Page:Oedipus, King of Thebes (Murray 1911).djvu/27

vv. 149–161 Who sent this answer, Phoebus, come confessed

Helper to Thebes, and strong to stay the pest.

[''The suppliants gather up their boughs and stand at the side. The chorus of Theban elders enter''.

[They speak of the Oracle which they have not yet heard, and cry to Apollo by his special cry “I-ê.”

A Voice, a Voice, that is borne on the Holy Way!

What art thou, O Heavenly One, O Word of the Houses of Gold?

Thebes is bright with thee, and my heart it leapeth; yet is it cold,

And my spirit faints as I pray.

I-ê! I-ê!

What task, O Affrighter of Evil, what task shall thy people essay?

One new as our new-come affliction,

Or an old toil returned with the years?

Unveil thee, thou dread benediction,

Hope’s daughter and Fear’s.

[They pray to, and.

Zeus-Child that knowest not death, to thee I pray,

O Pallas; next to thy Sister, who calleth Thebes her own,

Artemis, named of Fair Voices, who sitteth her orbèd throne

In the throng of the market way: