Page:Sophocles - Seven Plays, 1900.djvu/217

213–243] To Phoebus’ own sister, with fire in each hand,

And the Nymphs that her co-mates be!

My spirit soars. O sovereign of my soul!

I will accept the thrilling flute’s control.

The ivy-crowned thyrsus, see!

With Bacchic fire is kindling me,

And turns my emulous tread

Where’er the mazy dance may lead.

Euoî! Euoî!

O Paean! send us joy.

See, dearest Queen, behold!

Before thy gaze the event will now unfold.

. Think not mine eye hath kept such careless guard,

Dear maids, that I could miss this moving train.

Herald, I bid thee hail, although so late

Appearing, if thou bringest health with thee!

. A happy welcome on a happy way,

As prosperous our achievement. Meet it is

Good words should greet bright actions, mistress mine!

. Kind friend, first tell me what I first would know—

Shall I receive my Heracles alive?

. I left him certainly alive and strong:

Blooming in health, not with disease oppressed.

. In Greece, or in some barbarous country? Tell!

. Euboea’s island hath a promontory,

Where to Cenaean Zeus he consecrates

Rich altars and the tribute of the ground.

. Moved by an oracle, or from some vow?

. So vowed he when he conquered with the spear

The country of these women whom you see.

. And who, by Heaven, are they? Who was their sire?

Their case is piteous, or eludes my thought.