Page:Sophocles - Seven Plays, 1900.djvu/244

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Unto the Highest, that ye may hear me tell

With my last breath what prophecies I know.

. Thy mother is not here, but by the shore

Of Tiryns hath obtained a dwelling-place;

And of thy sons, some she hath with her there,

And some inhabit Thebè’s citadel.

But we who are with thee, sire, if there be aught

That may by us be done, will hear, and do.

. Then hearken thou unto this task, and show

If worthily thou art reputed mine.

Now is time to prove thee. My great father

Forewarned me long ago that I should die

By none who lived and breathed, but from the will

Of one now dwelling in the house of death.

And so this Centaur, as the voice Divine

Then prophesied, in death hath slain me living.

And in agreement with that ancient word

I now interpret newer oracles

Which I wrote down on going within the grove

Of the hill-roving and earth-couching Selli,—

Dictated to me by the mystic tongue

Innumerous, of my Father’s sacred tree;

Declaring that my ever instant toils

Should in the time that now hath being and life

End and release me. And I look’d for joy.

But the true meaning plainly was my death.—

No labour is appointed for the dead.—

Then, since all argues one event, my son,

Once more thou must befriend me, and not wait

For my voice goading thee, but of thyself

Submit and second my resolve, and know

Filial obedience for thy noblest rule.

. I will obey thee, father, though my heart

Sinks heavily in approaching such a theme.

. Before aught else, lay thy right hand in mine.

. Why so intent on this assurance, sire?

. Give it at once and be not froward, boy.

. There is my hand: I will gainsay thee nought.

. Swear by the head of him who gave me life.