sister: by her voice Soon thou wilt learn that hither she is come. My father, and my sister, with what joy Do I once more address you! I with pain Have found you, and with pain I look on you. Oedipus ISMENE, CŒDIPUS, ANTIGONE, CHORUS. Comest thou, my child! Ismene To see a mournful sight. Oedipus From the same blood descended... Ismene Hapless birth!. Oedipus My daughter, art thou here? Ismene Not without toil. Oedipus My child, embrace me.. Oedipus Her too with me? Ismene I embrace you both My self th' unhappy third. Oedipus Why art thou here my child?... Through care of thee. Oedipus Through fondness ? Ismene And with weighty tidings fraught, Thus with a faithful servant I am come... Oedipus Where are thy brothers, youths now strong for toil? Ismene Where their fate leads: with them disorder reigns. Oedipus How to Ægyptian manners have they form'd.... Their nature and their life? For there the men • Sit in the house and weave the web; meanwhile Abroad the active females always toil, What life requires providing. Thus of you,, My children, those, who should these toils sustain, Keep themselves close, like virgins, in the house. You, in their stead, for my unhappy ills Expose yourselves to hardships. She, e'er since She pass'd her tender state of youth, and felt Her strength grown firm, poor sufferer, on my steps Attendant leads my age; and wandering oft Foodless and barefoot through the sylvan wilds, Patient of frequent show'rs and the fierce beams Of the hot sun, regards not the rich store That fills the table in the sheltering house, So that her father he supply'd with food... And thou, my daughter, oft hast ventured forth, The Thebans' watch eluding, to informit Thy father of the various oracles On him announced; and when they drove me thence, Ismene An outcast from my country, thou daredst stand My faithful guard. Now therefore what the cause. That thou art come? What tidings dost thou bear, Ismene to thy father? Not for nought Comest thou from Thebes, of this I am assured,. Nor without bringing terror to my soul. What late I suffer'd, while I sought the place..... Of thy abode, my father, I forbear To speak, unwilling to renew the sense Of hardships by recounting them. But now I come t' inform thee of the present ills./:.. Sprung up betwixt thy two unhappy sons.. Their first debate was whether they should yield The royal seat to Creon, nor pollute The city, reasoning on the ancient stain Which mark'd their race, and thy ill-fated house. Now from some god, and their flagitious mind, A contest rages, threatening greater ills, To seize the sceptre and the regal pow'r. The younger fiercely of the throne deprives The elder, Polynices, and by force "Hath driv'n him from his country: he (for thus Among us wide the swelling rumour flies) An exile to the vales of Argos speeds; There new alliance forms, and arms his friends. Confederate in his cause; that Argos soon His cause avenging, would subdue the realms Of Thebes, and raise his glory to the skies. These are not tales, my father, idly spread; No; they are dreadful facts. But when the gods Will pity thy distress, I cannot learn....ba Oedipus Hast thou an hope, my child, that yet the gods Deign to regard me, and will save me yet? I have from recent oracles this hope, Ismene My father. Oedipus What are they? What is by them Ismene Announced, my child? The time will come, when thee Living and dead the Thebans shall require For their protection. Oedipus From a wretch like me What succour can they hope? Ismene It is declared Their pow'r depends on thee. Oedipus Am I a man E'en when I am no more? Ismene The gods, whose pow'r Once sunk thee, raise thee now. Oedipus How vain to raise Ismene In his old age the wretch that fell when young! Yet be assured that Creon for this cause ​Will come to thee: expect him here with speed. Oedipus What his intent explain to me, my child. Ismene Thee near the Theban land, but not allow'd To pass its borders, in their pow'r to hold. Oedipus What succour from me, laid before their gates, Fatal to them, if thy tomb Expect they? Ismene Be elsewhere raised. Oedipus Without the god, this knowledge ? Ismene For this cause Whose wisdom could attain, Thee near their realms, but of thy self not lord, It is their wish to place. Oedipus In Theban dust Will they entomb me? Ismene That thy father's blood Allows not. Me then never may they hold Oedipus Beneath their pow'r ! Ismene But to the sons of Thebes This would be fatal. Oedipus What the potent cause Of such a fate? Ismene Thy anger, at thy tomb When they shall stand. Oedipus By whom art thou inform'd Of what thou say'st, my child? Ismene By men who brought Responses from the Delphic shrine. Oedipus Of me This did the god declare? Ismene So they, to Thebes Returning, made report. Oedipus Which of my sons. Heard this? Ismene Both heard it, and both knew it well. Oedipus Could they hear this, vile wretches, and contemn Their father, whilst they grasp at regal pow'r? Ismene I grieve to hear, yet I must bear these things. Oedipus The flames of this contention may the gods Never extinguish; but to me be giv'n The issue of this fated war, which now They wage, with mutual fury lifting each The hostile spear against the other's breast:V So should not he, the sceptre and the crown Who now possesses, hold them long; nor he, Who flying left his country, e'er return;... For they their father, with disgrace thrust forth, Sustain'd not, nor protected; but by them In this ill plight driv'n out I was proclaim'd An exile. Thou wilt say, at my request This, as a grace, the state then granted. No: It was not so: for at the time when grief Inflamed my soul to madness, when to die Had been most welcome to me, and with stones To have been crush'd, then not a man came forth To gratify my wish: but when my grief Was soften'd by the lenient hand of time, And I discern'd that my now ebbing rage Had punish'd more than my offence deserved, Then, after this long interval, the state Drove me by force an outcast from the land; And these my sons, who then had pow'r to aid Their father, will'd not to exert that pow'r; But e'en a little word not deign'd, by them Compell'd I wander thus, and beg my bread. But from these virgins, far as nature gives Their sex the pow'r to aid me, I receive Food that sustains my life, upon the earth Rest without fear, and all the dear supports Children can yield a parent. But my sons, Of filial piety regardless, grasp At sceptres, thrones, and sovereign rule o'er Thebes. But me they shall not win to league with them; Nor shall th' imperial pow'r on them devolve What may advantage them; this well I know, Hearing the oracles she now relates, And pondering the responses which the god Of old announced to me. Let them then send Creon to seek me here, or in their state Who else is potent, me they shall not move. If you, O strangers, with these awful pow'rs Residing here, with your protection deign To shield me, to your state you will procure Much succour, and confusion to my foes. Thee and thy daughters: but conversing thus Since thou hast urged the safety of our state, Things, which import thy good I would advise. Oedipus To act as thou shalt counsel I am prompt. Chorus Make an atonement to those pow'rs, to whom Thou didst first come, and tread this hallow'd ground. Oedipus Tell me, ye friendly strangers, with what rites. Chorus First from the ever-flowing fountain bring Sacred libations touch'd with holy hands. Oedipus And when these pure effusions I shall take...... Chorus Goblets, the work of skilful hands, are there; Their highest verge and double handles crown. Oedipus With verdant branches, or the woof's fine threads? Chorus Wreathing the soft wool of a lamb around. Oedipus How next behoves me to disgrace these rites ? Chorus Turn tow'rds the orient morn, and pour the streams. Oedipus These from the goblets mention'd must I pour ? Chorus At three libations; at the last, the whole.. Oedipus Instruct me yet; with what must this be fill'd? Chorus With water and with honey: add no wine. Oedipus This when the earth's dark verdure hath received...... Chorus Thrice on it with both hands place olive boughs Thrice three; then breathe thy supplicating pray'rs. Oedipus These I would learn: of highest import these. Chorus Propitious as we call them, that with minds Propitious they their votary would receive And save, implore them thou, or be thy pray'r Presented by some other: but take heed, Low be thy voice, and few thy modest words; Then slow retire with backward step. These rites. If thou discharge, my hope will stand secure; If not, O stranger, I must fear for thee. Oedipus Hear you, my daughters, what with friendly voice Those, who have here their habitance, advise ? Ismene We heard them: what must now be done, command. Oedipus Me to discharge these things my want of strength, And want of sight, two bitter ills, deny. Ismene Go one of you, perform these rites; for one In execution of such charge I deem Sufficient as a thousand, if the