mols ene senor evn yenernanatrmauomi cee RNC te we a ¥ 5 Rae - = = | i — . | | : | : | ‘ Gf 2 | - . ‘ ‘ od X ss 2 : n . 4 : ; igs : : fo 4 : THE TRAGEDIES OF . SOPHOCLES. THE ser ae | ae SOPHOCLES; | saa vce BY R. POTTER. A NEW EDITION. LONDON: PRINTED BY AND FOR N. BLISS. 1820. PREFACE. Sornocins, the son of Sophilus an Athenian, was born at Colonus, and educated with great ate tention. Superior vigour and address in the exer- cises of the Palestra, and skill in Music, were the great accomplishments of young men in the states of Greece; in these Sophocles excelled ; nor was he less distinguished -by the beauty of his person. He was also instructed in the noblest of all sci- ences, Civil Polity and Religion; from the first of these he derived an .unshaken love of his country, which he served in some embassies, and in high military command with Pericles; from the latter he was impressed with a pious reverence for the eods, manifested by the inviolable integrity of his life. But his studies were early devoted to the Tragic Muse ; the spirit of Aischylus lent a fire to his genius, and excited that noble emulation which led him to contend with, and sometimes to bear away the prize from his great master. He wrote one hundred and thirteen tragedies, of which, seven a iv PREFACE. only have escaped the ravages of time ; and having testified his love of his country by refusing to leave it, though invited by many kings, and having en- joyed the uninterrupted esteem and affection of his fellow citizens, which neither the gallant actions and sublime genius of Aischylus, nor the tender spirit and philosophic virtue of Euripides could se- cure to them, he died in the ninety-first year of his age. The burial-place of his ancestors was at De- celia, which the Lacedemonians had at. that time seized and fortified; but Lysander, the Spartan Chief, permitted the Athenians to inter their de- ceased Poet; and they paid him all the honours due to his love of his country, his integrity of life, and his high poetic excellence. | fischylus had at once seized the highest post of honour in the field of Poetry, the true Sublime; to that eminence his claim could not be disputed. So- phocles had a noble elevation of mind, but tem- pered with so fine a taste and so chastised a judg- ment, that he never passes the bounds of proprie- ty; under his conduct the Tragic Muse appears with the chaste dignity of some noble matron at a religious solemnity; harmony is in her voice, and grace in all her motions. From him the theatre received some additional embellishments, and the drama, what made it more active and more inter- esting, the introduction of a third Speaker: but his distinguishing excellence is in the judicious dis- position of the fable, and so nice a connexion and : ne PREFACE, ) v >. dependence of the parts on each other, that they all agree to make the event not only probable, but even necessary ; this is peculiarly admirable in his CEdipus King of Thebes; and in this important point he is far superior to every other dramatic writer. | | Aristotle, who formed his judgement from the three great Athenian Poets, particularly from So- phocles, observes that Tragedy after various changes, having now attained the perfection of its nature, aimed at no further improvements. The latter part of the observation was at that time just; it continued just more than two thousand years; but of perfection who shall decide? The great Critic did not conceive that Nature could produce a Poet who, without any knowledge of his laws, or of those Grecian models, should exalt Tragedy to an excellence of which neither he nor they had any idea. Shakespeare had a genius ardent and sub- lime as that of Aischylus, his diction is equally great and daring, his imagination was richer and more luxuriant, his observation of the living’ mane ners and his knowledge of the human mind more comprehensive; hence his wonderful power over the passions. It is a proof of the commanding force of genius that, as the Agamemnon of Ais- chylus, with ‘all its faults, excels any thing that re- mains to us of the Grecian drama, so there are many tragedies of Shakespeare, though with more and greater faults, which are superior to the Aga- Vi PREFACE, ae eee memnon. Nature may yet produce another Poet blest with the powers of Shakespeare and the judgement of Sophocles ; and the Critic, who shall. see this, may then say with Aristotle, “ ‘Tragedy ‘‘ has now attained the perfection of its nature: in, the mean time we glory in our countryman, and. look back with reverence on the three great Poets of Athens. The sublime and daring Aischylus re- sembles some strong and impregnable Castle situ-. ated on a rock, whose martial grandeur awes the beholder, its embattlements defended by heroes in ‘arms, and its gates proudly hung with trophies. So- phocles. appears with splendid dignity, like some, imperial palace of richest architecture, the symmetry of whose parts, and the chaste magnificence of the whole delight the eye, and command the approbation of the judgment. The pathetic and moral Euripides hath the solemnity of a Gothic Temple, whose storied windows admit a dim religious. light,, enough to show us its high embowed roof, and the monuments of the dead which rise in every part, impressing our minds with pity and terror at the uncertain and short duration of human. greatness, and with an awful sense of our own mortality. In works of literature the public is little interest. ed in the motives of the writer ; yet some account of this translation may be necessary: it was often requested of me immediately after the publication of Euripides ; but I wished to leave Dr, Franklin PREFACE. vil in the undisturbed possession of his well-acquired reputation, and declined the attempt, till a person of illustrious rank, and more illustrious for mental accomplishments, did me the honour to desire that I would give the English reader all that remains of the Tragic Muse of Greece ; a request from such a person, and the manner in which it was commu- nicated to me, could not be refused. I undertook the work as a task, sensible of its difficulty, and even despairing of my power to express the pro- priety, the sweetness, the harmony, the force, and the dignity of Sophocles: as I advanced, I was not wholly dissatisfied with myself; from a task it. be- came an amusement, and then a pleasure to me. This translation professes to be faithful to the original ; and I flatter myself that it is in no small degree correct ; this it owes to a learned friend, who did me the favour to revise it; with his taste and judgment I am well acquainted, and I confide in his integrity. My own attention and exertions have not been wanting, as it has been my ambition to make it worthy of the noble person to whom it owes its ex- istence, and of the public to which it is now pre- sented. SCARNING, February 18, 1788. aR eR ‘a - 7 > : t ah | lk a deat 4 | amet aif Age als ones CG: DIPUS KING OF THEBES. CEDIPUS KING OF THEBES. - Tue polished citizens of Athens applauded this tragedy ; and it has been universally esteemed as the most perfect composition that ever graced their theatre; the judgment of Aristotle and of the best critics hath justified this general approbation. The reader will observe the wonderful conductof the poet. The judicious preservation of the Unities, to use the language ofcriticism, produces such a propriety, such a connexion and dependence of what follows on what is past, that every circumstance seems to arisé from the nature of things, and impresses on the mind the idea of reality. The discovery that Gidipus is him- self the person darkly hinted at by the oracle, the nice gradations by which this discovery. is carried on, the alternate light and shade thrown over it, from -the ambiguous answers of Tiresias to his clearer declarations, from the encouragement to the alarms which he receives from Jocasta, from the momentary conviction of its impossibility given him by the Corinthian to the full evidence of the fact, keep the mind in awful suspense, till the distressing certainty breaks in upon it at once, and overwhelms it with terror and pity. This drama resembles an 4 eruption of mount Aitna ; at first clouds of smoke darken the sky; these are dispelled by a dreadful explosion of flames ; then the threatening symptoms abate ; thus smoke and flame and serenity succeed each other, till the mountain in an instant discharges its torrent fires, which rush down with resistless fury, roll over palaces, temples, and cities, and carry with them deflagration, ruin, and horror. . Aristotle observes that in the most excellent tra- gedy, which should be imitative of what produces terror and pity, persons illustrious for their eood qualities ought not to be represented as fallen from a prosperous to an adverse fortune; for this would raise neither terror nor pity ; but lead to impiety. Poetic. c. xiii. The precept has been controverted, perhaps with reason ; yet critics have taken occa- sion to show how faithfully the poet has adhered to this rule, by charging Qkdipus with impiety, pride, choler, violence, and intemperate curiosity. It may not therefore be improper to examine this character, as it is drawn by Sophocles. At the first appearance of Cédipus we are warmly interested in his favour; he is an-illustrious and honoured king; anxious for the welfare of his realms, and prizing it more than his own life ; his addresses to the oracle at Delphi, bis attegtien to the answers of the god, and the respect with which he receives Tiresias, are undoubted indications of his piety. As a king, he is the benevolent father of his people ; asa man, generous, intrepid, and wise ; as . ; 5 an husband, affectionate and mild; as a_ father, tender as the pathetic pencil of Euripides could have pourtrayed him. His anxious endeavours to discover the murderer of Laius are occasioned at first partly by his reverence of the oracle, and partly by his own sense of justice; his further inquiries proceed from a delicate and exquisite sensibility. The poet, to attain his end, has judiciously blended this with a certain ‘fiery quality,’ which blazes out on every occasion ; and, though it shows a ge- nerous rather than a ferocious mind, naturally leads ~ him into every ill, which the oracle and his destiny had rendered inevitable; for as this instigated his abrupt departure from Corinth, so it inflamed his resentment of the insult offered him in the narrow road ‘“‘ where three ways met;” from which fatal encounter all his misfortunes arose ; yet even in this, the barbarous manners of the times consi- dered, he is to be deemed unfortunate rather than criminal. His anger against Tiresias was excited by the prophet’s refusal to declare the guilty per- son; he considered his silence as injurious to him- self and to his country; his anger therefore arose from a generous motive: when at length Tiresias was provoked to speak, and pronounced QCédipus himself to be the murderer, conscious of his inno- cence, (for he then thought himself innocent), abhorring the malignity of the accusation, and persuaded from concurring circumstances that the prophet had been suborned by Creon, the one must appear to him as an impostor and a merce- 6 nary wretch, the other as a dark designing villain, who had fabricated this charge to deprive him of his crown and his life: he is