Page:Sophocles (Storr 1912) v1.djvu/279



He only waits, they say, to speak with thee,

And then unharmed to go upon his way.

I marvel who is this petitioner.

Think if there be not any of thy kin

At Argos who might claim this boon of thee.

Dear friend, forbear, I pray.

What ails thee now?

Ask it not of me.

Ask not what? explain.

Thy words have told me who the suppliant is.

Who can he be that I should frown on him?

My son, O king, my hateful son, whose words

Of all men’s most would jar upon my ears.

Thou sure mightst listen. If his suit offend.

No need to grant it. Why so loth to hear him?

That voice, O king, grates on a father’s ears;

I have come to loathe it. Force me not to yield. 257