Page:Sophocles - Seven Plays, 1900.djvu/116

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All the arms he wont to wield

Save alone the mantling shield.

Thou with me thy strength employ,

Lifting this thy father, boy;

Hold his frame with tender heed—

Still the gashed veins darkly bleed.

Who professes here to love him?

Ply your busy cares above him.

Come and labour for the man,

Nobler none since time began,

Aias, while his life-blood ran.

. Oft we know not till we see.

Weak is human prophecy.

Judge not, till the hour have taught thee

What the destinies have brought thee.