Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 16.djvu/235

Rh Stained with his father's blood, into his eyes: This fatal moment has to Thebes restored Her safety: such are the decrees of heaven; Which, as it wills, decides the fate of mortals, All-powerful to save or to destroy. Its wrath is all exhausted on thy son, And thou art pardoned.

Punish then thyself.

Jocaste, thus reserved for horrid incest, Death is the only good remaining for me: Laius, receive my blood: I follow thee: I have lived virtuous, and shall die with pleasure.

Unhappy queen, and sad calamity!

Weep only for my son, who still survives. Priests, and you Thebans, who were once my subjects, Honor my ashes, and remember ever, That midst the horrors which oppressed me, still I could reproach the gods; for heaven alone Was guilty of the crime, and not Jocaste.