mind Be well affected; with the utmost speed Perform it then; but leave me not alone; For, if forsaken, these enfeebled limbs Cannot creep onwards; they require a guide. I go then: to discharge this trust be mine. But show me first the place which I must find. Chorus On that side of the grove. Shou'dst thou of aught Have need, O Virgin stranger, there resides One thy inquiries ready to resolve. Ismene For this I go; Antigone, do thou Guard here our father: for a parent's sake: E'en if we toil, we think not of the toil. Chorus CEDIPUS, ANTIGONE, CHORUS. Though it be painful to awake a grief Long calm'd to rest, yet, Stranger, I would ask...... Oedipus What wou'dst thou ask? Chorus Whence all this signal grief, This dreadful, this interminable woe? Oedipus This, by each hospitable right I beg, Forbear to open: they are deeds abhorr'd. Chorus Wide the report hath spread, nor yet hath ceased; The truth I wish to know. ". Oedipus Unhappy me! Chorus Let me prevail; comply with my request, I beg thee; with thy wishes I comply. Oedipus The worst of ills I have sustain'd, sustain'd Unwillingly, O strangers: none of these, Be the gods witness, sprung from my free choice. Chorus What may this be? Oedipus In marriage foul, accursed, Me the state bound, unconscious of the guilt. Chorus Didst thou, I tremble as I speak it, fill, Oedipus As fame reports, thy mother's bed? To hear These things is death, O strangers; but from me Sprung these two virgins, of my guilt two proofs. Chorus Immortal Jove! Oedipus With-me. And from one mother sprung Chorus Are these then daughters, daughters these, Oedipus And sisters of their father? Wretched me! Chorus Wretched indeed: for infinite thy ills. Oedipus Ah! never can their memory be effaced. Chorus And thou hast done....... Oedipus These are no deeds of mine. Chorus How not thy deeds? Oedipus I from the liberal state Received a gift, (O that I never had!) And thence sprung all the woes that rend my heart... Chorus Unhappy man! And art thou stain'd with blood? Oedipus Why this? what wou'dst thou? Chorus With a father's blood? Oedipus Oh! thou hast pierced me with another grief. Chorus Didst thou not slay... Oedipus I did: yet I have what To urge in my excuse. Chorus What canst thou plead? Oedipus That I will tell thee: ignorant whose blood My hand then shed, I by the law am pure; For I was led unknowing to the deed. Chorus But see, excited by the fame of thee Our king, the son of Ægeus, Theseus comes. Theseus THESEUS, CEDIPUS, ANTIGONE, CHORUS. Hearing reported oft in days long past The bloody deed that quench'd thy orbs of sight, I know thee, son of Laius: much more now, By information on the way received, I know thee well; those squalid weeds, that head... So mark'd with misery show me who thou art. Unhappy Œdipus, I pity thee, And wish to ask with what request to me And to my people hither thou art come, Thou, and that hapless virgin on thy steps Attending: make it known: be it a task Of toil or danger, fear not a repulse; For I have learn'd, I have been train'd to feel, Like thee, a stranger's woes; with many toils And many dangers in a foreign land Have I conflicted; from no stranger then, As thou art now disdainful will I turn, Not yielding thee protection; for I know, Being a man, not more than thine my pow'r To rule th' events to-morrow may bring forth. Oedipus Thy generous spirit, Theseus, in few words Shines forth; behoves me then a brief reply : For who I am, and of what father born, And from what country come, thou hast declared. Nothing for me remains then, but to show What at thy friendly hands I would request. Theseus Of this inform me then; I wish to know. Oedipus I come this wretched body to bestow On thee; a gift not to the sight indeed Alluring, but th' advantages it brings Are of more value than a beauteous form. Theseus And what advantage dost thou deign to bring? Oedipus Time, not the present hour will show thee this. Theseus When shall in deed thy offer'd good appear? Oedipus When I am dead, and thou shalt bury me. Theseus These are the last sad offices of life Thou now hast ask'd; but all between hast left Forgotten, or of no importance deem'd., Oedipus In copious measure these are here on me Theseus Conferr'd. Small grace dost thou of me require. Oedipus Yet see; not small this contest. Theseus Of thy sons Is this declared, or me? Oedipus They would by force Compel me to return. Theseus If such their wish, Thy voluntary wanderings on thy self Bring much dishonour. Oedipus But when such my wish, They would not yield assent. Theseus Rash man, in ills Anger brings no advantage. Oedipus Hear me first, Ere thou reprove me. Theseus Speak; for till inform'd Ill it becomes me of the cause to judge. Oedipus O Theseus, I have suffer'd dreadful ills Added to ills. Theseus Is it thy scope to speak Of the old ills which plunged thy house in woe? Oedipus No: for of that each Grecian speaks aloud. Theseus More than man's common lot are then thy woes? Oedipus They are: for from my country I am driv'n By mine own sons, and never to return, Since in my father's blood my hands are stain'd. Theseus Why then would they recal thee, since thy doom Is to live distant? Constrain'd. By the voice divine What terrors doth that voice denounce? Oedipus Defeat and slaughter from this land. Theseus And whence 'Twixt them and me should strife and war arise? Oedipus O friendly son of Ægeus, to the gods Alone is giv'n exemption from old age And death; all else th' all-powerful hand of time Crumbles to dust. The vigour of the earth, The vigour of the body wastes away; Faith withers to the root, and Perfidy Puts forth fresh branches. So in men, in states Leagued now in friendship, the same spirit long Never remains; but what is grateful now, Instant to some, to some in distant time, Becomes detested, then delights again. So now though all is amity and peace. 'Twixt thee and Thebes, yet ever-changing time Will, in its progress, ever-changing nights And days beget, in which your plighted hands, Arm'd for a trivial cause, shall burst your leagues; That my cold corse, at rest beneath the earth, Shall drink their warm blood, if Jove reigns supreme And Phœbus, son of Jove, declares the truth. But to unfold what silence ought to veil Delights me not; permit me to proceed In what I first began; keep but thy faith, Thou didst receive an useless habitant (Unless the gods beguile me) to this land. Chorus These and like things this man before, O king, Declared he for this country would achieve. Theseus The warm benevolence of such a man Who would reject? To him among us first The common hospitable altar stands; Then coming suppliant to these awful pow'rs, To me and to my country he repays An ample recompense; revering which His courtesy I never will reject, But give him in this land to dwell secure. If here the stranger wishes to abide, I give thee charge to guard him: if thy will Inclines thee, Edipus, with me to go, Thou hast thy choice; my will assents to thine. ADIP. Thou ruler of the skies, on men like these Pour down thy blessings! What dost thou resolve? Wilt thou with me to Athens ? Oedipus Would the fates Allow it: but my place is here. Theseus And here What wilt thou do? I shall not check thy will. Oedipus Here will I vanquish those, who drove me forth An outcast. Theseus Great requital hast thou named For thy reception here. Oedipus If firm thy faith, And to thy promise just. Theseus Confide in me; I never will betray thee. With an oath Oedipus Thee, like one base of soul, I will not bind. Theseus My word is pledged: there is no surer tie. Oedipus HOW wilt thou act- Theseus What chiefly dost thou fear ? Oedipus The men will come. Theseus These will sustain that care. Oedipus Take heed lest if thou leave me... Theseus Teach not me Oedipus One, who fears... To act as best behoves me.. Theseus My heart ne'er knew to fear. Oedipus Know'st thou their threats ? Theseus I know that no man to my will opposed....... Shall force thee hence. I know that many threats, Many vain words in rage are vaunted loud; But when cool reason reassumes the sway, These menaces sink forceless. So, though now Perchance these threaten high, they soon shall find Th' attempt to drag thee hence is but to dare A wide rough sea, on which their bark will sink. Nay, I exhort thee, e'en without my care Be confident, if Phoebus be thy guide... Though I may hence be distant, yet I know My name shall guard thee from the assault of ill. Chorus STRO. 1. CŒDIPUS, ANTIGONE, CHORUS. Well, stranger, to these rural seats Thou comest, this region's blest retreats, Where white Colonus lifts his head, And glories in the bounding steed. Where sadly sweet the frequent nightingale Impassion'd pours her evening song, And charms with varied notes each verdant vale, The ivy's dark-green boughs among; Or shelter'd 'midst the cluster'd vine, Which high above, to form a bow'r Safe from the sun or stormy show'r, Loves its thick branches to entwine; Where frolie Bacchus always roves, And visits with his fostering Nymphs the groves. Bath'd in the dew of heav'n each morn Fresh is the fair Narcissus born, Of these great pow'rs the crown of old: The Crocus glitters robed in gold. Here restless fountains ever murmuring glide, And as their crisped streamlets stray To feed, Cephisus, thy unfailing tide, Fresh verdure marks their winding way; And as their pure streams roll along. O'er the rich bosom of the ground, Quick spring the plants, the flow'rs around. Here oft to raise the tuneful song The virgin band of Muses deigns; And car-borne Venus guides her golden reigns. What nor rich Asia's wide domain, Nor all that sea-encircled land From Doric Pelops named, contain, Here, unrequired the cult'ring hand, The hallow'd plant spontaneous grows, Striking cold terror through our foes. Here blooms, this favour'd region round, The fertile Olive's hoary head; The young, the old behold it spread, Nor dare with impious hand to wound: Antigone ANTIS. 