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70 For I am come, as sacred, fearing God,

Bringing this people profit. And your lord,

When he shall come, whom ye your ruler call,

Then thou shalt hear and know the whole. Meanwhile,

Be not thou found as base in anything.

Chor. I needs must feel some shrinking as I hear,

Old man, thy reasonings, for with no slight words

Have they been uttered. 'Tis enough for me

That they who rule us search the matter out.

Œdip. And where, my friends, is he who rules this land?

Chor. He keeps his father's city. But the scout

Who sent me here, is gone to summon him.

Œdip. And think ye he will any pity feel,

Or care for me, the blind one, and will come?

Chor. Right sure am I, when once he hears thy name.

Œdip. And who is he that will report it to him?

Chor. The way is long; but market news is wont

To wander fast. And when he hears the news,

Be of good cheer, he [sic]'ll come. For know, old man,

Thy name has come to all men, and though slow

His speed at first, yet hearing, he will haste.

Œdip. And may he come with blessing to his country,

And to me also! Who that lives is found

Unfriendly to himself?

Antig. [Starting.] Zeus! What is this?

My father! whither shall I turn my thoughts?

Œdip. What is 't, my child, Antigone?

[ is seen in the distance.

Antig. I see

Advancing near us, mounted on a colt

Of Ætna's breed, a woman's form. Her head