Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Plumptre 1878).djvu/359

Rh Only keep ye my counsel. In the dark,

Though thou work shameful things, thou 'scapest shame.

Lichas. Come, child of Œneus, tell me what to do;

For we long time have loitered in delay.

Deian. This very thing I have been doing, Lichas,

While thou within did'st to those strangers speak,

That thou should'st take this stately-woven robe,

Gift to my husband from these hands of mine.

And when thou giv'st it say that none that lives,

Prior to him must wear it on his flesh,

Nor must the light of sunshine look on it,

Nor sacred shrine, nor flame of altar hearth,

Before he stands, conspicuous, showing it

On day of sacrifice, in sight of Gods.

For so I vowed, if I should see him safe

At home, or hear his safety well assured,

To clothe him with this tunic, and send forth

The glorious worshipper in glorious robe;

And thou shalt take a token of these things,

Which he, the seal beholding, will know well.

But go thy way, and first take heed to this,

Being but a courier, not to meddle much;

And next so act that from myself and him,

Our thanks from single may as twofold come.

Lichas. As true as I serve Hermes in my work,

A trusty messenger, I will not fail

To take and give this package as it is,

And add good proof of all thy messages.

Deian. Now then start forth, for thou dost know right well

How things within our dwelling chance to stand.

Lichas. I know, and I will say that all is well.