Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 16.djvu/228

206 That used me for its instrument of vengeance: These are my crimes, remorseless cruel gods! Yours was the guilt, and ye have punished me. Where am I? what dark shade thus from my eyes Covers the light of heaven? the walls are stained With blood; the furies shake their torches at me; The lightnings flash; hell opens her wide gates: O Laius! O my father! art thou there? I see the deadly wound these hands had made; Revenge thee now on this abhorred monster, A monster who defiled the bed of her Who bore him: lead me to the dark abode, That I may strike fresh terror to the hearts Of guilty beings by my punishment: Lead on, I'll follow thee.

O Œdipus, Dispel my fears, thy dreadful cries alarm me.

Open, thou earth, and swallow me!

Alas! What sad misfortune moves thee thus?

My crimes.

My lord!