Page:Sophocles (Storr 1912) v1.djvu/309

 For the gods, though they tarry, mark for doom

The godless sinner in his mad career.

Far from thee, son of Aegeus, be such fate!

Thou knowest, yet I would admonish thee.

But to the spot—the god within me goads—

Let us set forth nor longer hesitate.

Follow me, daughters, this way. Strange that I

Whom ye have led so long should lead you now.

Oh, touch me not, but let me all alone

Find out the sepulchre that destiny

Appoints me in this land. Hither, this way,

For this way Hermes leads, the spirit guide,

And Persephassa, empress of the dead.

O light, no light to me, but mine erewhile,

Now the last time I feel thee palpable,

For I am drawing near the final gloom

Of Hades. Blessing on thee, dearest friend,

On thee and on thy land and followers!

Live prosperous and in your happy state

Still for your welfare think on me, the dead.

[Exit followed by and.

If mortal prayers are heard in hell,

Hear, Goddess dread, invisible!

Monarch of the regions drear,

Aïdoneus, hear, O hear!

By a gentle, tearless doom

Speed this stranger to the gloom,

Let him enter without pain

The all-shrouding Stygian plain.

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