1. STRO. 2. ANTIS. 2. For Morian Jove with guardian care Delights to see it flourish fair; And Pallas, fav'ring, from the skies Rolls the blue lustre of her eyes. My voice yet once more let me raise, Yet other glories to relate : A potent God for these we praise, His presents to this favour'd state; The Steed obedient to the rein, And safe to plough the subject main. Our highest vaunt is this, thy grace, Saturnian Neptune, we behold The ruling Curb emboss'd with gold Control the Courser's managed pace. Though loud, O king, thy billows roar, Our strong hands grasp the well-form'd oar; And, while the Nereids round it play, Light cuts our bounding bark its way. O happy land, for many glories famed. Behoves thee now assert this splendid praise, Oedipus Is there aught new, my daughter ? Antigone Creon nigh Approaches, not without a numerous train. Oedipus Revered old men, on you my safety now Depends; protect me, shield me from his wrongs. Chorus Fear not, thou shalt have aid : though I am old, The nation's strength is not decay'd through age. Creon CREON, CEDIPUS, ANTIGONE, CHORUS. Illustrious habitants of this fair land, I see, your eyes declare it, that surprise Hath on my coming seized you, mix'd with fear. But fear me not; nor let your speech be harsh. No deed of outrage wish I to attempt, For I am old, and know that to a state, Potent as any Greece can boast, I come. But I am sent on this man to prevail, Thus worn with age, t' attend me to the realms Of Thebes: this charge received I not from one, But all the citizens; since most to me, Through near affinity of blood, belongs To mourn and pity his calamities Then hear me, thou afflicted Œdipus, Return with me; for all the sons of Thebes Recal thee, with just cause, I more than all, As more than others (else of all mankind I were the vilest) for thy sufferings griev'd, Beholding thee thus old oppress'd with woes, Ever 'mongst strangers wandering, destitute Of food, thy steps by one attendant led: Her, hapless virgin, never had I thought To see thus fall'n, sunk to this wretched state, To thee for ever ministring, for thee Begging the scanty meal, and at this age Of nuptial rites bereft, and still exposed To ruffian violence. With base reproach Have I then wrong'd myself, and thee, and all Our race? Am I that wretch ? It is not so; And things well known in vain would we conceal. Be then advised: by the paternal gods I now conjure thee, Edipus, comply At my persuasion, willingly return To Thebes thy native city, and thy house, Seat of thy fathers; to these regions bid A friendly farewell, they deserve it of thee : But justice to thy country, since thy youth Was nurtured there, an higher reverence claims. CDIP. O thou, audacious in whate'er is base, And prompt from all just words to draw a train Of deep insidious ills, why this attempt? Why seek again t' ensnare me, where I most, Should grieve to be ensnared? In days long past When with domestic miseries o'erwhelm'd My sickening soul in exile would have joy'd, Then to my wish this grace didst thou deny. But when my soul was glutted with its grief, And in my house it had been sweet to rest, For ebbing then I found my former rage, Then didst thou drive me forth an outcast thence, Nor was this near affinity of blood Dear to thee. Now again, when thou didst see This state benevolent to me, and all Its race, dost thou assay to drag me hence, Filing thy tongue to smooth thy harsh attempts. Why this delight to show thy courtesy When most it is unwelcome? If to thee, What thy wants crave requesting to obtain, One should give nothing, nor e'en show a will To grant thee a supply; but, when thy soul Enjoys its wish e'en to the full, would give, When the slow favour all its grace hath lost, Wou'dst thou this worthless pleasure wish to gain? Such is to me thy offer'd grace, in words Pretending good, but hateful in effect. Nay, I will tell it these, that I may show Thy baseness: hence to draw me thou art come, Not with leave granted to possess my house, But to be stabled on your confines; thus Your country should be guarded from the ills. Fear'd from these realms. This never shall be thine; But thine shall be those ills; for in that land My vengeful spirit always shall reside. Nor of my kingdom shall my sons share more, Then to die in it. Seem I not to know Better than thou the destined state of Thebes? Much better, as by more unerring guides Instructed, Phœbus and his father Jove. Yet hither hast thou brought that treacherous front Harden'd 'gainst shame: but that fine-filed tongue Shall work thee woe, not safety; be assured With me thou never shalt prevail : begone, Let us live here; not ill we here should live... E'en as we are, could we delight in life. Mine dost thou ween a greater share of grief From thy refusal, than what thou must feel? Oedipus Greatly shall I rejoice if neither me, Nor these here present thou hast pow'r to move. Creon Thou wretch, whom time to wisdom could not train, But mark'd thee a dishonour to old age! Oedipus Pow'rful art thou in speech; but I ne'er knew A man revering justice, who could smooth Creon His tongue to gloze all arguments alike. Much speech, and well adapted, differ wide. Oedipus Though brief, yet well adapted are those words. Creon No; not to one that hath a soul like thine......... Oedipus Begone, for I will speak for these; nor take Thy station watching where belioves me dwell. Creon These I attest, not thee, and these as friends, What, should I seize thee, such replies deserve. Oedipus Me from such guardians who by force shall take?...... From these apart thou shalt have cause of grief. Oedipus From what rude deed doth such a menace rise? Creon Of thy two daughters one I lately seized, And sent away: this soon I hence will lead. Oedipus Ah me! Chorus Thou soon shalt have more cause to sigh.. Oedipus Is then my daughter seized, and in thy pow'r C Pass a few moments this too Dwill seize. Oedipus O friendly strangers, now on you I call, Creon What will you do? Will you desert my cause? Will you not drive this ruffian from your land? Chorus Stranger, depart: neither thy present deeds, !!! Antigone Nor those late done, are just: with speed depart..... Creon to his attendants. Now is your time; seize her, and lead her hence, If wayward she refuse to go, by force. Unhappy me, ah, whither shall I fly? Aid from what god, what man shall I receive? Chorus What dost thou, stranger... Creon The virgin's mine. Oedipus Him I shall not touch: O rulers of this land! Chorus These things, O stranger, are not just. Chorus How are they just? Most just. Creon I lead away mine own. Antigone O state of Athens! Creon Stranger, what means this? What dost thou? Wilt thou not forbear? This soon Must stand the test of arms. Take off thy hands. Chorus Not on this outrage while thy will is bent. If thou wrong me, thou call'st the state to arms. Oedipus Did I not say this contest would be great? Creon This instant from the virgin take thy hands. Chorus Command not those o'er whom thou hast no pow'r.te CR I say to thee, no more the virgin hold. Chorus I say to thee, hence take thy way, begone. Come forth, my fellow-citizens, come forth, Our state by force is plunder'd, hither haste. Antigone O strangers, strangers, I am dragged away. Oedipus My child, where art thou ? Oedipus Stretch out thy hands to me.. Antigone Borne by force away. I have not pow'r. Creon [to his attendants. Will you not lead her hence? Oedipus O wretched me! Creon On these two props no more shalt thou support Thy wandering steps; but since thou wilt o'ercome Thy country and thy friends, at whose command I, though their sovereign, do this; have thy will, O'ercome: yet thou wilt know in time, I ween, That neither what thou now hast done avails To thee for good, nor what thou didst of old; The counsels of thy friends thy pride disdain'd, And rage indulged hath always work'd thee woes. Chorus Stranger, thou movest not hence. Creon Off; touch me not. Chorus Of these bereaved I will not quit my hold. Creon Thy state with heavier ransom wilt