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388—409] . What are they? What hath been prophesied, my child?

. That thou shalt yet be desired, alive and dead, by the men of that land, for their welfare's sake.

. And who could have good of such an one as I?

. Their power, 'tis said, comes to be in thy hand.

. When I am nought, in that hour, then, I am a man?

. Yea, for the gods lift thee now, but before they were working thy ruin.

. 'Tis little to lift age, when youth was ruined.

. Well, know, at least, that Creon will come to thee in this cause—and rather soon than late.

. With what purpose, daughter? expound to me.

. To plant thee near the Cadmean land, so that they may have thee in their grasp, but thou mayest not set foot on their borders.

. And how can I advantage them while I rest beyond their gates?

. Thy tomb hath a curse for them, if all be not well with it.

. It needs no god to help our wit so far.

. Well, therefore they would fain acquire thee as a neighbour, in a place where thou shalt not be thine own master.

. Will they also shroud me in Theban dust?

. Nay, the guilt of a kinsman's blood debars thee, father.

. Then never shall they become my masters.

. Some day, then, this shall be a grief for the Cadmeans.