Page:Oedipus, King of Thebes (Murray 1911).djvu/22

Rh And followed. I have sent Menoikeus’ son,

Creon, my own wife’s brother, forth alone

To Apollo’s House in Delphi, there to ask

What word, what deed of mine, what bitter task,

May save my city.

And the lapse of days

Reckoned, I can but marvel what delays

His journey. ’Tis beyond all thought that thus

He comes not, beyond need. But when he does,

Then call me false and traitor, if I flee

Back from whatever task God sheweth me.

At point of time thou speakest. Mark the cheer

Yonder. Is that not Creon drawing near?

[They all crowd to gaze where is approaching in the distance.

O Lord Apollo, help! And be the star

That guides him joyous as his seemings are!

Oh! surely joyous! How else should he bear

That fruited laurel wreathed about his hair?

We soon shall know.—’Tis not too far for one

Clear-voiced.

(Shouting) Ho, brother! Prince! Menoikeus’ son,

What message from the God?