thou charge; For not these virgins only will I seize. Chorus To what now wilt thou turn thee? And bear this old man hence. I will seize A perilous threat. OR. But soon to be accomplish'd, if the king, The sovereign of this land, restrain me not. Oedipus Me, shameless babbler, wilt thou dare to touch? Creon I charge thee be thou silent. Silent! no; May not these awful pow'rs restrain my tongue From one curse more, this curse on thee, vile man, Who from my sightless steps hast drawn by force My tender guide! For this may yon bright god, Th' all-seeing sun, give thee and all thy race To close your lives with an old age like mine! Ye natives of this country, see you this? Oedipus They see both me and thee, and they perceive That wrong'd by deeds in words I seek revenge. Creon No longer will I check my rage, but hence Drag him by force, though here I am alone, And slow through age. Oedipus Ah me, unhappy me! Chorus Presumptuous stranger, hither darest thou come With thoughts to do such deeds? Creon Such are my thoughts. Chorus This state then I esteem a state no more. Creon In a just cause the weak subdue the strong. Oedipus Hear you his threats? Chorus They shall not have effect. Creon That Jove may know, not thou. An insult thou must bear. What insult this! Chorus My countrymen. Come forth, with all your forces come! Ye chiefs Advance, with speed advance; for now the tide Of headlong violence o'erflows all bounds. Theseus What means this cry? What outrage raised your fears, That at the altar while the victim bleeds An offering to the monarch of the sea, The god o'er this Colonus who presides, You call me? Speak, inform me what the cause That urged me hither with uneasy speed? Oedipus My generous friend, for well I know thy voice, Dreadful my recent sufferings from this man. Theseus What hast thou suffer'd? Who hath wrong'd thee? Speak. Oedipus This Creon, whom thou seest, has forced from me My daughters, the sole comfort of my woes. Theseus How say'st thou? Oedipus My fresh sufferings thou hast heard. Theseus Of my attendants one with swiftest pace Hence to the altar, bear this charge to all Th' assembled people, from the sacred rites Horsemen and troops of foot to wing their speed, And seize the strait where the two roads unite, Ere there the virgins pass. I should be held In scorn if, when my faith is pledged, by force I were defeated. Go as I command, And use thy utmost speed. But for this man,. Were I by anger prompted, as his deeds Deserve, unwounded by my vengeful hand I should not suffer him go hence. But now, Since his own laws he brought, to those same laws His treatment shall accord; for from this land Thou never shalt depart, till thou hast brought The virgins back, and placed them in my sight.l For thou hast done what foul dishonour casts On me, on thy high lineage, and thy land: A country hast thou enter'd, which reveres The voice of justice, and ne'er dares a deed That violates the laws; her sacred rights Hast thou o'erleap'd, and rushing in by force Bearest hence thy spoil, deeming perchance my realm Of force devoid, and sunk with servile fear, And me some spiritless and abject wretch. Thebes taught thee not this ruffian deed, nor loves To cherish the unjust; nor would her voice Hail thee with acclamations, if she knew That thou hast plunder'd me, and seized by force Unhappy men, the suppliants of the gods. Thy country had I enter'd, were my claims Most just, without the sovereign of the land, Whoe'er he were, thence nothing had I drawn Or forced away; well knowing how behoves A stranger in a foreign land to frame His fair demeanour: but thy deeds disgrace Thy country, not deserving such reproach: And time in its full course hath made thee old, And void of wisdom. But I tell thee now, What I before declared, without delay Send, let the virgins safe be brought again, Else in this land constrain'd shalt thou abide Howe'er unwillingly. I tell thee this, And my heart speaks accordant with my tongue. Chorus Stranger, thou seest thy state, to what reduced, Since, though thy noble race bespoke thee just, Thy deeds have proved thee base, and prone to ill. Neither of puissant force nor counsel sage....... Deeming thy realm, O son of Ægeus, void, Creon Have I here done this deed; but knowing this, No friendly zeal e'er moved you to sustain Those of my blood, by force, against my will. I knew your state would not receive a man Unholy, with his father's blood distain'd; His nuptial bed polluted with the guilt Of incest. Well I knew your awful Court High on the mount of Mars, for wisdom famed, Coeval with your land, would ne'er allow Such outcasts in their city to reside. On this confiding I presumed to seize The wretch; nor had I done it, but he pour'd Such dreadful execrations forth on me And on my race, that for the wrongs received I deem'd this meet requital; for the force Of rage is not abated but by death; The dead feel no resentment. For these things Act as thy will inclines thee; thus alone, Just though my cause, my pow'r is small: yet know Such as you see me now, whate'er your deeds, Like deeds will I endeavour to repay. Oedipus Unblushing insolence! falls this reproach On my hoar head, or on thine own? while thus Thy tongue descants on murders, nuptial rites, And miseries which, unhappy, I sustain'd Of guilt not conscious; so it pleased the gods, Of old perchance enraged at some offence Of those from whom I sprung; for fault in me, To warrant this reproach thou canst not find Against myself committed, or my house. For tell me, to my father if the voice Of oracles declared that he should fall Slain by his sons, me justly for the deed Dost thou revile? I had not being then. If by ill fate (and that ill fate was mine) I in fierce conflict 'gainst my father stood, And slew him, nothing knowing whom my hand Opposed, canst thou revile me for a deed Unknowingly committed? But, thou wretch, Dost thou not blush that of my mother's bed Thou hast constrain'd me to make mention, since She was thy sister? I will speak of it Briefly (for what would silence now avail?) Since thy unhallow'd tongue hath touch'd that point. She brought me forth, ah me! she brought me forth, O my unhappy fate! then bore me sons, Her foul reproach, unconscious I of guilt, Of guilt unconscious she. But this I know, Me thou hast willingly reviled, and her; Unwillingly I wedded her, and now Unwillingly speak this. Yet shall my name Fear from these nuptials no reviling tongue, Nor from my father's death, the constant theme Of thy malignant censure: for with truth Answer me this, should one with boisterous force Instant attack thy life, no wrong by thee First offer'd, wou'dst thou nice inquiry make Whether thy father made the rude assault; Or wou'dst thou in a moment strive t' avenge The wrong? I think, if that thou lovest thy life, Thou wou'dst avenge thee of the ruffian strait, Nor with slow caution ponder what is right. On ills like these with erring steps I ran, Led by the gods? nor would my father's shade, Could it return to life, I think, reply Opposing my just plea. But thou, whose soul No justice rules, prompted by impious pride To utter all, though honour bids thy tongue Be silent, in this presence hast presumed: To charge me thus with base and slanderous blame. Yet canst thou stoop with adulation bland To fawn on Theseus, and th' Athenian state As train'd to righteous laws; but 'midst thy praise Of this forgetful, that if ever land Knew with due honours to revere the gods, Athens in this hath high pre-eminence.. Yet in this state thy thievish hand hath seized, Its hoary supplicant, and borne away My virgin daughters. Touch'd with wrongs like these Bending before these awful pow'rs I breathe My ardent supplications, and invoke Their succour, their protection, that thy pride May learn what men are guardians of this state. Chorus This stranger hath much merit; and his woes, In total ruin which have crush'd him down... Deserve, O king, protection at thy hand. Theseus Enough of words; for while the spoilers haste We, who have suffer'd wrong, inactive stand. Creon What to my feeble age are thy commands?