Page:Oedipus, King of Thebes (Murray 1911).djvu/19

vv. 1–14

.—Before the Palace of ''at Thebes. A crowd of suppliants of all ages are waiting by the altar in front and on the steps of the Palace; among them the''. As the Palace door opens and comes out all the suppliants with a cry move towards him in attitudes of prayer, holding out their olive branches, and then become still again as he speaks.

My children, fruit of Cadmus’ ancient tree

New springing, wherefore thus with bended knee

Press ye upon us, laden all with wreaths

And suppliant branches? And the city breathes

Heavy with incense, heavy with dim prayer

And shrieks to affright the Slayer.—Children, care

For this so moves me, I have scorned withal

Message or writing: seeing ’tis I ye call,

’Tis I am come, world-honoured Oedipus.

Old Man, do thou declare—the rest have thus

Their champion—in what mood stand ye so still,

In dread or sure hope? Know ye not, my will

Is yours for aid ’gainst all? Stern were indeed

The heart that, felt not for so dire a need.