enraged, but not in- exorable; at the intercession of his friends; even whilst he is under this persuasion, he dismisses. Creon with impunity. “ The stroke, that inflicts ‘‘ the deepest wound on a virtuous and ingenuous. ‘‘ nature, is the accusation of guilt.” Richardson. on the character of Imogen. As circumstances were continually opening, which gave this accusa-. tion an increasing force that alarmed even his own mind, neither nature nor reason could suffer a per- son of so animated a spirit to rest, till he had drawn aside the mysterious veil, and discovered: all the horrors of his fate. Where then was the guilt of Gidipus? We are. to look for it not in his conduct, but in his fate. ile was, as Seneca finely expresses it, Phabi reus. Before his birth Apollo had foretold that he should murder his father and marry his mother; and his destiny led him, against every effort of a virtuous mind, involuntarily and unknowingly to accomplish the oracle; and, what is still worse, he was equally obnoxious not only to human, but even to Divine justice, as if he had committed these crimes with a daring and impious intention. Such was the reli- gious belief of Athens even in the days of Socra- tes: we have little cause to think our reasoning powers stronger, but we feel our understandings more enlightened than were those of the Grecian 7 Sages. ‘We know whence we received this light, let us therefore be thankful for it. The scene is at Thebes before the palace of CEdipus. PERSONS or tHe DRAMA. “ CGEDIPUS PRIEST or JUPITER CREON | TIRESIAS JOCASTA CORINTHIAN HERDSMAN MESSENGER CHORUS, Senators oF THEBES. “CEDIPUS KING OF THEBES. | Lis CEDIPUS, THEBANS. «pip. Way, O my sons, ye youthful progeny Of Cadmus old, why have you here your seats Holding these suppliant boughs, whilst incense fumes - Through all the town, and sacred songs and. cries Resound? No vulgar messenger I send, But deem it worthy the illustrious name Of Cédipus to learn the cause of this In person... Speak then thou, whose reverend age Claims:this respect ; inform me what your state, Your fears or sufferings; in each point my will Is prompt to succour: ruthless were my heart, Did it not melt with pity at this sight. . PRIEST of JUPITER. Sovereign of Thebes, imperial CEdipus, _ Thou seest us what we are, who sit thus low Before thy altars; some whose unfledged wings L, 15, Oddiww waxpay wricSas oSivevrts. Metaphora ab avium pullis im- plumibus. Burton, a Scholiaste. Cc 10 Gdipus King of Thebes. —-:16,..46 Bear them not far; and some who bend beneath The weight of age, Priests these, myself the Priest Of Jupiter; and some, the noblest youths, The flow’r of Thebes. Her other sons arranged Along the forum hold their suppliant boughs, And at Minerva’s temples, and the shrine Prophetic nigh Ismenus: for the state, Thine eyes behold it, labours in the storm, Unable from the blood-stain’d wave to rear Her head: her opening buds unfruitful fall, Scorch’d by the baneful blasts: her pastured herds Perish, her infants perish ere the birth. Incumbent o’er the town destructive hangs The fiery pestilence, beneath whose force Thebes becomes desolate ; -with sighs and groans Mean while the gloomy Pluto is enrich’d. Now at thy’altars lsit Tyand these youths, . 7: \ Not that'wé déetn'thee equal to the gods, |: "But *imidst ‘th’ aflicting accidents. of lifes «ih! ‘Or’sufferiigs sént from ‘heav’ny the’ first: of:men. For thou'at Thebes arriving didst redeem: The city from ‘the ‘tribute which we paid’: To the harsh-screaming ‘monster, not inform’d — By us; or counsell’d'} no; ‘with higher.thought We deci théeby some god inspired tolraise!:’ Our’ state ‘to life. “Ani ‘now; most ‘potent! king, Thus prostrate at thy feet we all implore: Thy aid; for our distress find some relief; | | Attending to. some god's. oracular voice, Or by some sage instructed ; - for xn see The counsels ¢ a fith’ Cepenetions give ‘fresly life ; a3} eye g* Yet) “pdt z ory tg re BOF “iy Tey Ci t L. 21. wisiiedoagidsa Res Thebes iwers consecrated! to.Minerya under the titles of Oncwa, and Ismenia. Apollo had a temple on the banks of Ismenus; from the flames and ashes of its altar his priests drew. prophecies... 47.80 QSdipus King of Thebes. 11 DIP, PR. F’en in calamities. Thou best of men, Go on, th’ afflicted city once more raise ; Go on, and prudence be thy guide. Since now This country for thy former generous deeds Hails thee as her preserver, of thy reign Let us not hold this memory, that by thee From ruin raised, by sad reverse at last We sink in ruin; but once more this state Restore to safety; as thou gavest us then With happy auspices fair fortune, now Be like thyself. More glorious wilt thou reign O’er peopled, than o’er desolated realms : The strong-ribb’d galley, and the rampired tow’r, Their martial youth if wanting, nought avail. O my lamented sons, for ills well known To me you seek redress; 1 know that grief Hangs heavy on you all, but most on me: His private sufferings each bewails; but I Mourn for the city, for myself, and you. I want no voice to rouse me; many tears These eyes have pour’d, with many anxious thoughts My breast has labour’d, tracing various ways For your relief... That, which alone could give Hope of success, I follow’d; I have sent Creon, whose veins are rich with royal blood, Son of Menceceus, to the Pythian shrine Of Phoebus, to inquire what I must do To save this city. As I number back The days since past, I marvel; for his stay Exceeds just expectation. When he comes, If I perform not what the god directs, May I be deem’d the vilest of mankind. Of happy presage are thy words: these youths Show me that Creon hither bends his steps. 12 DIP. PR. DIP. DIP. CR. CEDIP. CR. DIP. CR. DIP. CR. DIP. CR. DIP. CR. Gidipus King of Thebes. ——81....110 Royal Apollo, may he bring success And safety, as it brightens in his eye! Cheerful indeed his aspect; else his head With wreaths of laurel had not thus been crown’d. Soon shall we know; be now may be address’d. CEDIPUS, CREON, THEBANS. Son of Menceceus, to the royal blood Allied, what answer bring’st thou from the god? Of good I have to tell thee: all our ill — May, if directed well, find happy end. Relate his words distinctly ; for thy speech Nor gives me confidence, nor wakes my fears. By these encircled wou’dst thou hear, I stand Ready to speak, or to retire apart. | Speak to them all; for dearer than my life I prize the means to remedy their grief. Then let me speak what from the god I heard. The royal Phoebus gave us clear command Hence the pollution of our realm to drive, Now nourish’d in the bosom of the land, Nor cherish an‘immedicable ill. What the offence? the expiation what? By exile, or by death avenging death ; For this blood desolates the suffering land. At whose disastrous fortune doth this point? Once, ere the empire of this state was thine, Laius, O king, was sovereign lord of Thebes. This from the voice of fame hath reach’d my ears, But Laius never did mine eyes behold. His death the god with no ambiguous voice Commands us on his murderers to avenge. L. 84. See the Hippolytus of Euripides, 1. 850. x. 111.140 © (£dipus King of Thebes. e@pip. Where are they? By what methods may be found CR. DIP. CR. DIP. CR. DIP. CR. DIP. CR. DIP. CR. DIP. L. 140. There is some little obscurity here. The faint-mark’d footsteps of this long-past guilt ? This country holds them, said the god. Pursuit May overtake what through neglect escapes. Beneath some roof, or in the open fields, Or in some foreign land was Laius slain ? Hence to consult the oracle he went, And never to his royal house return’d. Did none return, none of his train, who saw | His death, of whom inquiry may be made? All fell, save one; who, flying wild with fear, Of what he saw one thing alone could tell. Say what; for one thing, if we gain a gleam Of hope, may lead us to discover more. That, met by rufhans, not by one man’s force He fell, but by a numerous band oppress’d. How should the ruffian, if not bribed with gold From hence, presume t’ attempt this daring deed? Not unsuspected this: but ’midst our ills None to avenge the death of Laius rose. What pressing ill, your monarch murder’d thus, Restrain’d you, that inquiry was not made ? The dark-descanting Sphinx from things unseen Forced our attention to more instant ills. But I will bring them into light again From their first cause. Of Phoebus for the dead This zeal is worthy, worthy too of thee ; And me confederate in the same just cause You shall behold; this country and the god I will avenge. Not for some distant friend, 13 CEdipus had declared his purpose to engage in this inquiry for the relief of his couniry, and in con- currence with the god. He now mentions an additional motive, which more _ nearly concerned himself; it was the common cause of royalty. The ruf- 14 (Edipus King of Thebes. 141...160 oy . But for myself, this execrable guilt ID Be it my care to crush: for the same hand, — That murder’d him, may soon be raised to plunge With the same rage the falchion in my breast ; Therefore avenging him I guard myself. But rise, my children, from your lowly seats With speed, and bear these suppliant branches hence. Hither th’ assembled sons of ‘Thebes convene : My pow’r shall be exerted; and once more Will we, confiding in the favouring god, Together prosper, or together fall. pr. Let us arise, my sons: our sovereign grants The grace we came to ask; and may the god, Who sent this answer from his hallow’d shrine, Preserve us, and this wasting pest avert! CHOR. Thou oracle of Jove, what fate From Pytho’s golden shrine Brings to th’ illustrious Theban state Thy sweet-breathed voice divine ? My trembling heart what terror rends, While dread suspense on thee attends, fian, that murdered Laius, might, if he were permitted to go unpunished, inurder him. By civ darwerign Pidwy, * some distant friend,” be points te > Laius; the expression is indeed indefinite, but it was neither necessary vor proper that it should be more distinctly marked; with regard to Laius thus far (Edipus had been very cold and indifferent. L. 156. Oracles were by the ancients ultimately referred to Jupiter. This prophetic power he gave to other deities whom he was disposed to grace ; thus Aéschylus, speaking of Apollo, says, With his own sacred skill high Jove inspired His raptured soul, and placed him on his throne, The fourth prophetic god, whence now he gives His father’s oracles. Tue Furies. 161...192 Uidipus King of Thebes. O Delian Pean, healing pow’r! Daughter of golden Hope, to me, Blest voice, what now dost thou decree, _ Or in time’s future hour ? Daughter of heav’n’s almighty lord, _ Immortal Pallas, hear! And thou, Diana, queen ador’d, Whose tutelary care Protects these walls, this favour’d state, Amidst this forum ’round whose seat: Sublime encircling pillars stand ! God of the distant-wounding bow, Apollo, hear; avert our woe, And save the sick’ning land ! This realm when former ills opprest ~ If your propitious pow’r In mercy crush’d the baleful Pest Outrageous to devour ; In mercy now extend your care, For all is misery and despair, And vain the counsels of the wise. No fruit, no grain to ripeness grows ; The matron feels untimely throes, The birth abortive dies. The Shades, as birds of rapid flight, In quick succession go, Quick as the flames that flash through night, To Pluto’s realms below. Tl’ unpeopled town beholds the dead Wide o’er her putrid pavements spread, Nor graced with tear or obsequy. 