Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Plumptre 1878).djvu/160

62 Bulwark of Athens. And the neighbouring fields

Boast they have yon Colonos on his horse

To be their patron; and they bear his name,

All called alike, in honour of their God.

Such, stranger, are our glories, not in words

Shown chiefly, but much more by full resort.

Œdip. And are there any who inhabit here?

''Ath. Str''. Ay, that there are, this God's great name who bear.

Œdip. Is there a chief, or do the people rule?

''Ath. Str''. Our city's king extends his sway to us.

Œdip. And who is this that rules in word and might?

''Ath. Str''. Theseus his name, the child of Ægeus old.

Œdip. Would one of you go fetch him here to me?

''Ath. Str''. Simply to tell, or show him why to come?

Œdip. That he, a little helping, much may gain.

''Ath. Str''. And what help comes there from a man that's blind?

Œdip. The words we speak will see with open eyes.

''Ath. Str''. Know'st thou, my friend, in what way not to err,—

Noble, as one may see, but for the fate

That Heaven has laid on thee? Do thou stay here,

Here where I saw thee, while I go and tell

The townsmen on this very spot, not there,

Up in the city. They shall come and judge

If thou should'st tarry, or go back again. [Exit.

Œdip. My child, and is the stranger gone from us?

Antig. He is gone, Ο my father. Thou may'st speak

In quiet all things; I alone am near.

Œdip. Ο dread and awful Beings, since to halt

On your ground first I bent my wearied limbs,