Page:Sophocles (Storr 1912) v1.djvu/207



With what intent, my daughter? Tell me plainly.

To plant thee near the Theban land, and so

Keep thee within their grasp, yet not allow

Thy foot to pass beyond their boundaries.

What gain they, if I lie outside?

Thy tomb,

If disappointed, brings on them a curse.

It needs no god to tell what’s plain to sense.

Therefore they fain would have thee close at hand,

Not where thou wouldst be master of thyself.

Mean they to shroud my bones in Theban dust?

Nay, father, guilt of kinsman’s blood forbids.

Then never shall they be my masters, never!

Thebes, thou shalt rue this bitterly some day!

When what conjunction comes to pass, my child?

Thy angry wraith, when at thy tomb they stand.

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