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176 176 SOPHOCLES

And she who claimed descent

From men of ancient fame,

The old Erechtheid race,

Amid her father's winds. Daughter of Boreas, in far distant caves lose

Was reared, a child of Gods,

Swift moving as the steed

O'er lofty crag, and yet The ever-living Fates bore hard on her.

Enter Teiresias, guided by a Boy.

Teiresias. Princes of Thebes, we come as travellers joined, loeo

One seeing for both, for still the blind must use A guide's assistance to direct his steps.

Creon. And what new thing, Teiresias, brings thee

here? Teiresias. I '11 tell thee, and do thou the seer obey. Creon. Of old I was not wont to slight thy

thoughts. ' 1065

Teiresias. So didst thou steer our city's course full

well. Creon. I bear my witness from good profit gained. Teiresias. Know, then, thou walk'st on fortune's

razor-edge. Creon. AVhat means this ? How I shudder at thy

speech ! Teiresias. Soon shalt thou know, as thou dost hear the signs iwo

Of my dread art. For sitting, as of old, Upon my ancient seat of augury, Where every bird finds haven, lo ! I hear Strange cry of winged creatures, shouting shrill, With inarticulate passion, and I knew io7S