Page:Sophocles - Seven Plays, 1900.djvu/205

1433–1461]

. Haste, with what speed ye may,

Stand on the doorway stone,

That, having thus much done,

Ye may do all to-day.

. Fear not: we will perform it.

. Speed ye now:

Follow your thought.

. We are already there.

. Leave matters here to me. All shall go well.

[Exit with

. Few words, as if in gentleness, ’twere good

To utter in his ear,

That, eager and unware,

One step may launch him on the field of blood.

. Which of you know where are the Phocian men

Who brought the news I hear, Orestes’ life

Hath suffered shipwreck in a chariot-race?

You, you I question, you in former time

So fearless! You methinks most feelingly

Can tell us, for it touches you most near.

. I know: assure thee. Else had I not heard

The dearest of all fortunes to my heart.

. Where are the strangers then? Enlighten me.

. Yonder. Their hostess entertained them well.

. And did they certainly report him dead?

. Not only so. They showed him to our sight.

. May this clear evidence be mine to see?

. I envy not the sight that waits you there.

. Against their wont thy words have given me joy.

. Much joy be thine, if this be joy to thee!

. Silence, I say! Wide let the gates be flung!

For all the Myceneans to behold

And all in Argolis, that if but one

Hath heretofore been buoyed on empty hopes

Fixed in Orestes, seeing him now dead,