Page:Sophocles - Seven Plays, 1900.djvu/212

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A distant field, finds but at sowing time

And once in harvest. Such a weary life

Still tossed him to and fro,—no sooner home

But forth again, serving I know not whom.

And when his glorious head had risen beyond

These labours, came the strongest of my fear.

For since he quelled the might of Iphitus,

We here in Trachis dwell, far from our home,

Dependent on a stranger, but where he

Is gone, none knoweth. Only this I know,

His going pierced my heart with pangs for him,

And now I am all but sure he bears some woe.

These fifteen months he hath sent me not one word.

And I have cause for fear. Ere he set forth

He left a scroll with me, whose dark intent

I oft pray Heaven may bring no sorrow down.

. Queen Dêanira, many a time ere now

Have I beheld thee with all tearful moan

Bewailing the departure of thy lord.

But, if it be permitted that a slave

Should tender counsel to the free, my voice

May venture this:—Of thy strong band of sons

Why is not one commissioned to explore

For Heracles? and why not Hyllus first,

Whom most it would beseem to show regard

For tidings of his father’s happiness?

Ah! here I see him bounding home, with feet

Apt for employment! If you count me wise,

He and my words attend upon your will.

. Dear child, dear boy! even from the lowliest head

Wise counsel may come forth. This woman here,

Though a bond-maiden, hath a free-born tongue.

. What word is spoken, mother? May I know?

, That, with thy father lost to us so long,

’Tis shame thou dost not learn his dwelling-place.

. Yea, I have learnt, if one may trust report.

. Where art thou told his seat is fixed, my son?