Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Jebb 1917).djvu/19

107—131] to wreak vengeance on his murderers—whosoever they be.

. And where are they upon the earth? Where shall the dim track of this old crime be found?

. In this land,—said the god. What is sought for can be caught; only that which is not watched escapes.

. And was it in the house, or in the field, or on strange soil that Laïus met this bloody end?

. 'Twas on a visit to Delphi, as he said, that he had left our land; and he came home no more, after he had once set forth.

. And was there none to tell? Was there no comrade of his journey who saw the deed, from whom tidings might have been gained, and used?

. All perished, save one who fled in fear, and could tell for certain but one thing of all that he saw.

. And what was that? One thing might show the clue to many, could we get but a small beginning for hope.

. He said that robbers met and fell on them, not in one man's might, but with full many hands.

. How, then, unless there was some trafficking in bribes from here, should the robber have dared thus far?

. Such things were surmised; but, Laïus once slain, amid our troubles no avenger arose.

. But, when royalty had fallen thus, what trouble in your path can have hindered a full search?

. The riddling Sphinx had made us let dark things go, and was inviting us to think of what lay at our doors.