15 16 Gidipus King of Thebes. —_—_—‘198.,.221 The altars round a mournful band, The wives, the hoary matrons, stand, And heave the suppliant sigh. With deep sighs mix’d the hallow’d strain Bursts fervent to the skies : Deign then, O radiant Pallas, deign In all thy might to rise. From this fierce pow’r which raging round Unarm’d inflicts thy fiery wound, Daughter of Jove, my country save ; Hence, goddess, hence the fury sweep To Amphitrite’s chambers deep, Or the rough Euxine wave! Doth aught the Night from ruin spare? The Morning’s sickly ray, Pregnant with death, inflames the air, And gives disease its prey, Father of gods, whose matchless force Wings the red lightning’s vengeful course, With all thy thunders crush this foe ! Potent to aid, Lycéan king, Thy shafts secure of conquest wing, And bend thy golden bow! Thy beams around, Diana, throw, And pierce this gloom of night, As on Lyczeum’s moss-clad brow Thou pour’st thy silver light ! Thy nymphs, O Theban Bacchus lead, The golden mitre round thy head, L. 204. This is the language of poetry: such is the myrtoum mare and mare eriticum of Horace. 222.350 - Gidipus King of Thebes. Wave thy bright torch, and with its flame This god, to gods aul odious name, This lurid Pest destroy !: CEDIPUS, CHORUS. thy ih of wine and joy ; epip. Wellare thy vows address’d; nor vain those vows, But of much force, and lenient of our ills, Wou’dst thou with deep regard attend my words,. Which I, to each.related circumstance A stranger, and'a.stranger to the deed, Shall speak ; for far‘my search could not extend, Having no mark to guide my steps. But now. A Theban late enroll’d, to all of Thebes I give this charge. Whoe’er among you knows., By. whom the, son of Labdacus was slain, Him I command 't? unfold the whole to me. But if; through conscious. guilt; he fears t’ avow. The deed, and charge himself: no harsher doom. Awaits him, than to leave this land, unhurt.. But if among you be a-man, who knows Another, of another realm, whose hand. Was with this blood polluted, let him speak, And not concealthe murderer; for from me Ample shall be his recompense, and thanks Added besides. But if ye will not speak, If fearing for himself, or for a friend, There be a man that disregards my words, What then shall be my solemn mandate hear. That man let none within this realm, whose throne, Whose empire I command, beneath his roof 17 L. 249. This severe sentence was usually denounced against a murderer : C£dipus in his zeal denounces it against the person who should conceal the murderer of Laius. D 18 | Gdipus King of Thebes. 251444285 : Receive, let none hold converse with him, none Admit him at the altars of the gods His vows, his offerings to partake, or share The cleansing laver; from your houses all Chase this pollution of our land; for thus To me the Pythian oracle declared Its will; thus therefore with the god I join Confederate, and the dead. But on the wretch Who did the deed, whether he lies conceal’d A single ruffian, or with many leagued, — I imprecate this curse; his wretched days, Cut off from all the social joys of life, Let him wear out in misery. In my house If I protect him, conscious of the deed, May all these curses fall on me. The same I charge on you; make you these solemn vows, In zeal for me, for Phoebus, and this land Thus of its fruits, and its protecting gods Bereft. Nor ought we, though no voice divine Impell’d us, unatoned to leave the blood _ Of one so noble, of a monarch slain. To trace this murderous deed my fortune now Assigns to me, for mine the regal pow’r Which once was his; his bed, his wife is mine ; Our children too, but that the adverse gods ‘Denied him children, had in common ties Been close conjoin’d: but now disastrous fate Hath burst upon his head. ‘Therefore for him, As for my father, vengeful will I rise, Unwearied in th’ attempt to find the man That slew the son of Labdacus, whose blood From Polydorus its illustrious stream Derived, from Cadmus, and Agenor old. To those who act not thus, I pray the gods That the till’d earth may never yield its fruits, CHOR, DIP. “286...318 ' dipus King of Thebes 19 And barren be their bed; beneath the ills, Which now oppress us, let them waste, and feel A fate yet more severe. But to the sons Of Thebes, who with applause these things receive, May justice join her aid, and all the gods Be present always with propitious pow’r ! As solemnly by thee adjured, O king, So will I speak. I neither murder’d him, Nor can disclose the murderer: to the god, Who charged that this inquiry should be made, Belongs it to declare who did the deed. Well hast thou said: but to compel the gods _ Against their will no mortal man has pow’r. CHOR. CZDIP. CHOR. DIP. CHOR. (EDIP. CHOR. (DIP. CHOR, DIP. CHOR. DIP. What more my thought suggests I would propose. Whate’er it be, forbear not thou to speak. Next to th’ illustrious god I am assured These things th’ illustrious Seer, Tiresias, knows Consulting him, O king, thou may’st obtain In matters most obscure the clearest light. Nor this have I neglected, but have sent, Twice sent, by Creon prompted, to require His presence: strange and tedious his delay. Uncertain are the rumours spread of old. What are they ? My regard each rumour claims. They say that by some travellers he fell. This I have heard; who saw it none can say. If fear can touch his heart, when he shall hear Thy imprecations, he will shrink at them. The deed who fear’d not, will not shrink at words. Here comes who will convict him ; for they lead The reverend Seer, in whom, of morta] men Alone, from inborn knowledge truth shines clear. CEDIPUS, TIRESIAS, CHORUS. O sage Tiresias, whose enlighten’d mind | TIR. CEDIP. (DIP. TIR. CHOR, TIR. CEdipus King of Thebes. 319...352 Notes all things, whether such as may be taught Fo mortals, or require the sacred seal Of silence, things of heav’n, or things of earth, Though quench’d thy visual beam, yet not unknown To thee the baleful pestilence that wastes The city; from whose rage our sole relief, Our sole defence, illustrious Seer, is found _ In thee; for Phoebus, though perchance thine ear His mandate hath not reach’d, thus gave response To our inquiries, that this pest shall hence Alone its ravage cease, if, clearly known The murderers of Laius, we avenge On them, by exile or by death, his blood. _ Refuse not then, from what of augury From birds on wing thou draw’st, or from aught else Of thy prophetic art, to save thyself, To save the city; save me too, and put All the pollution of the dead away. In thee are all our hopes: t’ exert his pow’r _ : In doing good is man’s most glorious task. Alas, alas, how dreadful to be wise, From wisdom when no profit is derived! Mine is this knowledge, fatal to thy peace. I should not then have come. : What may this mean ? And why this gloomy sadness on thy brow? Dismiss me to my house; thy ills more light Wilt thou sustain, I mine, this grace obtain’d. Nor just, nor friendly to thy country thou, Thus to deprive her of thy sage advice. Nothing of good to thee thy speech, I see, Portends: of ill productive be not mine. Now by the gods, whate’er thy wisdom knows Suppress it not, we suppliant all implore. For you are all unwise. Ne’er shall my voice 353...381 § Ctdipus King of Thebes. 21 For this find utterance, nor disclose thy ills. «pie. To know, and not to speak ! Implies not this Treachery to us, and ruin to the realm? air. My peace I will not hurt, nor thine. In vain Why wilt thou urge? From me thou shalt not know. «pip. Thou vilest of the vile---for thou wou’dst raise Th’ insensate rock to rage---wilt thou not speak, Bat show thyself unfeeling and unmoved ? wuR. My passion thou hast blamed; but dost not see That which with thee resides, while me thou blamest. _ @pip. Who would not be enraged to hear thy words, _ Which cast dishonour on this injured state ? tik. These things will come, though silent be my voice. apie. Then what will come, to me thou shou’dst disclose. mm. Further I will not speak; so let thy rage, ; If such thy will, in all its fierceness rise. «pip. Then I will speak, as anger prompts my tongue, Withuot reserve whate’er my thoughts suggest. Know then I deem thee complice in this act ; I deem the deed: was thine, save that thy hand Struck not the blow: hadst thou enjoy’d thy sight, I should pronounce the act were thine alone. ir. Indeed! Nay then I warn thee to abide By thine own solemn charge, and from this day Hold converse nor with these, nor me; for thou Art the accurs’d polluter of this land. cepir. Hast thou no’ sense of shame, that thou hast dared Utter such taunt ? How think’st thou to escape ? vir. I have escaped, e’en by the potent truth L. 361. The obvious meaning of these words is, “ Thou blamest my un- ‘* complying perverseness, but art not sensible of thy own violent passions.” Eustathius ingeniously supposes that Tiresias alludes to Jocasta : this perhaps is too great a refinement; but the prophet through this whole scene is dread- fully obscure. 22 CEDIP. TIR. (EDIP. TIR. (DIP. TIR. DIP. TIR. EPID. TIR. CEDIP. TIR. CEDIP. TIR. CEDIP. TIR. (EDIP. TIRe (DIP. (Edipus King of Thebes. 382.4410, Which I maintain. By whom hast thou been n tight ne Not by thy art divine. — By thee, constrain’d Unwillingly to speak. | What? Speak the words Again; my knowledge so will be more clear. - Were they abstruse ? Or dost thou bid me epeak To try: me? Not to speak it as a thing Known; yet repeat thy words. ‘ Again I say Thou art the much-sought murderer of the king. Thou shalt not triumph for this second taunt. More shalt I speak then, and enrage thee more? Say what thou wilt, it will be said in vain. I say flagitious is thy intercourse With those most dear to thee; thou know’st not this, Nor seest the ills in which thou art involved. Think’st thou no vengeance such reproach awaits ? I have no fear, if truth hath aught of pow’r. It hath, but not for thee; it is not thine; Thy ears, thy soul, e’en as thine eyes, are blind. Unhappy thou in thus reproaching me, For soon on thee the same reproach shall fall. Confiding in thy blindness thou from me, Or any that have eyes, no vengeance fearest. To fall by thee is not my fate; those things Belong to Phoebus 3 ample is his pow’r. The fiction this of Creon, or thine own ? -Creon ne’er wrought thee ill: the work is thine. O greatness, empire, and thou noblest art — : That giv’st to life its glory most desired, What baleful envy on your splendour waits, 410...422 > CEdipus King of Thebes. CHOR. TIR. Since for this royal pow’r by me unsought, - But by the state presented a free gift, The faithful Creon, who the first appear’d My friend, with dark and secret malice works, Wishing my ruin, and suborns this wretch, This sorcerer, this artificer of wiles, Whose trains delude the people, sharp of ae To lucre only, to his science blind. Where hast thou e’er display’d a prophet’s skill ? Why, when the ravening hound of hell her charm Mysterious chanted, for thy country wise ; _ Didst thou not solve it? Of no vulgar mind & Was this the task; the prophet this required. No knowledge then from birds didst thou receive, None from the gods t’ enfold it: but I came, This nothing-knowing O&dipus, and quell'd The monster, piercing through her dark device By reason’s force, not taught by flight of birds. Yet dost thou now assay to