Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Plumptre 1878).djvu/171

Rh Which cleaves to all thy miserable house:

But now, an evil spirit from the Gods,

And their own mood of hate, have seized on them,

Thrice miserable, to grasp at sovereignty

And regal sway. And he, the youngest born,

His elder brother Polyneikes robs

Of kingly throne, and drives him from the land.

And he, (for so reports come thick and fast,)

An exile goes to Argos in the dale,

There forms new ties, and gains a friendly host

Of warriors round him, as if Argos meant,

Or to bring low the plain of Cadmos old

In conquest, or exalt its fame to heaven.

These are no words, my father, no vain show,

But fearful deeds. And I as yet know not

What way the pity of the Gods will work.

Œdip. And had'st thou any hope the Gods would look

On me with pity, and deliverance give?

Ism. To me, at least, these oracles give hope.

Œdip. What oracles? And what has been revealed?

Ism. That the men there should seek to bring thee back,

Or dead or living, if they wish for safety.

Œdip. And who from such as I could safety gain?

Ism. They say that all their power depends on thee.

Œdip. Am I a hero then, as good as dead?

Ism. The Gods did vex thee once, they prosper now.

Œdip. 'Tis vain to prosper in his age a man

In youth low fallen.

Ism. Know that Creon comes

On this account, ere many days be past.

Œdip. With what intent, my daughter? Make this clear.

Ism. That they may place thee near Cadmeian ground,