Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Jebb 1917).djvu/94

82 thee, from which I should stand aloof; who know that I myself also was reared in exile, like to thine, and in strange lands wrestled with perils to my life, as no man beside. Never, then, would I turn aside from a stranger, such as thou art now, or refuse to aid in his deliverance; for well know I that I am a man, and that in the morrow my portion is no greater than thine.

. Theseus, thy nobleness hath in brief words shown such grace that for me there is need to say but little. Thou hast rightly said who I am, from what sire I spring, from what land I have come; and so nought else remains for me but to speak my desire,—and the tale is told.

. Even so—speak that—I fain would hear.

. I come to offer thee my woe-worn body as a gift,—not goodly to look upon; but the gains from it are better than beauty.

. And what gain dost thou claim to have brought?

. Hereafter thou shalt learn; not yet, I think.

. At what time, then, will thy benefit be shown?

. When I am dead, and thou hast given me burial.

. Thou cravest life's last boon; for all between thou hast no memory,—or no care.

. Yea, for by that boon I reap all the rest.

. Nay, then, this grace which thou cravest from me hath small compass.

Oe. Yet give heed; this issue is no light one,—no, verily.

. Meanest thou, as between thy sons and me?