drive me out, Weening to have thy stand next Creon’s throne. © But thou, and he who form’d this base design With thee, shall feel my pow’r: but that thine age | 23 Some reverence claims, thou shou’dst e’en now be taught, And feel the madness of thine enterprise. . If we conjecture right, his words burst forth By passion dictated; and thine,O king, No less: these things behove not; best advise How to explore the answer of the god. Thou art a king; yet I have equal right To answer thee; this pow’r is mine; to these T am no vassal; Phoebus is my lord: Nor will I be enroll’d amongst those who wait On Creon for support. I tell thee then, 24 CEDIP. TIR. DIP. TIR. DIP. TIR. DIP. CEdipus King of Thebes. —_444,..475 Me since with taunts thou hast reviled as blind,. Thou hast indeed thine eyes, yet canst not see What ills inclose thee round, nor where thou hast Thy habitation, nor with whom thou livest. Know’st thou who gave thee birth? Thou art a foe,. _ And know’st it not, to those allied to thee Most closely, whom the realms beneath contain, And who behold the light of heav’n. The curse Of father and of mother on each side With dreadful steps pursues thee, and ere long Will chase thee from this land, now blest with sight,. Then blind. How will Cithzron, how each strand Ere long re-echo to thy mournful cries, When thou shalt know that, driv’n by swelling gales,. The port of marriage thou hast gain’d, thy bark Where anchor cannot hold! The numerous train Of other ills thou seest not which will rank In the same line thee and thy sons alike. Go to; with foul revilings Creon taunt, And my true voice; yet thing more vile than thou. Is not ’mong mortals that shall e’er be crush’d. From him these piercing insults must I bear? Perdition on thee! hence, away, begone. I had not come, hadst thou not sent for me. I knew thee not in speech so void of sense, Or here thy presence I had scarce required. Such thou may’st deem my spirit, void of sense : But they, who gave thee birth, esteem’d me wise.. Who are they? Stay. Of those that breathe to whom: Owe I my birth? Thy birth this day will show, This day will show the horrors of thy fate. How dark, how full of mystery all thy words ! np Ce ee 476.0500 .Cidipus King of Thebes. 25 tir. Such to unfold well suits thy piercing mind. pip. My glory thou wou’dst turn to my reproach. tTrr. That glory hath brought ruin on thy head. eprp. If I have saved this realm, I reck not that. Tir.” Well then, I now depart. Boy, lead me hence. e@pip. Ay, let him lead thee; for thy presence throws | Confusion on th’ affairs that now engage Our care: begone, and trouble us no more. mir. I go: but first will speak for what I came, ; Nor dread thy frown; thy vengeance hath no pow’r To touch my life. I tell thee that the man, _ Whom thouhastsought, ’gainst whom thy solemn charge, Thy threats have been proclaim’d, that man is here ; Of foreign birth now deem’d, his residence Here fixing; but full soon he shall be found A Theban born, nor in his fortune long Rejoice; his visual ray in darkness quench’d, -His high state sunk to beggary, a staff Shall to a foreign land his steps direct. A brother and a father to his sons Shall he appear; to her, that gave him birth, A son and husband ; to his father found A rival and a murderer. Go thou in; Muse on these things; say, if thou find them false, No portion of a prophet’s skill is mine. L. 498. The word ouorsogos signifies a man who has children by the same woman who had children by the other person mentioned; and this precise idea ought to be preserved in the translation ; but how is this to be done? Adulter, incestus, do not convey this idea, yet such are the Latin versions ; neither does the word rival reach it. A periphrasis here would be unpar- donable, and our language affords no word of equal signification ; the trans- lator therefore feels himself in the same situation with the bad painter who drew a lion so vilely, that he was obliged to write LION under the picture, to inform the spectators what animal was intended. z 26 rete King of Thebes. 604.1832 CHORUS. Shei oe hone MIT STRO. lees 4 Al ‘yet i is A “What has bbhorrd, iii Grasping with blood-stain’d hand his ruthless sword, - From Delphi’s high rock-seated shring . . ~ Declares the voice divine The author of this horrid. deed? _ Now let him wing his swiftest speed ; _ The son of Jove upon him flies, sie or ar Arm’d with the flames. and lightenings of the skied: Dreadful, resistless.in their forge’ inal The Fates attend his course. ea antis.1.. The oracle divinely bright meld \ To drag the latent murderer into light . ea ; Shone forth, Parnassus, from thy. brow : White with eternal SOW sp soa For, like a bull, to secret shades, e re ; 4 To rocks, to cayes, to sylvan glades, . Far from the Pythian prophecies ise Mournful the solitary wanderer flies :, In vain : they hover round his head, And ceaseless terrors ‘spread, ¥ | STRO. 2. Dreadful, dreadful things to hear, pho Utters the prophetic Seer, Him doth truth, doth falsehood guide? Fear and hope my soul divide; - Painful suspense! The present and the past: } Darkening clouds alike o’ercast. |. Was wrong by Laius done of old, | . I now obtain, nor: feel the pangs of fear. Were I a king, I should do nidny things. } Against my wills can then the regal state Be sweeter to me than my princely rank, And pow’r that knows not care? Nor is my mind By falsehood so beguiled, that it aspires To honours which no real good procure, ee Now: all things give me pleasure; allmennow ...,.. Greet me with courtesy ; now all, who want Favours from thee;:address me, for their suits Through me they all obtain. And shall I aut ‘These solid pleasures for the empty pomp, . Of royalty? A mind to wisdom train’d)«. - Can not beiso depraved: I never loved To form such measures, nor in such would, ma To share with others.: Dost thou want a bagi Pay Go to the Pythian shrine,:and there inquire’ * If faithfully the: answer of the god I have reported : if thou find «me ledgued ;|))\) In counsels’ with'the Seer, put me to death, a, And in the sentence shall my voice assent .» | CHOR. €49...677 CEdipus King of Thebes. 3l With thine: but’on suspicion void ‘of proof: . Condemn me not: the just not lightly deem’ The base man honest, or the honest bases. For he; that throws a faithful friend away, =. Doth himself equal wrong as if he threw." His life away, which is most dear'to him. This thou wilt know in time; ‘for time alone. Shows a just man; the ‘base a day unveils. His words are wise’: beware, O‘king, nor err. Through passion: quick resolves are oft unsafe. . When quick the lurking traitor *gainst my life! Advances, me behoves ‘a quick defence : If I am still, and linger, his designs = >" Will be achiev’d,‘and'my slow measures fail. What wou’dst thou then? My exile from this land? . No: not thy exile would 1, but thy'death. ~ When thou hast shown me. guilty of some crime. p. “Thou speak’st as ‘one’ refusing to obey. | Because I see thee not by wisdom ruled. . For mine own welfare wisely I provide.” Mine claims | an equal care. But thou art base. . oh What moush no crime thou know’st ? wnTe ae. Her ays Twill be as mre Mews not be a snk s Thebes,:O ‘Thebes }° Thebes is-not:thine alone: some‘share is:mine. . Princes forbear : in happy hour, ‘behold; Jocasta comes ; her prudence: may prevail, oll And in this fiery contest inediage nate (5d JOCASTA, CEDIPUS, CREON, CHORUS. JOC. Why, indisereetly' why this strife of words, Unhappy princes, have you raised, nor/blush, } 32 (Edipus King of Thebes. 678.708 Your country with afflictions thus oppress’d, 9)» To stir up private contest? Wilt not thou : Enter these gates? Thou, Creon, hence depart, Nor add a causeless grief to weighty woes? cr. Alas, my sister, with injurious rage A dreadful sentence Cidipus decrees, Exile or death, against me to enforce. «pip. I own it: for I found him with base arts Against my person plotting base designs. cr. If I have done this, of this heinous charge - If I am guilty, let me not enjoy The light of heav’n, but fall a wretch aeccurs’d. soc. Believe him, I conjure thee by the gods, In this believe him, Cidipus; regard His sacred oath, and me, and these thy frients. cuor. I too entreat thee, be persuaded, king: With wisdom yield. DIP. , What wou’dst thou I should yield? cHor. ‘T’o reverence him, not weakly justified Before, but by his oath more strongly now. «pip. Know’st thou what thou wou’dst ask? CHOR. Full well. DIP. 5 Phen speak. | cHor. On dark suspicion charge not, nor disgrace With blame a friend, who thus attests the gods. a@prp. Now be assured that, seeking this, thou seek’st My ruin, or my exile from this land. cHor. No: by the brightest of the pow’rs of heav’n, The Sun, of every god, of every friend | Abandon’d may I perish, sunk in deep Perdition, if I e’er had such a thought. My country’s ruin rends my bleeding heart : And greater were my grief, to former ills... If ills were’added from your contest sprung. 709...786 ~ Cdipus King of Thebes. 33 @pip. Then let him go, e’en though I needs must die, | Or from this country with disgrace be driven. Thy mournful plea, not his, my pity moves ; Him shall my hate, where’er he goes, pursue. cr. Harsh art thou e’en in yielding; when thy rage Works its fell purpose, dreadful: souls like thine Justly bring keenest tortures on themselves. «pip. Then leave me to myself: begone. CR. | I go, To thee perchance not known; but still by these, Just to my innocence, in honour held. CEDIPUS, JOCASTA, CHORUS. cHor. Why, lady, this delay to lead him hence? Joc. First what hath happen’d here I wish to know. cHoR. Words of dark import gave suspicion birth : Hence an injurious charge which gnaws the heart. soc. From each to each? CHOR, E’en so. JOC. And what the cause ? cHor. Enough, for me enough, my country sunk With such afflictions, where they cease to cease. «pip. I know thee wise and good ; why then persist Thus to depress me, and to damp my heart ? cHoR. Let me repeat what I before declared. Know then, O king, I must be deem’d of sense Bereft, and lost to wisdom, if in thought I could abandon thee. Thou once didst raise This my dear country when with ills depress’d ; If thou hast pow’r, to safety guide us now. soc. Now, by the gods, inform me whence this rage, That with such fury flames, O king, arose. pip. I will inform thee (for than these more high £ 34 Joc. CEDIP. Joc. G@DIP. JOC. (Edipus King of Thebes. 737 165 I reverence thee) of Creon’s base designs... | Speak, if accusing him thy proof be clear...) He saith I murder’d Laius. iva ; Said he this | On his own knowledge, or from others heard ? The prophet prompt to mischief he suborn’d, Whose rude licentious tongue knows no restraint. Think of thyself, respecting this, no more. .. Hear me, and be assured no mortal man ~ Knows by prophetic art events to come ; . Of this I give thee a decisive proof. To Laius once an oracle announced (will not say that from the god it came, But from his ministers) that time should bring On him this fate, to fall beneath a son That should his birth from him and me derive. Yet foreign ruffians*him, as fame reports, ~ Murder’d where three ways meet. A son was born; Not three days pass’d, the infant’s feet he bound, Piercing the nerves, and by another’s hand Upon a desert mountain cast him forth. - The consummation then, that he should slay | (EDIP. His father, or that Laius by his son Should fall, a fate so dreadful to his thoughts, Phoebus achieved not; yet th’ oracular voice Decreed these things: regard them not: the god, What from his hallow’d shrine he gave command To trace, to your inquiries will disclose. What wild amazement, lady, at thy words Seizes my troubled thoughts, and shakes my soul. L. 737. Qidipus here obliquely censures the Chorus as wanting in respect to Jocasta, by declining to answer her inquiry, |. 