Page:Sophocles (Storr 1919) v2.djvu/211



And I, poor fool, was hurrying in hot haste

To bring my joyful message, unaware

Of our ill plight; and now that I have brought it

I find fresh sorrows added to the old.

So stands the case; but be advised by me

And lighten this the burden of our woes.

Wouldst have me raise the dead to life again?

I meant not that; I am not so demented.

What wouldst thou then that lies within my powers?

Be bold to execute what I enjoin.

If it can profit, I will not refuse.

Success, remember, is the meed of toil.

I know it, and will help thee all I can.

Then listen how I am resolved to act.

From friends, thou knowest now as well as I,

We cannot look for succour; death hath snatched

All from us and we two are left alone.

While yet my brother lived and tidings came

Of his prosperity, I still had hopes

That he would yet appear to avenge his sire;

But now that he is dead, to thee I turn;

From thee a sister craves a sister’s aid, 199