Page:Sophocles - Seven Plays, 1900.djvu/269

646–675]

When you have taken from within the cave

What most you need and value.

. Though my all

Be little, there is that I may not lose.

. What can there be that we have not on board?

. A leaf I have found, wherewith I still the rage

Of my sore plague, and lull it quite to rest.

. Well, bring it forth.—What? Is there something more?

. If any of these arrows here are fallen,

I would not leave them for a casual prey.

. How? Do I see thee with the marvellous bow?

. Here in my hand. The world hath only one.

. And may one touch and handle it, and gaze

With reverence, as on a thing from Heaven?

. Thou mayest, my son. This and whate’er of mine

May stead thee, ’tis thy privilege to enjoy.

. In very truth I long for it, but so,

That longing waits on leave. Am I permitted?

. Thou art, my son,—and well thou speakest,—thou art.

Thou, that hast given me light and life, the joy

Of seeing Mount Oeta and my father’s home,

With all I love there, and his aged head,—

Thou that hast raised me far above my foes

Who triumphed! Thou may’st take it in thine hand,

And,—when thou hast given it back to me,—may’st vaunt

Alone of mortals for thine excellence

To have held this in thy touch. I, too, at first,

Received it as a boon for kindness done.

. Well, go within.

. Nay, I must take thee too.

My sickness craves thee for its comforter.

[ and go into the cave