/ Theseus Go on the way before, and be my guide, That in these regions if the virgins yet Are held, thou may'st direct me to the place. If they, who seized them, fly, we need not toil; For others are abroad, whose swift pursuit They never shall elude to thank the gods That from this country they by flight escaped.. Lead thou the way, and know that thou art seized, As thou hast seized; the hunter fortune takéslel In his own toils; for things by fraud obtain'd And unjust violence, abide not long. Thy hope of aid shall fail thee; for I know With such small force, for such a rude attempt', Creon Unfurnish'd thus, thy spirit had not swell'd To this proud height; there is in whose support Confiding thou hast dared the deed: but this Demands attention; not to yield this state A prey to one invader. Are my words To thy conception clear; or seem they vain, As when thy thoughts this insult first devised? Nothing of what is said I here can blame; At home what best behoves us we shall know. Theseus Go now, hereafter threaten. Thou with us Remain in quiet, Edipus, assured I will not rest, unless I first should die, Till to thy wish thy daughters I restore. Oedipus Be thou blest, Theseus, for thy generous mind, And for thy just protection of my age! Chorus STRO. 1. CŒDIPUS, CHORUS. Were I where the dauntless train Swells the battle's brazen roar; On the hallow'd Pythian plain; Or the torch-illumined shore, Where for men their holy flame... O'er the sacred Mysteries wakes, And 'mongst Priests of honour'd name Where his station Silence takes, Wont his golden key to bear In his firm tongue-locking hand! There the warrior Theseus, there Join'd the virgin sisters stand; There they shall soon the conflict share, And pour the torrent rage of war. Westward haply on the plain, : Where the white and rocky steep Tow'rs o'er Oia's rich domain, May th' ensanguin'd battle sweep : Where impetuous in their speed, Glowing with the flames of war, Warriors spur the foaming steed, Other warriors roll the car. Brave the youths who here reside, Brave th' Athenian troops in fight; Shine their reins with martial pride, All their trappings glitter bright; These honours in their rich array To Pallas all and Neptune pay. Is the dreadful work begun? Or does ought their force delay? O let me give the glad presages way! Soon shall yon bright ethereal sun Behold him, vaunting now no more, Compell'd th' afflicted virgin to restore, Afflicted through her father's woes. Each day some deed effected shows, The ruling hand of righteous Jove. I am the prophet of a prosperous fight. Had I the pennons of a dove Mysteries. These Priests were called Eumolpide, from Eumolpus the first Hierophant. High o'er the clouds to whirl my flight, Then should my raptured eyes behold The victory my thoughts foretold. Thou in heav'n's high throne ador'd, Sovereign of the gods above, Give strength, O pow'rful all-beholding Jove, Give conquest to my country's lord; With glory mark his purple way, And make the ambush'd foe an easy prey! Pallas, propitious hear my pray'r, And show that Athens is thy care! Thee, Hunter Phœbus, skill'd to trace The sylvan savage in his rapid flight; Thee, whom the pleasures in the chase Of the fleet, spotted hind delight, Thee I implore, chaste Huntress Maid, Aid her brave sons, our country aid! Chorus ANTIS. 1. STRO. 2. ANTIS. 2. Thou shalt not, stranger, of thy watchman speak As a false augur; for mine eyes behold The virgins: they return, with hasty steps. Advancing nigh. Oedipus Where, where? what say'st thou? how? Antigone THESEUS, ANTIGONE, ISMENE, CEDIPUS, My father, O my father, would some god Give thee to see this best of men, who thus Hath brought us back to thee! My children here! Are you both here, my children? By the hands Of Theseus, and his brave attendants, saved. Oedipus Come near, my children; and, what ne'er again We could e'en hope, support me with your arms. Antigone Obtain thy wish; we grant it with delight. Oedipus Where are you then? Antigone Together we approach. To a father all Oedipus O my dear blossoms! Antigone Is dear. Oedipus Ye tender props of my old age ! Unhappy props of an unhappy man. Oedipus What is most dear to me I hold; and now Antigone Were I to die whilst you thus near me stand, I should not be quite wretched: but support, On each side prop me, growing to the trunk From which you sprung; to an afflicted wretch Outcast, and late abandon'd, give some rest. What hath been done now tell me, but in brief, A short relation will from you suffice. Theseus who sav'd us; it is meet Thou learn from him: so shall my words be brief. Oedipus My daughters thus beyond my hopes restored, Marvel not, generous Theseus, if my words. Exceed due measure. Well I know from thee, And thee alone, this dear delight, in them Which I receive, is giv'n me; for thy hand, And thine alone, preserved them. May the gods On thee and on thy state their blessings pour Ample as my warm wishes; for 'mongst you Only of all mankind have I discern'd A reverence for the gods, a fix'd regard For justice, and a manly love of truth. The worth, which I have proved, my words extol, For what I have, I have from thee alone. Disdain not then, O king, to stretch the hand That I may touch it, and, with leave obtain'd, Kiss thee. What have I said? How then can I, Born wretched, wish to touch a man, whom stain Of ill hath ne'er approach'd? It shall not be: Such grace must be refused. Of all mankind Those only, who have suffer'd ills, can feel A touch of pity for my ills. I now Bid thee henceforth farewell; and let thy care, Thus far extended to a wretch like me, Through what of life is left me, yet extend. Theseus I marvel not that many are thy words Through pleasure that thy daughters are restored; Nor that, ere mine, thou joy'dst in their address. These things with me are trivial, of no weight, I have no care aught splendid in my life To show in words, but honourable deeds; And let these speak: I pledged to thee my faith; In nothing I deceived thee, but have brought These virgins back alive, and from his threats Uninjured: how this contest was achieved Why should I vaunt? In private thou may'st learn From them. But to an incident which late Occurr'd, as hither I return'd, attend. Things of small semblance oft with import high Are pregnant: prudence slights no circumstance. Oedipus Of this, O son of Ægeus, uninform'd I wish a full relation and distinct. Theseus A man, they say, no habitant of Thebes, But to thy blood allied, a suppliant sits At Neptune's altar, where the victim slain I offer'd when I hasten'd at your cries. Oedipus Whence is he? In this hallow'd seat why placed? Theseus I know but this, short conference he requests With thee, in nothing to molest thee more. Oedipus Why this? No trivial cause hath placed him there. Theseus With thee he wishes to converse, and asks Permission thence in safety to return. Oedipus Who can this be that near the altar sits? Theseus At Argos is there none to thee allied, Who may with ardour wish this grace from thee? Oedipus My honour'd friend, forbear. Oedipus No more entreat...... Theseus Why thus disturb'd?i What may I not entreat? Oedipus What I have heard shows who the suppliant is. Theseus Say who, that his attempt I may rebuke. Oedipus It is my hated son: of all mankind Him with most pain should I endure to hear... Theseus Yet thou may'st hear, nor yield to his request, Thy will averse: to hear can give no pain. Oedipus His voice, O king, is to a father's ear Most hateful: urge me not perforce to yield. Theseus But if his seat compels to this, take heed, The sanction of the god must be revered. Hear me, my father, nor despise my youth. Indulge this man, assenting to his wish And to the god, in what his soul desires... Antigone Refuse us not, but let my brother come. His words, though ill accorded to thy state, Thee from thy stedfast purpose will not draw By force: what ill from hearing words can rise? The honourable purpose of the heart Is signified by words. Nay, weigh this well, Thou art his father: though his deeds to thee Be of the vilest, the most impious, rightI Wills not that thou repay him like ill deeds; His own will bring their vengeance. Impious sons. Have injured other parents, and have raised Anger as fierce; but by th' advice of friends. This harshness hath been charm'd e'en to assume A milder nature. On th' afflicting ills Thy soul has suffer'd for thy parents' sake Reflect not now; dismiss them from thy thoughts, Adverting only to the dire effects Of raging anger; those thou soon may'st know; For violent the proofs of this thou bearest, Thy orbs of sight extinguish'd. Yield thee then; Ill it becomes thee that a just request Repeatedly be urged, or that a grace Received with grace thou know'st not to repay. Oedipus Your painful pleasure thus declared, my child, You overcome me: be it as you will. Only if hither he must come, my friend, Protect me, o'er my life let none have pow'r. Theseus Of this enough; it is not mine to boast. Me if the gods protect, be thou assured Old man, in my protection thou art safe. Chorus STRO. ANTIS. CEDIPUS, ANTIGONE, ISMENE, CHORUS. Beyond the bounds to strength assign'd Hast thou a wish t' extend life's lingering day? With heedful eye my state survey, And learn that thoughtless folly rules thy mind. For years thus lengthen'd in their train: Bring nearer weakness, grief, and pain. But be thy wish indulged beyond its height, Nought shalt thou see that yields delight; Insatiate to the tomb no bound it knows, Though Hymen's torch no longer glows, No choral lyre now charms the ears, And slow-approaching Death to close the scene appears. Not to be born is heav'n's first grace: If born, extinguish'd soon the vital flame, Antigone EPOD. Back to return whence late he came, Is heav'n's next blessing to man's wretched race. Youth comes, and with him leads a train Of idle follies, pleasures