Page:Sophocles (Storr 1912) v1.djvu/205

 Swears he will stablish Argos straight as lord

Of the Cadmeian land, or, if he fail,

Exalt the victor to the stars of heaven.

This is no empty tale, but deadly truth,

My father; and how long thy agony,

Ere the gods pity thee, I cannot tell.

Hast thou indeed then entertained a hope

The gods at last will turn and rescue me?

Yea, so I read these latest oracles.

What oracles? What hath been uttered, child?

Thy country (so it runs) shall yearn in time

To have thee for their weal alive or dead.

And who could gain by such a one as I?

On thee, ’tis said, their sovereignty depends.

So, when I cease to be, my worth begins.

The gods, who once abased, uplift thee now.

Poor help to raise an old man fallen in youth.

Howe’er that be, ’tis for this cause alone

That Creon comes to thee—and comes anon. 183