714 * 766...7 JOC. C2DIP. JOC. CZDIP. JOC. DIP. JOC. CEDIP. JOC. G@DIP. JOC. DIP. Joc. CEDIP. JOE. CEDIP. JOC. DIP. JOC, C@EDIP. JOC. 99 ~ Mdipus King of Thebes. What perturbation moves thee thus to speak ? Methought I heard thee say that Laius fell, Murder’d by ruffian force, where three ways meet, Such was the rumour then : it still prevails. Where ? In what land befel this dire event? Phocis the realm is-call’d ; the separate roads From Delphi and from Daulia there unite. v What length of time, since this was done, hath pass’d? Short time before the regal crown gf Thebes Shone on thy brows, these tidings reach’d the state. To me, O Jove, what fate hast thou decreed ? Why hath a thought like this possess’d thy soul ? No questions now ; but tell me what the form Of Laius, what his stature, and his age. Tall, and of manly port; his locks just tinged With gray ; his form not much unlike to thine. O wretched me! Unweeting on myself What dreadful curses have I here denounced ! . Why this? I tremble as I look on thee. Greatly I fear the prophet sees too well. Yet one thing more : That will give clearer light. I tremble ; yet whate’er I know will speak. Went he with few; or, as became a king, With many guards attendant on his state ? Without more train than five, an herald one Of these; a single chariot bore the king. Ah wretched me ! All now is clear indeed. What man was he who this relation brought ? A menial servant, who alone escaped. Is he now here attending in the house? - No: for returning thence when thee he saw Holding the sovereign power, and Laius dead, Touching my hand me suppliant he implored Some rural charge among the pastured herds To give him, that within the walls of Thebes 36 Gdipus King of Thebes. 800,..834 He seldom might be seen: I sent him: this, And greater grace he, though a slave, deserved. epip. Let him with swiftest speed then be recall’d. goc. He shall. But why to see him this desire ? «pip. I for myself have fears: much hath been said, Which prompts my eager wish to see this man. soc. He soonwill come. Butam not I, O king, Worthy what thus distracts thy thoughts to know ? apip. My expectation to such height is raised, That I will tell thee: for in whom more dear — Can I, thus struggling with my fate, confide? _ My father was the royal Polybus Of Corinth ; Merope, who boasts her birth From Dorian Chiefs, my mother ; in that state I was esteem’d the greatest, till there chanced | A circumstance, which might my wonder claim, But nought of anxious care : amidst a feast 7 One fill'd with wine reviled me as not born The son of Corinth’s king; ill brook’d I this, And scarce that day restrain’d myself; the next My father and my mother I address’d, Earnest to trace the truth; the insult raised Their high resentment, though from heat of wine It sprung ; with their affection I was pleased ; Yet still this stung my heart, so deeply there It rankled. Anxious to the Pythian shrine, My purpose not disclosed, I take my way ; To this inquiry no reply was deign’d, And me unhonour’d Phoebus sent away ; But show’d, the fates foretelling, other ills With woe, with horror pregnant: he declared That with my mother I was doom’d to mix Embraces, and to light produce a race By men to be abhorr'd ; nay, doom’d to be The murderer of my father. When these words 835...868 Hdipus King of Thebes. 37 Reach’d my affrighted ear, from Corinth wide, My course thenceforth directing by the stars, I fled, where I might ne’er behold the shame, The infamy of these dire oracles Fulfill’d. My way pursuing, to the place I came, where thou hast said this monarch fell. Yes, I will tell thee all the truth: as near This place, where three ways meet, I held my course, An herald, and exalted on a car | One of such form as thy description mark’d, Met me: with force the leader of the way, And the old Chief himself against me rush’d, And drove me back; the leader, who aside Had turn’d me, in my rage I strike: the Chief, Soon as he saw me passing near the car, Smote me, against my head he aim’d the blow, He smote me twice; but from this hand received Unequal recompense; ‘beneath my staff At once he sunk, and from his chariot roll’d. I slew them all, Now should these kindred deeds Prove like relation ’twixt this stranger slain And Laius, lives there such a wretch as I? Lives there a man so hateful to the gods? Nor citizen nor stranger may henceforth _ Beneath their roof receive me, none with me Hold converse, from their houses all constrain’d To thrust me; yet none other, but myself, Denounced these curses on me. I pollute The bed of him, who perish’d by these hands, These blood-stain’d hands? And am I not most vile? Am I not all defiled? If I must fly, And exiled never, never see those friends That are most dear to me, and never tread My country’s soil again; if I must mount 38 CEdipus King of Thebes. 869...902 My mother’s bed, in fated nuptials join’d; ~~ If I must kill my father Polybus, em From whom my life, my nurture I received ; Who would not judge, who would not say with truth That some remorseless Demon wrought these woes ? But never, never, O ye holy pow’rs Of the just gods, may I behold that day ! No: from the sight of mortals let me sink, Ere see a stain like this pollute my life. cHor. These things, O king, our consternation raise: — Yet see this herdsman, hear him; meanwhile hope. cepip. With eager expectation I await His presence ; hope till his arrival lives. joc. What doth thy thought, when he appears, intend ? pip. I will inform thee: if his words be found | With thine according, I escape these woes. » soc. What of high import heard’st thou in my words ? «pip. From his report thou saidst that Latus fell By ruffians slain : that number if he still Assert, I slew him not 5 it can not be That one be many ; by a single arm If he declares the monarch fell, on me — The dreadful deed with all its guilt will fall. goc. Of his relation be assured; his words He cannot now retract; not I alone, But all Thebes heard them: with his former tale Be his tongue now at variance, yet, O king, Not of the death of Laius will he speak As by the God foretold, that he must fall Slain by my son; him my unhappy child Slew not, but perish’d, ere his death, himself. What then the faith of oracles? Nor that To thee denounced, nor this willl regard. «pip. Thy sentiments are just ; yet send with speed 903:..927 - (Cdipus King of Thebes. 39 To bring this herdsman back ; omit not that, Joc. This I will haste todo: but go we in. Whate’er to thee is pleasing I would do. sTRo. 14° ANTIS. l. CHORUS. Fair Fortune deign with me to dwell, ‘My soul if holy reverence awes, — By thinking, speaking, acting well, "To bow obedient to the Laws. From heav’n they draw their lineage high, And tread with stately step the sky : Their father the Olympian king ; No mixture of man’s mortal mould; ‘Nor shall Oblivion’s sable wing In shades their active virtues fold. In them the god is great, nor fears The withering waste of years. The tyrant Pride engenders. Pride With wealth o’er-fill’d, with greatness vain, - Mounting with Outrage at her side, The splendid summit if she gain, Falls headlong from the dangerous brow, Down dash’d to ruin’s gulf below. Not so our monarch: for of old, ° His contest glorious to the state, In her own blood the Fury roll’d: So may the god now guide his fate! L. 910. With equal sublimity and energy the excellent Hooker expres- ses himsclf on the same subject....“6Of Law there can be no less acknow- “ ledged, than that her seat is the bosom of God, her voice the harmony of “the world; all things in Heaven and Earth do her homage, the very least “as feeling her care, and the greatest as not exempted from her power ; both ** angels, and men, and creatures of what condition soever, though each in “« different sort and manner, yet all with uniform consent admiring heras the “ mother of their peace and joy,” 40 (Edipus King of Thebes. 928...958 Still be the god’s protection mine, Strong in his power divine ! STRO. 2. But should some wretch, contemptuous, bold, Brave the just gods, his hands with slaughter stain, _ The vengeful pow’rs of heav’n disdain, Nor their pure seats in holy reverence hold, Him may perdition sweep away, And thus his wanton pride repay ; Him too, whom wild Ambition prompts to seize, Though Justice cries aloud, forbear. _ Can all his vaunts, who dares attempts like these, Guard his proud heart from guilty fear? Such deeds if glory waits, in vain I lead this choral train. ANTIS. 2. No more at Delphi’s central cell, At Abe, or Olympia’s hallow’d shrine Attendant pay I rites divine, Till the god deigns this darkness to dispel.. O Jove, if thee we rightly call The sovereign lord, the king of all, Let not concealment this in shades enfold From thee, and thy immortal reign ! The oracles, to Laius giv’n of old, They spurn with insolent disdain, No more to Phcebus honours pay ; And things divine decay. L. 943. Abz was in the territory of Phocis, of old sacred to Apollo, who had an oraele there. The soldiers of Xerxes set fire to the temple, and burned it tothe ground: the Romansafterwards, through reverence of the god, gave the Abwans the privilege of being governed by their own laws.... Pausan. Phociec. Olympia first became illustrious on account of the Oracle of Olympian Ju piter....Strabo. ¢ eee ee eS ee ee ee Ss ee —_ rs 954...980 Csdipus King of Thebes. 41 4 JOC. JOCASTA, CHORUS. Ye rulers of the state, with zealous mind I hasten to the temples of the gods, Bearing these wreaths, this incense in my hands ; For Cidipus with every anxious thought Is tortured in suspense, nor, as becomes His wisdom, from the past right judgment forms Of later oracles, but yields his mind To him that speaks, of terrors if he speak. But since exhorting him I nought avail, To thee, Lycean Pheebus, (for thy shrine Is nearest) suppliant to present these pray’rs I go, that thou would’st grant us from these griefs Holy deliverance; for we all must fear, When him, who steers our bark, we see appall’d. CORINTHIAN, JOCASTA, CHORUS.’ cor. May I by you, O strangers, be inform’d Which is the royal seat of Cidipus ? Or where, instruct me, may I find the king? cuor. The regal mansion this; the king is there; COR. JOC. COR. JOC. COR. The mother of his children here behold. Oh be thou blest, and ever with the blest Converse, since thou art his accomplish’d wife ! And be thou blest too, stranger ; worthy thou For these thy courteous words. But say what cause Brought thee to Thebes: what hast thou to relate? Good tidings to thy house, and to thy lord. : Those happy tidings what ? Whence art thou come? From Corinth. May what I shall speak to thee L. 974. TavreAns and cite, as here used, do not signify perfection simply, but perfection in the marriage-state, when the nuptial bed is“blessed with children. Hence the ’Avdgds reasiou Sawa, and the Zed réAess of Ais- chylus. Agam. v. 981. G 42 (Edipus King of Thebes. 