Page:Sophocles (Storr 1912) v1.djvu/303



Hark! with louder, nearer roar

The bolt of Zeus descends once more.

My spirit quails and cowers: my hair

Bristles for fear. Again that flare!

What doth the lightning-flash portend?

Ever it points to issues grave.

Dread powers of air! Save, Zeus, O save!

Daughters, upon me the predestined end

Has come; no turning from it any more.

How knowest thou? What sign convinces thee?

I know full well. Let some one with all speed

Go summon hither the Athenian prince.

Ha! once more the deafening sound

Peals yet louder all around.

If thou darkenest our land,

Lightly, lightly lay thy hand;

Grace, not anger, let me win,

If upon a man of sin

I have looked with pitying eye,

Zeus, our king, to thee I cry!

Is the prince coming? Will he when he comes

Find me yet living and my senses clear!

What solemn charge would’st thou impress on him? 281