Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Jebb 1917).djvu/74

62 . Canst thou tell me, now, where we have arrived?

. Athens I know, but not this place.

. Aye, so much every wayfarer told us.

. Well, shall I go and learn how the spot is called?

. Yes, child,—if indeed 'tis habitable.

. Nay, inhabited it surely is;—but I think there is no need;—yonder I see a man near us.

. Hitherward moving and setting forth?

. Nay, he is at our side already. Speak as the moment prompts thee, for the man is here.

. Stranger, hearing from this maiden, who hath sight for herself and for me, that thou hast drawn nigh with timely quest for the solving of our doubts—

. Now, ere thou question me at large, quit this seat; for thou art on ground which 'tis not lawful to tread.

. And what is this ground? To what deity sacred?

. Ground inviolable, whereon none may dwell: for the dread goddesses hold it, the daughters of Earth and Darkness.

. Who may they be, whose awful name I am to hear and invoke?

. The all-seeing Eumenides the folk here would call them: but other names please otherwhere.

. Then graciously may they receive their