981...1006 Give joy! Yet haply it may give thee grief. goc. What may this be, and whence its double force? cor. The Isthmian states (so, lady, fame proclaims Among them) will appoint thy lord their king. goc. Holds not the aged Polybus that pow’r? cor. No more; for death hath laid him in the tomb. soc. What wou’dst thou say, that Polybus is dead ? . cor. IfI speak aught but truth, be death my meed. Joc. Go, my attendant, hasten to thy lord, i i + i And tell him this. Ye oracles divine, _ Where are you? Cdipus long since, through fear, . Lest he should kill the king, from Corinth fled; 4 Now he is dead before this wretched fate, ‘ Nor fell he by the hand of Cidipus. — CEDIPUS, JOCASTA, CORINTHIAN, CHORUS. ; pip. O my Jocasta, dearest to my soul, Why hast thou sent my presence to require? soc. Hear thou this man; then ponder well what end The gods’ high-honour’d oracles have found. pir. Who is this stranger? With what tidings fraught ? gyoc. From Corinth is he come, to tell thee this, That Polybus thy father is no more. app. Speak, stranger; I would be inform’d by thee. cor. If this I plainly must at first declare, Know thou that he hath trod the path to death. : cepip. By treachery, or th’ attack of some disease? cor. Slight force will sink the limbs of age to rest. L. 1003. This is in strict conformity to ancient manners. When a mes- senger was charged with any mournful tidings, he endeavoured to soften the relation by prefacing it with something of an happier nature: Primum, ut opinor, tiayytase, says Cicero to Atticus, Epist. ili. lib, 2, So this man would first have saluted Gidipus as King of Corinth, but is compelled against his will to speak first of the death of Polybus. Dr. Burton. 1007...1040 Gidipus King of Thebes. cpip. Wasted by sickness then, it seems, he died. cor. And weary progress through a length of years. capi, Alas, alas! Why, lady, should we pay To Delphi’s fate-foretelling shrine regard, Or to the flight of birds that clang aloft ? I by their auspices was doom’d to slay _ My father: but beneath the earth he lies In death; and I am here, the sword not touch’d: Unless perchance through fond desire of me He wasted, so from me'‘he had his death. But, bearing with him all those oracles Of no account, he lies among the dead. soc. All this did I not tell thee long ago? «pip. Thou didst; but I was borne away by fears. soc. Now then let none of them disturb thy mind. ca@pip. Behkoves me not to fear my mother’s bed ? gzoc. Why should man fear, since fortune governs all ? Sage forecast sees nought clearly : wisest then Is he who lives at hazard, as he may. Fear not thy mother’s bed ; it is a dream, Such as hath haunted many: he, who slights These things, walks easiest through the ways of life. cep1P. In all these things thy words are wise and just, But that my mother lives; and while she lives, Though wise thy words, I must perforce have fears. soc. Clear proof thy father’s tomb affords thine eyes. «pip. True; but she lives: my fears are therefore just. cor. What woman this, who thus excites your fears ? DIP. Merope, stranger, wife of Polybus. cor. And what to her relating gives you fear? «epip. An oracle heav’n-sent, of import dread. «oR. ‘To be divulg’d? Or may not strangers know ? nip, They may: and thus the Pythian god declared, That Iam doom’d to mount my mother’s bed, Ad — Odipus King of Thebes. 1041...1064 And with these hands to shed my father’s blood. Dreading these things from Corinth far I fled Long since, by fortune bless’d indeed, but sweet The pleasure to behold a parent’s face. cor. Urged by this fear from Corinth didst thou fly? «Dip. And anxious not to shed my father’s blood. cor. Why, since benevolent to thee I came, Should I not free thee from this anxious fear ? pip. Grateful requital, stranger, this would claim. cor. For this I chiefly came, at thy return That from thy hand some boon I might receive. cepip. It may not be: to these who gave me birth I never will return. COR. This clearly shows , Thou know’st not what thou dost. i cEDIP. | Now by the gods , Old man, explain these words. | COR. If thy return 1 For their sake be denied. : «EDIP. My fears are strong, Lest by th’ event the oracle be’ found Prophetic of the truth. Dost thou then fear Pollution from thy parents ? That, old man, That always gives me fear. COR. Then be assured Thou hast no cause for fear: No cause, if they My parents, I their son? _ Nought to thy blood Was Polybus allied. What mean thy words ? Was he not then my father ? COR. (EDIP. {EDIP. TOR. DIP. 1065... COR. CEDIP. COR. «EDIP. TOR. «EDIP. COR. ‘ . ’ PERSONS or tue DRAMA. x CEDIPUS CREON THESEUS POLYNICES ae ANTIGONE | ISMENE A COLONIATE CHORUS, Magistrates ue CoLonus. CG DIPUS AT COLONUS. "THE illustrious but unhappy CEdipus is here re- presented as old and blind, driven from his realms, reduced to extreme indigence, and wandering into a foreign country where he is destined to die. The unshaken fortitude of his soul, and the sedate dig- nity which he sustains under his afflictions, command our reverence ; and we feel as deep, perhaps a deeper concern for the Exile at Colonus, than we felt for the Monarch at Thebes. Antigone, with a cheerful and unremitting assiduity, attends her fa- ther through all his wanderings, guides his steps, begs for him his daily food, and mitigates his sor- rows ; she is the most perfect example of tender affection and filial piety. Her sister Ismene bears not so considerable a part in this drama, but she appears in the same amiable light. An Athenian audience must be highly pleased with a representa- tion of their Hero Theseus, whose open and gene- rous character is finely contrasted with that of the insidious and unfeeling Creon. Though a soft me- lancholy is diffused through most of the scenes of this drama, and Pity is the passion to which they in general apply, yet there are some of a stronger K 66 and a rougher nature; Cidipus is not to die like 4 vulgar mortals ; the fateof kingdoms depends upon his death, and it is attended with circumstances of sublime conception which awe and terrify. The Scene is beautifully described by Antigone at the opening of the drama, and again by the Cho- rus in their first ode. i DIPUS AT COLONUS. 1...T9 GEDIPUS, ANTIGONE. «pip. Tet me, thou daughter of a blind old man, ANT. Antigone, to what land are we come, Or to what city? Who th’ inhabitants ? Who with a slender pittance will relieve, E’en for the day, the wandering Cidipus ? © I ask indeed but little, and receive Less than that little; yet for me e’en that ‘Suffices; my afflictions, the long course Of years so pass’d, and fortitude of soul Teach me with cheerfulness to bear my ills. But, O my daughter, some one if thou seest Or in the sacred groves, or on the seats Not hallow’d, lead me thither, place me there, _ That in what land we are we may inquire; For of the natives, strangers as we are, We come to learn, and as Instructed act. My father, woe-enduring Cidipus, Tow’rs, the strong bulwarks of some city, rise In distant view. This place, if right I judge, 68 — BAidipus at Colonus. ~ -20...46 : Is sacred, fourishing with laurels, vines, And olives close enwoven; in the midst Thick-fluttering nightingales their sweet notes tune. _ Rest therefore seated on this unhewn stone, For tiresome to thine age the length of way. «pip. Then seat me there, and guide a blind old man. ant. That tender office length of time hath made Familiar to me. CEDIP. What the place, where now We rest our steps ? vane? thou inform me? ANT. ; Well { know we tread Athenian ground 5 the place I know not. CEDIP. From each passing traveller - Of that we are inform’d. ; ANT. | Wilt thou I go, And what the place inquire? CEDIP. Such is my wish, If near us it hath habitants, my child. ant. It is inhabited: but that I go Needs not; for near us I behold a man. . pip. Doth he advance, and hither speed his steps ? ant: He is e’en present s what th’ occasion then Prompts thee to say, speak, for the man is here. CEDIPUS, ANTIGONE, A COLONIATE. pip. Stranger, I hear from her who sees for me And for herself, that thou in happy hour Art come to teach us what we wish to know. cot. Ere thou speak more, come from that seat; the place, That holds thee now, is hallow’d from thy tread. pip. What is the place then, sacred to what god? cot. Nor touch, nor habitation dares profane That place; for there the dreadful goddesses, Ae ~ 47.571 * Gdipus at Colonus. 69 «EDIP. col. cEDIP. COL.” DIP. COL. C2DIP. coL. DIP. coL. Daughters of Earth and N ight, have their abode. Them by what awful name should I invoke? This people call them the Eumenides, The all-beholding pow’rs: in other realms By other honour’d names they are rever'd. Their supplicant propitious may these pow’rs Receive; that never from their seat here fix’d I may henceforth depart ! What may this mean ? It is the sign which ratifies my fate. Nay, hence I dare not move thee, till I show The mandate of the city how to act. Now by the gods disdain not to inform E’en such a wanderer what I wish to ask. Speak ; thou shalt find that I disdain thee not. What is this place, which now our feet hath reach’d ? Whate’er I know, attend, and thou shalt hear. Sacred is all this place, for Neptune here Is lord revered; and he, who bears the fire, Prometheus the Titanian: but the ground ‘Beneath thy feet is call’d the brazen way, Which forms the firm base of th’ Athenian tow’rs. The fields adjoining glory in their Chief, Colonus the Equestrian ; and from him All bear their common name. I tell thee things, O stranger, not by fame alone renown’d, L. 65. When Ouranus was dethroned and mutilated by Saturn, he called his other sons together, and charged them to avenge his wrongs. ‘The com- bined brothers, among whom was Iapetus, became very formidable to Saturn, and afterwards to Jupiter ; these, and the whole party, were named Titanes, from Titan, the eldest son of Ouranus, who acted as their chief. From Ja- petus this appellation descended to his son Prometheus ; who is here with peculiar propriety styled zaugpiges Jeos, because, as we are told by Pausa- nias, the youths, who contended in the race called ayav Aauradoiys, lighted ‘their torches at his altar here mentioned, and ran towards the city. “ C:dipus at Colonus. ees 72...98 1 But by consent of ages honour’d more. | e@pip. Are there these places who inhabit ? COL. Here Are many habitants, and from this god They take their name. ~ ‘ _EDIP. O’er these who bears command ? Or in the people i is the pow’r? COL. ‘Se .. This place Is govern’d by the king, whose royals seat Is in the city. DIP. What his name, who holds The sovereign pow’r? . COL The noble Theseus, son 8 Of Aigeus inte’: our king. DIP, ~ Would one of ue A message to him bear? COL. | With what report, i ir Or what instructions charged ? | DIP. . That for his aid, A little aid, he much may gain. COL. What gain From one of sight bereav’d ? | DIP. What I shall speak _ Shall all be found to have the pow’r of sight. cot. Stranger, I would not thou shou’dst err: but since _ Noble is thy appearance, save the wrongs Of fortune, where I saw thee first, remain, Till I seek -those who have their dwelling here, Not in the city, and relate these things. For they will judge if here thou may’st remain, Or from this place behoves thee to depart. _CEDIPUS, ANTIGONE. @pip. My daughter, hath the stranger left this place ? 