Page:Sophocles (Storr 1912) v1.djvu/215



And wherewith shall I fill it,

Ere in its place I set it? This too tell.

With water and with honey; add no wine.

And when the embowered earth hath drunk thereof?

Then lay upon it thrice nine olive sprays

With both thy hands, and offer up this prayer.

I fain would hear it; that imports the most.

That, as we call them Gracious, they would deign

To grant the suppliant their saving grace.

So pray thyself or whoso prays for thee,

In whispered accents, not with lifted voice;

Then go and look not back. Do as I bid,

And I shall then be bold to stand thy friend;

Else, stranger, I should have my fears for thee.

Hear ye, my daughters, what these strangers say?

We listened, and attend thy bidding, father.

I cannot go, disabled as I am

Doubly, by lack of strength and lack of sight;

But one of you may do it in my stead;

For one, I trow, may pay the sacrifice

Of thousands, if his heart be leal and true.

So to your work with speed, but leave me not 193