vain: Thence rugged toil attends his mazy way, And Misery marks him for her prey...: Sedition, Envy, Murder, Passion, Strife Spread horror o'er his path of life; These to the hated mansions lead Where cheerless, friendless Age reclines his drooping head. Not mine alone these ills to know, But on some bleak and rocky shore As storms and dashing billows roar, .. So on his hapless, hoary brow Waves heap'd on waves without control The tempests of affliction roll: Some from those tracts impetuous sweep, Where the sun skirts the western deep; Some, where he gilds the orient day; Some, where he beams his noontide ray; ..... Some, where Arcturus in his height Flames o'er the bosom of the night. Hither the stranger takes his way; alone He comes, my father; gushing from his eyes Fast flow the tears. Who is he? Whom before We deem'd him, Polynices: he is here. Polynices POLYNICES, CŒDIPUS, ANTIGONE, ISMENE, Alas, my sisters, 'midst these various ills My own misfortunes shall I first bewail, Or those which on my father's hoary head Antigone I see have fall'n, whom, in a foreign land, Exiled, by you attended I have found ? But how attired! his mean and squalid garb, Worn bare by length of time, his aged limbs Contaminates; and on his eyeless head His matted locks by each rude gale are waved; And to his garb akin his wretched food But ill supports him. Late, too late I know The ruin I have caused. I call the gods To witness, vile, flagitious as I am, I come with wholesome food to cherish thee, And lighten thy accumulated woes. E'en by the side of Jove and on his throne Sits Moderation tempering every act: Nigh thee, my father, let her stand.. Offence, Though not to be extinguish'd, may be heal'd. Why art thou silent? O my father speak, Speak something to me; turn hot from me thus. Wilt thou not answer me, not e'en a word, But send me thus with mute contempt away, Nor why thine anger burns declare? But you, Ye daughters of this man, my sisters, speak, Plead with my father for me, try to move His unrelenting heart; nor let him send.. The suppliant of the god dishonour'd hence, ... A word to me disdaining to reply. Speak, my unhappy brother, speak thyself What sad occasion brought thee hither. Oft Words as they flow delighting, or perchance Offending, or to pity soothing mild, Have giv'n a voice e'en to a speechless tongue. Polynices Then I will speak, for well hast thou advised, Imploring first this god, that he would deign To be my guardian, at whose altar placed The sovereign of this country raising me Gave me to come, to hold free converse here, And back in safety to return. And this Of you, O strangers, of my sisters this, This of my father wish I to obtain. To thee, my father, I would now unfold Why I am here. From my paternal realms I am driv'n forth an exile, on thy throne 1. Because I aim'd in regal state to sit, My birth-right; but Eteocles, to years By nature less indebted, thrust me out, Not in just right triumphant, nor his claim Brought to the proof of arms, or noble deeds, But winning with insidious arts the state. Of this I know, and from the Seers have heard, That the chief cause was thy infuriate curse. In Doric Argos I sought refuge; there The daughter of Adrastus made my bride, Associates in my cause I raised the Chiefs, Lords of the Apian land, and honour'd high For martial deeds; that I 'gainst Thebes might lead Seven bands commanded by seven valiant Chiefs, And bravely die, or from my country chase...... Those who have wrong'd me. But of this enough. What sanction, hither coming, claim I then? To thee, my father, supplicating pray'rs, For me, and my compeers in arms, I bring, Who with seven bands beneath seven spears arranged, Are now encamp'd o'er all the plain of Thebes. In martial prowess first, and first in skill. To mark the flight of birds, Amphiaraus; Ætolian Tydeus marches next, the son Of Œneus; and next him of Argive race Eteoclus; there tow'rs Hippomedon Sent by his father Taläus; in arms Advances Capaneus with menace high Instant to rend the rampires to the ground. Parthenopæus, an Arcadian, fierce Advances, from his mother's virgin state His name deriving, the undoubted son Of Atalanta. I these chiefs among,, Thy son, or if not thine, at least the son Of unpropitious Fortune, yet call'd thine,.. Lead against Thebes th' intrepid Argive troops. By these thy daughters, by thy life, we all Suppliant entreat thee, O my father, yield, Remit thy anger, raging 'gainst this wretch Now roused in arms t' avenge the wrongs sustain'd From a base brother, who hath driv'n me out,.. And robb'd me of my kingdom. But the fates, If there be faith in oracles, declare That where thou art, there Victory attends. Now by our country's fountains, by her gods, Let, I implore thee, my entreaties touch Thy heart; be thou appeased; for I, like thee, Am poor, and wander in a foreign land; One fate to us assign'd, to thee and me, Submissive to another's will we live. He lives in royal state, unhappy me! And 'midst luxurious pleasures laughs alike At thee and me. But if thy fav'ring mind Accord with mine, him with no mighty toil, No arduous effort, will I put to flight, And lead thee back, replace thee in thy house, Replace myself, and drive him out by force. This boast, if thou assent, I will achieve; But without thee my efforts have no pow'r. Chorus In reverence to the king make some reply, Such as thou judgest meet, then let him go. Oedipus But that the sovereign of this land, my friends, Had sent him to me, and esteems it just That I should answer him, he had not heard My voice: that grace now deign'd, let him begone; Nor will he find a joy in what he hears. For thou, vile wretch, the sceptre and the throne Holding, which now thy brother holds at Thebes, Didst drive thy father out, by thee constrain'd • An exile from my country far to rove, And wear these loathsome weeds; the sight of which Draws tears from thee, by fortune now reduced To suffer want and wretchedness like mine. These things I must not weep, but I must bear; And always keep alive, whilst I shall live, The memory of thy impious deed; for thou Hast made me long familiar with these toils, Thou hast to exile driv'n me, and by thee I wander thus, from strangers day by day Begging a poor subsistence. Were not these My daughters, had they not with tender care Supported me, long since (to thee no thanks) My life had been no more: but these preserve, Theseus in bearing toils with me Theseus beyond their sex, a manly part. But you, my sons... Away, you are not mine. For this cause fortune looks upon thee now Not as she soon will look, when thou shalt lead These troops to Thebes: it is not in thy fate To rend her rampires down, but there to fall Welt'ring in blood; such too thy brother's fate. These curses on you I before denounced, And now as my associates call them down, That to a parent you may learn to show Due reverence, nor disdain a father more Though blind. My daughters have not been thus base; Therefore thy seat, thy throne shall they possess; Since Justice long renown'd, by laws of old Establish'd, shares th' imperial throne of Jove. But get thee hence, thou hast no father here, Detested wretch, thou vilest of the vile, And take these curses with thee, on thy head Which I call down: by arms thy native land Never may'st thou recover, nor again Visit the vales of Argos; may'st thou die Slain by thy brother's hand, and may thy hand Slay him, by whom thou art to exile driv'n. These curses I call on thee, and invoke The parent gloom of Erebus abhorr'd To give thee in his dark Tartarean realms A mansion: I invoke these awful pow'rs, And the stern god of war, who 'twixt you raised This horrible hate. Thou hast my answer; go, Tell all the Thebans, tell thy faithful friends Confederate in thy cause, that Edipus Confers this meed of merit on his sons. Chorus No gratulation, youth, on thy success Have I to give thee: now with speed return. Polynices Much for my journey hither I lament, Much for my ill success; but for my friends I feel a deeper anguish. Wretched me! Is this then the event that waits our march In arms from Argos, never to return ! This to no friend, not one, shall I make known, That must not be, but silent meet my fate. But, O my sisters, since the dreadful curse Of my relentless father you have heard, Do not, should all its cruel menace find Antigone Like terrible effect, and should you e'er Return to Thebes, ah! do not, by the gods, Leave me unhonour'd, but with funeral rites Lay my dead body in the tomb. The praise,.... Which for a father your unwearied toils... Have won you now, will equal glory win, If you perform these offices for me. O Polynices, let my pray'rs prevail ! Polynices My loved Antigone, what wou'dst thou? Speak. Antigone Lead back thy troops to Argos, nor destroy With wasting war thy country, and thyself. Polynices That cannot be; for if I now show fear, How shall I raise such martial force again?.. Antigone And why again shou'dst thou be fired to rage? Or