94...127 CEdipus at Colonus. ANT. CZDIP. He hath; and unmolested thou may’st speak Whate’er thou wilt, for I am here alone. Ye awful goddesses, of aspect stern, Since in this country on your seats I first Rested my limbs, to Phoebus and to me Be not ungentle; for when all those ills To me his voice oracular declared, This rest he in the length of time announced, When to the destin’d country I should come, And place me in the hospitable seat Of these tremendous pow’rs, there to lay down My weary life; success and fame to those, 71 Whose grace receiv’d me, doom’d to bring; to those, Who cast me out, discomfiture and shame. Signs, these events confirming, he foretold, The rocking of the earth, the thunder’s roar, Or Jove’s red lightening ; therefore well I know * None other but your faithful auspice led ANT. My footsteps to this grove: 1 had not else First as I journey’d, chane’d to light on you From wine abhorrent, pure myself from wine, And place me in your awful unhewn seat. Then, goddesses, since thus Apollo’s voice Hath destin’d, grant me now to end my life; Unless too light you deem the woes I bear, More than all mortals though to ills enslaved. . Come then, sweet daughters of primeval Night, And thou, who from the mighty Pallas draw’st Thy name, illustrious Athens, pity me, Pity the shade of wretched Cidipus, For what was once the man is now no more. Forbear: some men, in years they seem, advance : Their purpose haply to observe thy seat. epip.. | will be silent; and lead thou my steps 72 CHOR. CEDIP. CHOR. DIP. CHOR. DIP. GHOR. - Without addressing them, without a word, Cdipus at Colonus. —-1981,.159 8 Aside.into the grove ; that I may learn | 7 c What their discourse ; this caution prompts ; for i How to. direct our sbindutt we may know. — Who may this be? Where is he? Look around : Where now abides he? He hath left his seat, Of mortals the most restless. See you him? Look on each side; call to him; this old man — Hath rov’d with wandering steps, with wandering steps. - Hath roved; a stranger surely; else he ne’er | Had enter’d, where no foot may tread, the grove Of these infuriate virgins, whom we dread 1 or. To name, and awe-struct pass without a look, Save what of happy omen from our mouths Caution permits. Now we are told that one Revering nothing hath approach’d this place. Through all the grove I cast my searching eye, But cannot see where now he makes abode. QEDIPUS, ANTIGONE, CHORUS. | Iam that man; for what you said I heard. Horrid his aspect, horrid is his voice. Nay, I beseech you, deem me not a wretch Profane, that bids defiance to the laws. Jove the Protector, who is this old man! _ One, whom his former fortune hath not led To happiness, ye rulers of this land; In proof, I had not by another’s eyes Else crawl’d along, nor had this heavy frame By a weak virgin been conducted thus. Alas, those sightless eyes denote thy fate Unhappy, and thy aspect gives me proof That thou art old. Yet charge not on our heads,, For we are innocent, the curse that hangs -160,,.190 dipus at Colonus. - 73 CEDIP. ANT. «EDIP.. | s O’er thee ; for thou hast pass’d the: bounds prescribed ; These thou hast pass’d: but set not thy rash foot On the fresh verdure of that awful grove, Where the full goblet with the fluent stream Tempers the honied draught : forbear, restrain Thy steps, ill-fated stranger ; thence withdraw. Wide is the space between us; dost thou hear, Unhappy wanderer? Wou’dst thou hold discourse With us, from that forbidden place remove ; Come to us; converse here is free to all, Here freely speak; till then refrain thy tongue. Daughter, with prudence what may be resolved ? The judgment of the natives to regard, And unreluctant, as behoves us, yield. Take hold on me. J te I feel thee now. O strangers, since I leave this hallow’d place / In you confiding, let me not have wrong. . cHor. From wrong thou art:secure: nor from that seat _, <£DIP. CHOR. C2DIP. ANT. C2DIP. CHOR. Shalt thou, old man, against thy will be. led. Further must I come forward ? | stv Hasiien yet Yet firsheb 2: > Onward, virgin, guide his feat, Thou canst discern how far you. must advance. Follow me, O: my father, with dark steps Follow where I shall:lead: thee; and reflect Thou art:a stranger in a foreign land; What to the natives then is odious, hate; And what is dear,to‘them, with reverence treat. Then lead me, daughter, where our foot may tread... Offending no religion, there to speak, There: hear 5» nor war we with Necessity. Stop there; nor o’er the rocky pavement set L ‘G4 |: Gdipus at Colonus. WML 215 | Thy foot: there stay ; 3 he “oy thew! advanced. c@pip. But “es I aipe for dod 2 d] CHOR. On that stone’s sloping tp, Gently inclining forward. ANT. ‘Mine the care Softly to guide an step by step. Now bend Thy aged body on my careful hand: capip. Ah, what severe affliction rends bein bidarU cHor. Unhappy man, since now thy foot hath rest, Tell us who gave thee birth, and who thou art: _ Through many toils thus led; _ eat — | T would inquire. i i, i iyo e143 CEDIP. O strangers, I halved none, : Outcast I have no country. But no more...... coor. Why dost thou. ao these words, old man ?: CEDIP. : 980d J No more. Ask who I am, nor further question urge. cHor. What may this be ? ‘ (DIP. _ Avrace to misery doth’ d. cHor. Yet speak. BC DIP. Ah me, how ean I ay my child! HiT wap - enor. Whence is thy lineage, who thy father, say. 0" cepip. Alas, my daughter, what must I endure! ant. Yet speak, since now th’ extreme of ills is thine. %01'> epip. Then I will speak; t’ evade it nought avails. cHor. How irksome your delay! Tell us with speed. cepip. Know you one sprung from Laius ? CHOR. ‘What means this ? «pip. Of the high race of iabdiate ? CHOR. 7 O Jove ! | ceprp. The wretched Cidipus ? Liiod'T can CHOR. And art thou he? apip. Nay, start’not back through fear at what I say ; Tam that wretch. . . | ROD 216...242 Gidipus at Colonus. 79 ‘CHOR. .., Q.all ye holy gods! | epie. My child, what fortune will betide us now,! . cHor. Go hence, far hence, far from my. country go. «pip. Where shall thy promise then its sanction find ? cHor. To none is veygeance destined, who repay Wrongs first received ; and fraud opposed to fraud Brings on the first deceiver punishment, Not grace. So then, since thou hast left those seats, Hence with thy utmost speed, and quit this land, Nor further violate my country’s peace. ANT. Strangers revering virtue, since your minds _ Are adverse to my father old and blind, Hearing report of deeds to which his will Consented not, yet me, unhappy me, ‘Ye generous strangers, pity ;. I implore Your pity, for my father I implore, Blushing as to your eyes my eyes I raise, Yet as deriving from your source my. blood, Pray you to reverence his afflicted age : How godlike this ! On you our hopes depend. Assent, refuse not to my pray’rs this grace, I beg by all your souls hold dear, your wives, Your children, by your duty,.by the god. View mortal man, none ever will you find, If the god force him, that. can. shun his fate. cor. Daughter of C&dipus, be thou assured We pity thee, and with his sufferings moved We pity him; yet, awed with holy dread, L. 231. Ob xarcis ouuaow, non pulchris oculis. Odx &Xaois Ompecersy, Ald. et MS. non cecis oculis; which reading Dr. Burton approves. The editor of Brumoy hath explained the passage justly, “a qui l’extrémité de ‘¢ sa misére donne lassurance de lever les yeux sur vous, contre la bienséance a] *¢ de son sexe :”” alluding to the modest manners of the Grecian virgins, who never appeared unveiled before men, except such as were nearly ‘related ; be . ‘this_is hinted at in the next line, 76 (Edipus at Colonus: 243,..274 Other than what we said we dare not peal OHS «pip. What then doth glory or fair fame avail, tf ‘a ‘= Tf thus without’ effect it glides’ away ? COOLS 190 HOD What, that men say th’ Athenian state’ adores S1aD The gods with highest sanctity, alone? Seon ol .AontD Hath pow’r to aid the stranger sunk with ills) Alone hath’ pow’r to save him ? Whefé'to me ~~ Ayeéall these boasts ? > You drew me from those = Then drive me’ from your land, a. name alone? And not my person dreading, or my deeds; °°” For I have suffer’d, but have Eben My father and my mother, for whose’ sake’ ©!” Thou look’st on me’ with horror, if Ihere!'>! Must mention, doth it show my nature vile,“ That I with force repell’d’a rude assault?°2 ° I knew not, (had'I known, e’en then no guilt” Had I incurr’d) I knew not to what height © ied Of ills my steps advanced: but they, who caused My sufferings, knowingly my ruin wrought.” By the gods then, O strangers, I implore’ ” Your faith; since thence 1 you drew me, ‘save, = save: Your supplicant; nor, honouring the gods,” Neglect the gods : not'so: but be assured: The pious they behold, and they behold The impious too; nor shall th’ unhallow’d wretch Ever escape :‘ then dim not thou with these The lustre of blest Athens, lending aid ‘To deeds unhallow’d. "As thou hast received Thy supplicant confiding i in | thy 4 faith, Protect me, save me; nor, , this griesly form. Beholding, treat me with indignity 5 Sacred and pious since ks hither came. ~ I., 248. The humanity of the Athenians indatalfiehdbin to dedieate an Altar to Pity. Pausanias gives a pleasing account of the» philanthropy and piety of this people. Attic, cap. xvii, 275 666290 (Edipus at Colonus.: OF ‘And much’ advatitage ‘to’ this people bring. 7’ When‘ your lord comes, whoe’er your sovereign be, Full information shall be thine ; meanwhile» | Be’ not ungentle, do not work me illy oo ¢ int! cuor. Thy pleaded reason with great force, oldman, Commands respect ; nor briefly is it urged.) 9: ’ And it contents me well that on these things»! The rulers of the land for me decides: 0! «pip. Where, stranger, is the sovereign of these realms } ie cHor. Invhis paternal city: but the man, | gill | Who saw thee first. and sent me, hath im: ay To hasten with these tidings to the king. eprp. And think you he will hold a blind-old nian Worthy his care; and hither deign to! come?’ cHor: ‘Instant, as soon as he shall hear a name, f cpip, Of this who’shall inform him ?:- CHOR. : ate BIG if ori Long t fhe way ¥ L. 280. This implies a-censure. In the PS Aan Bee te of those times eloquence and all attempts to move the passions, were forbidden by the > Athenian laws: the Chorus appeared here as Magistrates ; they had even pronounced sentence, but Gidipus appealed to the king, in which they ac- quiesce. Nay in all cases that people as yet required a plain’ and concise narrative. Cidipus seems to have profited by the rebuke; for in his answer, to the first address. of ath he says . . Thy, generous ici, Theseus, in a ‘fae words Shines forth; behoves me then a brief reply: L. 290. As GEdipus had not declared his name to the Coloniate whom the Chorus had dispatched to the king, he was afraid that Theseus, not_ knowing who he was, would pay no regard to a blind old man. To remove his appre- hensions the Chorus assures him that his name was well known‘to them all ; and as hé had advanced far into the Athenian territories (such is the meaning of pared xtdsv9os, for the distance between Colonus and Athens was incon- siderable) some, travellers had probably seen him, and carried the report to the city. To account for the speedy appearance of Theseus, he says that he was on the road to Colonus, where he intended a sacrifice, when he heard that Gidipus was'there,’: 78 | | Cdipus at Colonus. 