Part 15 (1/2)

CHORUS The plea thou urgest, needs must give us pause, Set forth in weighty argument, but we Must leave the issue with the ruling powers.

OEDIPUS Where is he, strangers, he who sways the realm?

CHORUS In his ancestral seat; a messenger, The same who sent us here, is gone for him.

OEDIPUS And think you he will have such care or thought For the blind stranger as to come himself?

CHORUS Aye, that he will, when once he learns thy name.

OEDIPUS But who will bear him word!

CHORUS The way is long, And many travelers pa.s.s to speed the news.

Be sure he'll hear and hasten, never fear; So wide and far thy name is noised abroad, That, were he ne'er so spent and loth to move, He would bestir him when he hears of thee.

OEDIPUS Well, may he come with blessing to his State And me! Who serves his neighbor serves himself. [5]

ANTIGONE Zeus! What is this? What can I say or think?

OEDIPUS What now, Antigone?

ANTIGONE I see a woman Riding upon a colt of Aetna's breed; She wears for headgear a Thessalian hat To shade her from the sun. Who can it be?

She or a stranger? Do I wake or dream?

'This she; 'tis not--I cannot tell, alack; It is no other! Now her bright'ning glance Greets me with recognition, yes, 'tis she, Herself, Ismene!

OEDIPUS Ha! what say ye, child?

ANTIGONE That I behold thy daughter and my sister, And thou wilt know her straightway by her voice.

[Enter ISMENE]

ISMENE Father and sister, names to me most sweet, How hardly have I found you, hardly now When found at last can see you through my tears!

OEDIPUS Art come, my child?

ISMENE O father, sad thy plight!

OEDIPUS Child, thou art here?

ISMENE Yes, 'twas a weary way.

OEDIPUS Touch me, my child.

ISMENE I give a hand to both.

OEDIPUS O children--sisters!

ISMENE O disastrous plight!

OEDIPUS Her plight and mine?

ISMENE Aye, and my own no less.

OEDIPUS What brought thee, daughter?