in thy country's ruin what thy gain ? Polynices Oh, what a shame is exile, what a shame Antigone To bear a younger brother's taunting scorn !. Antigone Yet hast thou heard my father's words denounce Death to you both, each by the other slain. Polynices Such were his words; but me they must not move. Unhappy me! But who will madly dare Attendant hearing his prophetic voice? Polynices They shall not hear such omens: a brave Chief Will speak what raises courage, not despair. Antigone Is this, my brother, thy resolved intent? Polynices It is: detain me not: this warlike march Antigone Shall be my care, though ruin, woe, and death Await it through my father's ruthless curse. To you be Jove propitious, if you pay These rites to me when dead, for ne'er again Shall I alive your tender care receive. Nay, hold me not, but take my last farewell, For living never shall you see me more.. Wretched Antigone! Polynices Lament me not. Antigone Who can behold a brother rush on death With open eyes, and not lament his fate? Polynices If my fate calls me, I will die. Antigone Thy death Yet shun; yet hear me; let me yet prevail.ar Polynices Urge not what honour wills not that I grant. Of thee bereaved how wretched shall I be! Polynices These things are in the fates, whether to good Thy life be doom'd, or ill. May never ill, I pray the gods, reach you, by all esteem'd Unworthy what affliction is to feel. Chorus CEDIPUS, ANTIGONE, ISMENE, CHORUS. These are new ills; these horrible events, Late from this eyeless stranger learnt, are new, If fate assigns no refuge; but my voice Knows not to say what the gods decree Fails of its purpose. Time beholds these things, Always beholds them; ills of old announced He saw confirm'd, and hastens in his course To see the measure of affliction full, Almighty Jove, what thunders rend the air Oedipus My daughters, O my daughters, to this place Is there the generous Theseus who will bring?.. Antigone His presence what of moment here requires ! Oedipus Son will this winged thunder of high Jove Lead me to Pluto's realms. Send then with speed. Chorus Awfully dreadful is this deep'ning roar Roll'd by the hand of Jove: my hoary hairs Are rais'd through horror upright on my head, CH And my soul sinks within me. There again The rapid lightening flames along the sky What terrible event doth this portend? The dread of it appals me: not in vain, Not unpredictive of some dreadful fate These thunders roll. - Almighty Jove! again Wide through th' ethereal vault of heav'n they roll, Oedipus This, O my daughters, is the fated day That ends my life: there is no refuge more. Chorus How know'st thou this? Whence hast thou thus divined ? Oedipus I know it well: but with the utmost speed: Be your illustrious sovereign hither call'd. Chorus Ah me, ah me! Again the thunder's roar Around us with redoubled fury rolls. Be merciful, O God, if to this land, My native country, aught of dire event Thou bringest, yet be merciful to me; Nor let me share misfortune as my meed, Because this man with fated woes oppress'd I saw: Almighty Jove, on thee I call! Oedipus Is the king near, my daughters, that alive He yet may find me, and my sense entire ? Chorus What to his secret faith wou'dst thou confide? Oedipus My promise, when his kindness I received, No trivial favour, I would now return. Chorus Hither, my son, haste hither, if perchance On the shore's lowest verge thy pious hand Burns offerings on the altar to the god, That rules the ocean, hallow'd, hither come. The stranger, grateful for thy courteous deeds, Just recompense to thee, thy state, thy friends Wishes to pay: come then, O king, with speed. Theseus THESEUS, EDIPUS, ANTIGONE, ISMENE, Again these cries! What mean they? for distinet I hear your voices, I the stranger's hear. Hath Jove's fierce lightening, or the stormy hait Burst on your heads? Such terrible eventsi Oft happen, when the god his thunder 'rolls. 1 Oedipus Thou to my wish, O king, art come: some god, To crown thy happy fortune, led thy steps. Theseus What, son of Laius, hath arisen now? Oedipus My life draws tow'rds its end; let me perform, In nothing false, to thee and to thy state What I affirm'd; then willingly I die Theseus What proof assures thee that thy death is nigh? Oedipus The gods, the gods themselves, whose voice is truth, Proclaim it to me now by signs foretold. Theseus What signs, old man, have this event declared?> Oedipus These unremitting thunders, and these flames! Thick flashing, hurl'd by Jove's resistless hand. Theseus I in thy words have faith; for I have mark'd In many things thy fate-predicting mind,s In nothing false: say then what must be done.. Oedipus Now, son of Ægeus, I will show thee thing's Glorious to thee and to thy state, which time, I Shall never darken. To the fated place Where I'must die I now will leads the way I Not led, nor guided: but to mortal maneit Never disclose the secret spot, non where ros It lies, it shall be then thy strong defenced For ever, more than close-compacted shields(0) And spears of neighbouring states to thee allied. But things mysterious, not as yet by words Unfolded, thou shalt learn when thither come Alone: to none of all thy citizens, das mode Nor to my daughters to my soul though dear, Would I reveal them: lock them in thy breast: But when thy life approaches to its end, Declare them only to the Chief that stands In highest honour; to his successor Let him disclose them. Thus thy royal seat Shall in this city stand impregnable To all the inroads of the dragon-race.: For oft we see that states, though founded well! On righteous laws, are prone t' abuse their force To insolent oppression: but the gods Exact, though late, observe when one disdains Their holy mandates, and to madness turns. That, son of Ægeus, that be far from thee. But I instruct a mind in all the parts Of virtue skill'd. Now go we to the place (For the strong impulse of the god I feel Urging me on) nor fear lest we profane The sanctity we reverence. Follow me This way, my daughters; I am now become A guide to you, as to your father long, You have been guides. Go then, but touch me not; Let me unguided find the sacred tomb, Where these old limbs are destined to repose Beneath the earth. Go this way, this way go; For this way Hermes, who conducts the dead, Leads me, and she o'er the dark realms who reigns. O light, thy beams though I no more behold, (Once I beheld them) now these aged limbs Feel thy last touch; with feeble steps I go To close my last of life in death's dark shades. But be thou blest, my noble, honour'd friend, Thou, and thy country, and thy faithful train: Yet 'midst success, 'midst glories always yours, Think on the dead, remember Edipus.;! Chorus STRO. ANTIS. If I may thee, infernal Queen, Thou gloomy pow'r by mortal eyes unseen, With holy awe revere ; And thee, stern Monarch, whose terrific sway The dreary realms of night obey, Hear Pluto, Pluto hear! Let not pangs of tort'ring pow'r Rack the stranger's dying hour, While the cheerless path he treads To the Stygian house that leads...... Guiltless thou wast doom'd to know Various ills and bitter woe: May the god with just regard Grace thee with a bright reward! Ye awful pow'rs, from realms of night Who vengeful rise the guilty to affright!.... And thou, grim Dog of Hell, Before the iron gates of Pluto spread Enormous on thy horrid bed, With many a hideous yell Whilst thy echoing cave resounds, Guarding fierce those dismal bounds; Thou, whom Earth to Tartarus bore, Cease, oh cease thy dreaded roar; Gentle meet him in those glades, When he joins the silent shades; Ever wakeful, cease t'appal; ... Dog of Hell on thee I call! Stranger COLONIATE, CHORUS. Few words, my fellow citizens, may speak That Edipus is dead; but not in few The manner, and each awful circumstance Attending that event, can I relate. Chorus Is then th' unhappy man no more! Stranger Know this, For ever he hath left this mortal life. Chorus Favour'd by heav'n his death, and void of pain ? This yet demands astonishment. Thou know'st, For thou wast present, how he parted hence, Led by no friend, but to us all a guide. When he approach'd the rent rock's craggy verge With steps of brass deep rooted in the earth, Where many broken passes wind along, In one of these near the gulf's yawning mouth He stood, where Theseus and Pirithous placed Th' eternal pledges of their mutual faith: There in the midst between Acherdus steep And the Thorician rock on a raised stone Himself he seated, and his squalid weeds Ungirding to his daughters gave command To bring him lavers and libations pure Of living water. To the mount, thence seen, Of Ceres cloth'd in lively green they went Hasting their father's orders to perform,.. With lavers cleansed, and in a decent robe. Array'd him, as funereal rites require. These pleasing offices, and all whate'er His soul could wish, perform'd, the Stygian Jove Thunder'd beneath; the virgins, as they heard, Trembled with horror, at their father's feet Fell down, and