29) ...3818 a Which thou hast -pass’d ;. and travellers spread, quick . Their free reports ;, by: these inform’d he soon,’ Be confident, will come; for much thy name’ .7 Hath *mongst us all -been sounded =, it will add.’ Speed to his.steps, and he will:soon be. here. iT -:a0u pip. And happy be his coming to his state,’ : J Happy to me! Why should not a) good man ji /. ve to himself a-ftiend? | wo aSsheroadT ANT. § ecuiset oval! to oimmertal Jovelosamie Seay .aic What should I say 2. Thoughts, whither do’ you! ‘lead a cepip. What-may this be, Antigone, my child? 5 ANT. Advancing near a woman I behold’ 3 On a fleet. courser of Sicilian breeds 6) igs A broad Thessalian bonnet shades her. face. yy From the sun’s scorching beams. What can [say ?.... May this be she? or is my sight deceived? 5... I doubt, then am assured, then doubt again : I doubt no more: ’tis she, ’tis she herself : Her eyes look cheerful on me, and her smile, - : As she draws near, assures me it is sie ste” It is my dear Ismene, and none else. __ apip.. How hast thou said, my daughter ? ANT. That Isee ~ Thy daughter, my dear sister : 2 by her voice’ Soon thou wilt learn that hither she is come. | ISMENE, GEDIPUS, ANTIGONE, CHORUS. isM. My father, and my sister, with what joy iy _ Do Lonce more address you:! I with pain i Have found you, and with pain I look on FOU DIP. Comest his she my child! | ISM. "To see’ mournful sight. api. From the same blood descended... ee ISM. Hapless birth f, i 819...347 Edipus at Colonus. 79 DIP. My sone art phy ant Here Yor trol! Jenoduo of ISM. Ww OK “Not wiTOU | toil. DIP, My ehita, émbraice me: 47 fonios tis vor! dd T IsM. PrQHOn Fe embrace rae both: : pip. Her too with me? ISM. ~My self th’ oko th third.” epip. Why art thou here my child? isM. Through care of thee. EDIP. Through fondness ? TT MC, ba “And with weighty ai rai Thus with a faithful servant T am ‘come. epip. Where are thy brothers, youths now strong for toil ? ism. Where their fate leads ¢ with them disorder reigns. cepip. How to Egyptian manners have they form’d: Their nature and their life? For there the men “Sit in the house and weave the web; ‘meanwhile Abroad the active females always toil, What life requires providing. Thus‘of you, - My children, those, who should these toils sustain, Keep themselves close, like virgins, in the house. You, in their stead, for my unhappy ills » Expose yourselves to hardships. She, e’er since She pass’d her tender state of youth, and felt Her strength grown firm, poor sufferer, on my steps Attendant, leads my age; and wandering oft) Foodless and barefoot through the sylvan wilds, Patient ‘of frequent show’rs and ‘the fierce’ beams -Of the hot sun, regards not the rich store That fills the table in the sheltering house,» So that ‘her father be supply’d with ‘food. ; And thou, my daughter, oft hast ventured forth, The Thebans’ watch eluding, to inform | Thy father of the various ‘oracles = On him announced ; and wher they drove'me thence, 80 ISM. CEDIP. ISM. Gidipus at Colonus. 348...881 | | An outcast from my country, thou daredst.stand My faithful guard. Now therefore what the cause ,... That thou art come? What tidings dost thou dr - -Ismene, to thy father? Not for nought Comest thou from Thebes, of this I am assured, Nor without bringing terror to my soul. oo What late I suffer’d; while I sought the eAge aris Of thy ahodes my father, I forbear To speak, unwilling to renew the sense...) Of hardships by recounting them. But now I come t’ inform thee of the present ills _, Sprung up betwixt thy two unhappy sons... +) Their first debate was whether they should. ie The royal seat to Creon, nor pollute - The city, reasoning on the ancient stain , ~Which mark’d their race, and thy ill-fated. house. Now from some god, and their flagitious mind, A contest rages, threatening greater ills, . To seize the sceptre and the regal pow’r; «> The younger fiercely of the throne deprives. vs The elder, Polynices, and by force. Hath driv’n him from his country, :. he, og thus Among us wide the swelling rumour flies), An exile to the vales of Argos speeds ; There new alliance. forms, and arms‘ his friends Confederate in, his cause; that Argos soon.) His cause avenging, would subdue the realms: > Of Thebes, and raise his glory to the skies.) >;, _ These are not tales, my father, idly spread; _. No; they are dreadful facts. . But when the pets Will pity thy distress, I cannot learn. . roe Hast thou an ‘hope, my child, that yet. the gods Deign to regard me, and will save me, yet?. vid I have from recent oracles this hope,.. ..3.1 .: ‘i $82...408° Gidipus at Colonus. 81 My father. ios! yori) your 19% 2DIP. ~ What are they? What | is by them i Announced, my child? ISM. The time will come, hidvert thee Living and dead the Thebans shall arene, For their protection. DIP. From a wretch serra What succour can they hope? ~ dt aed \ ISM. Wi NGis f It is déblared. Their Pave T depends on thee.’ DIP. oe Am L a man Men tet nie well Fiout 2960 ISM. emt 10... The ibs iipan BDOw: r TIAD- Once sunk tee raise har how.bos off. bib cul DIP. oo © >) How vain to raise In his old age the wretch that fell when young! 1sM. Yet be assured that Creon for this cause Will come to thee: ‘expect him here with speed. cepip. What his intent: éxplain to me, my child. isM. Thee near the Theban land, but) not allow’d -.0 To pass its borders, in their’ pow’r tothold. © epip. What‘succour from sig laid avons phe neeton * Expect: they? « IsM. Fatal ‘to: ‘koe if tip fbrable Be elsewhere raisedys io bo) on DIP. Jona ‘Whose wisdom:could: tin: Without the: eas this. silipioaigk se ISM, pos sit bas ou >» For. this ¢ causeig 0% Thee. near their va bit of thy self not: ‘capil It i is fbi wisheto place... ia! ' @pip, en) oe In Theban'dust! ° will ol entomb me? ISM. laa" The thy iaibiate bib Allows not. M 82 "api. ISM, DIP. ISM. CEDIP. Gidipus at Colonus. — 404.,6,427 Me then never may they hold ‘ich xtA Beneath their pow’r! | . Pe ER GED But to the sons of Thebes eh This would be fatal. “ . wey What the potent cause ivi : Of such a fate ? iodd t0 : Thy anger, at thy tomb. : aD When they shall stand. sonuasseigh WE > By hike artcthon Sn forma" d he Of what thou say st, my child? ( By men who brought aD Responses from the Delphic shrine. 3 wy ad Of me This did the god declare ? fe J iO So they, to Thebes aiaw Returning, made report. io -withoal Which of my sons: d.jow - .waer Heard this?» aoa fiw Both heard.it, and: both ‘tea it caiee AV ara Could they hear: this, vile wretches, and.contemm’ —__y,9; Their father, whilst they grasp at regal pow’r ?.') . I grieve to hear, yet I must bear these things.!)\)/ diam | The flames of this contention may the godse»") Never extinguish; but to’me be giv’n | Mal The issue of this fated war, which now ))>°') « They wage, with mutual-fury lifting each qa a The hostile spear-against the other’s breast:') . ’ So should not he, the sceptre and the crown Mer Who now possesses, hold them long! nor hes’. Who flying left his country, e’er return 5 For they their father, with disgrace thrust forth, — <:cs Sustain’d not, nor protected; but by them: (:\/ In this ill plight, driv’ out I was proclaim’d An exile, Thou wilt say, at my request, epoi/A - 428...461 Cdipus at Colonus. 83 This, as a grace, the state then granted. No: It was not so: for at tle time when grief Inflamed my soul to madness, when to die Had been most welcome to me, and with stones To have been crush’d, then not a’‘man came forth ° To gratify my wish: but when my grief Was soften’d by the lenient hand of time, , And I discern’d that my now ebbing rage ' Had punish’d more than my offence deserved, Then, after this long interval, the state Drove me by force an outcast from the land ; ‘And these my sons, who then had pow’r to aid Their father, will’d not to exert that pow’r ; But e’en a little word not deign’d, by them Compell’d I wander thus, and beg my bread. But from these virgins, far as nature gives ~ Their sex the pow’r to aid me, I receive Food that sustains my life, upon the earth Rest without fear, and all the dear supports Children can yield a parent. Bat my sons, Of filial piety regardless, grasp At sceptres, thrones, and sovereign rule o’er Thebes. But me they shall not win to league with them ; Nor shall th’ imperial pow’r on them devolve What may advantage them; this well I know, Hearing the oracles she now relates, And pondering the responses which the god Of old announced to me. Let them then send Creon to seek me here, or in their state Who else is potent, me they shall not move. If you, O strangers, with these awful pow’rs Residing here, with your protection deign To shield me, to your state you will procure Much succour, and confusion to my foes. aN 84 Edipus at Colonus. — 462...492 eed cHor. Worthy our pity, Ckdipus, we deem -, Thee and,thy daughters ; but conversing thus’) Since thou, hast urged the safety of our state) « | Things, which import thy good. would advise.’ epiP.. To act.as thou shalt counsel I am prompt.:;) «” cHor. Make an atonement to those pow’rs, to, whom, ! / Thou didst; first: come, and tread this hallow’d ground, _ e@pip. Tell me, ye friendly strangers, with, what rites. x cHor. First from the ever-flowing fountain bring. a. Sacred libations touch’d with holy hands. a@pip. And when these pure effusions I shall take... cHor. Goblets, the work of skilfal hands, are there's... Their highest verge and: double handles crown, |’ cepip. With verdant branches, or the woof’s fine threads ? _cHor. Wreathing the soft wool of a lamb around... cpip. How next. behoves me to disgrace these rites ?,' cuor. Turn tow’rds, the orient morn, and pour the'streams. pip. These from the goblets. mention?d must 1 pour, cHor. At three libations; at the last, the whole, epir. Instruct me yet; with what must this be Sibak . cuor. With water and with honey: add.no: wine. pip. |‘This.when the earth’s dark. verdure hath. asta 3 : cHor. Thrice on it with both, hands. place olive boughs! Thrice three ;, then breathe thy supplicating -pray’rs. apip. These I would learn.: of highest import thesa.y/ cHor. Propitious as we call.them,’ that with, minds: wH Propitious they their votary would. receive, . : And save, implore them thou, or be samy nt Presented, by some. other: butitake heed, Low be thy, voice, and few thy modest ton lenge $\ Then slow retire with backward. step. These rites. L, 482. Wihe | was not OU in the libations to the ee jonas this idea Cidipus before addressed them as “ from wine abhorrent.” 1. 114, See Aischyl. Eumenid. vw. 107, _ — : 493...,522 CEdipus at Colonus. 85 @ DIP. ISM. DIP. ISM. CHOR. {SsM. If thou dischat gn, my hope will stand secure’; - If not, O stranger, I must fear for thee. Hear you, my daughters, what with friendly voice’) |) Those, who have here their habitance) advise’? ~Wejheard them: what must now be done, command. Me to discharge these things my watitvof strength, © And want of sight, two bitter ills, deny. 1 Go one of you, perform thesd rites; for one » In execution of such cliarge I deem 290) )) Sufficient as a thousand, if the mind. : Be well affected ; with the utmost speed Perform it then; but leave me not alone ; For, if forsaken, these enfeebled limbs Cannot creep onwards; they require’a guide.’ I go then: to discharge this trust be mine. But show me first the place which I must find. © On tliat’ side of the grove. Shou’dst thou of aught | