Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 16.djvu/193

Rh  Within their temples; tripods, caves, and cells, The brazen mouths that pour forth oracles, Which men had framed, by men may be inspired; We must not rest our faith on priests alone; Even in the sanctuary traitors oft May lurk unseen, exert their pious arts To enslave mankind, and bid the destinies Speak or be silent just as they command them. Search then, and find the truth, examine all; Phorbas, and Philoctetes, and Jocaste. Trust to yourself; let our own eyes determine; Be they our tripods, oracles, and gods.

Within the temple, thinkest thou, perfidy Like this can dwell: but if just heaven at last Should fix our fate, and Œdipus be called To execute its will, he will receive The precious trust, the safety of his country, Nor act unworthy of it. To the gods Once more I go, and with incessant prayer Will try to soothe their anger: thou, meantime, If thou wouldst wish to serve me, hasten onward The lingering Phorbas; in our hapless state, I must enquire the truth of gods and men.

Yes, my Ægina, I expect him here; 'Tis the last time these eyes shall e'er behold The wretched Philoctetes.