Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Jebb 1917).djvu/275

1189—1206] . Could any be more painful to behold?

. This, that I share the dwelling of the murderers.

. Whose murderers? Where lies the guilt at which thou hintest?

. My father's;—and then I am their slave perforce.

. Who is it that subjects thee to this constraint?

. A mother—in name, but no mother in her deeds.

. How doth she oppress thee? With violence or with hardship?

. With violence, and hardships, and all manner of ill.

. And is there none to succour, or to hinder?

. None. I had one; and thou hast shown me his ashes.

. Hapless girl, how this sight hath stirred my pity!

. Know, then, that thou art the first who ever pitied me.

. No other visitor hath ever shared thy pain.

. Surely thou art not some unknown kinsman?

. I would answer, if these were friends who hear us.

. Oh, they are friends; thou canst speak without mistrust.

. Give up this urn, then, and thou shalt be told all.

. Nay, I beseech thee be not so cruel to me, sir!