wept, beating their breasts with loud And long laments. But he, the dreadful sound Soon as he heard, embraced them in his arms, And said, my daughters, on this fated day... You have no more a father; what was mine Is all rent from me, and the task no more Is yours my poor subsistence to provide, A painful task, I know; but one short word Sweetens all stoils; for greater love from nonel! Than from your father can you e'er redeives: Now you will pass your lives of him deprived. Thus mournfully, in close embraces lock'd,I. They all lamented: but at length their shrieks! Arose no more, the cries of grief were hush'd And all was silence. Suddenly a voice Call'd him aloud: awe-struck we stood/aghast: Again, and oft it reall'd, Edipuse "Why, Edipus, delay we to departioid "Thine this delay. Soontes he heard the god Thus calling him, the royal Theseus nigh mol He bids approach, and said, my honour'd friend, Thy hand, the well-proved pledge of former faith, Give to my daughters; and, my children, give/ Your hands to him; and promise that thou ne'er Wilt willingly betray them, but performis mor Always benevolent whate'er thy thought nom A Shall tell thee will to their advantage tend. The generous king suppress'd his tears, and gave His hand, his promise with a solemn oath, M Confirming. This accomplish’d, CEdipus His daughters in his feeble arms cimbrac'd, CA And said, my children, let your generous minds Not grieve that from this place you must depart; Nor, what your eyes must not behold, desire To see; nor, what must not be heard, to hear; The fates oppose your wish: go then, the hour Demands it; but alone let Theseus stay Witness of the event. We heard him speak.. Theseus and mournful with tear-moisten'd eyes, Attendant on the virgins left the place... But in short space we stopp'd, we backwards turn'd Our eyes; the man was no where to be found; He was not; but we saw the king alone;" He stood, and o'er his face his hands he spread Shading his eyes, as if with terror struck At something horrible to human sight. Thus long he stood not, but we saw him soon The Earth adoring, and Olympus high, Seat of th' immortal gods, with ardent pray'r. But by what fate he died no mortal man, He Save Theseus, can declare: for not the flames/ Thick flashing from the thunders of high Jove Consumed him, nor the tempest from the sea. Then raging wild; but haply by the gods! Borne thence, or sinking through the friendly earth, Which in her deeply-rifted bosom open'd A painless passage to the realms below... Here is no cause for wailings; for he died From all the anguish of disease exempt, A man of all the human race who claims Our wonder most. If any deem my sense "Not perfect, these events while I relate, My senses, let them know, are sound as theirs. Chorus Where are the virgins and th' attending train? Stranger Not distant far; the voice of weeping heard, Antigone And loud laments, gives sign that they approach. Now, wretched as we are, now we must wail Miseries till now unknown, our father's death, Which time can ne'er erase: for his dear sake With patience many a painful toil we bore; Now, at the last, what miseries must we see And suffer, miseries dreadful to the sense! Chorus ANTIGONE, ISMENE, CHORUS... What mean'st thou ? Antigone More than thought can comprehend. Chorus True, he is gone. Antigone And so, as most thy soul Ismene Could wish; for not in war, or stormy seas Found he his death; but obscure unsearch'd tracts, In some dark fate appearing, snatched him hence. But on our eyes (unhappy me!) now hangs The sickly gloom of night: for by what means, Wandering o'er what strange land, what billowy sea, Shall we the poor supports of life procure? I know not. Oh that ruthless death would take Me too, unhappy me, that I might die, Die with my aged father! for in life What now remains that prompts a wish to live?" Chorus Most excellent of daughters, what the gods Assign our lot, submissive to bear well Becomes us. Check the ardour of your grief; Becalm; no cause of lamentation here. I had a fondness e'en for ills with him; Things not delightful, whilst these hands sustain'd His feeble limbs, afforded me delight. O my loved father, now beneath the earth Closed in eternal darkness, dear to me Antigone Wast thou in age, and shall be ever dear! Chorus He hath obtained...... Antigone He hath indeed obtain'd What he wish'd warmly: in a foreign land He died, and lodges in eternal shadest ni Beneath the ground: nor hath he left a grief That shall forget to weep; for from my eyesin For thee, my father, shall the tears of worl For ever stream'; for nothing can efface This sorrow deep imprinted on my hearted Thou shou'dst not in a foreign land have died; But thou hast died, and left me desolate Ismene Me now, unhappy me, what fate awaits Helpless, forsaken as I am, and thee, My sister, of our father thus bereaved to no tu Chorus But, ye loved mourners, since his life hath found An end the best, the happiest, cease your griefs; For the assaults of misery none escapelt owne Hence, my loved sister, let us haste again wond Whither? with what intent? I have a wisha di sit A strong desire, wretch that I am to seen t Where in his mansion low my father lieske ov How may this be? Reflect, ah wretched medici He lies without a tomb, deprivd of all Lead me, then kill me. Where henceforth, ah me! Shall I deserted, friendless, helpless; pass s brid I My miserable life? My mourning friends,il olloot zill Be not thus troubled woodti havol za O Whither shall I flyo ni bosol Chorus You have already fled, where never ill pont des W Shall reach you. bonisto died off ston Antigone Grateful I acknowledge this. Chorus What further thoughts disturb thy anxious mind? Antigone I know not how to Thebes I shall return. Chorus Think not of that: all is confusion there Antigone And was before; one while the swelling tide O'erflows all bounds; one while it ebbs again. Chorus AVI Fortune hath toss'd you on a wide wild sea. Antigone It hath, it hath. Chorus Thy sorrows touch my soul. Antigone Whither, O Jove, can we direct our steps? Is there an hope to which the god now leads ? Theseus THESEUS, ANTIGONE, ISMENE, CHORUS. Virgins, restrain your sorrows: to lament Antigone Those in whose tombs such blessings are reposed, Becomes us not: grief here would merit blame. O son of Ægeus, at thy knees we fall. Theseus Of me, O virgins, what would you request? Antigone We wish to visit our loved father's tomb. Theseus It may not be; this grace I cannot yield. Antigone What, sovereign lord of Athens, hast thou said? Theseus Your father, virgins, gave me solemn charge Antigone That none approach the place, that none address With vows the hallow'd ground in which he lies: Obeying this, he told me I should hold These realms from hostile insult always safe. The god my promise heard, and the firm oath Of Jove which all things hears. If such his charge, With meek submission to his will we yield. But send us to Ogygian Thebes, if there Haply the demon Rage, athirst for blood, Rushing between our brothers, we may check. Theseus This I will grant, and all that I can do To work your welfare, and to gratify Him who, late gone, now lies beneath the earth. No toil for you my friendly care declines. Chorus Cease then, and raise the voice of grief no more; For all these things are ratified by fate. It has often been said on the authority of Tully, let it be said once more, and in the words of his elegant Translator, that "Sophocles continued in " extreme old age to write tragedies. As he seemed to neglect his family af- "fairs whilst he was wholly intent on his dramatic compositions; his sons in- "stituted a suit against him in a court of judicature, suggesting that his un- "derstanding was impaired, and praying that he might be removed from the " management of his estate: agreeably to a custom which prevails likewise " in our own country, where if a father of a family by imprudent conduct is " ruining his fortunes, the magistrate commonly interposes and takes the ad- " ministration out of his hands. It is said that when the old bard appeared " in court upon this occasion, he desired that he might be permitted to read a play which he had lately finished, and which he then held in his hand: "it was his Edipus in Colonis. His request being granted; after he had " finished the recital he appealed to the judges, whether they could disco- "ver in his performance any symptoms of an insane mind? and the result was, that the court unanimously dismissed the complainants petition.".... Melmoth's translation of Tully's Essay on Old Age. " Sophocles had almost attained his hundredth year when he composed "this tragedy; in which the marks of decayed genius are so far from ap- "pearing, that it was deemed by the ancients an unrivalled master-piece of " dramatic poetry." Melmoth from Valerius Maximus.....There are some modern critics who affect to speak of it with contempt. The translator gives it the preference to any of the tragedies of Sophocles;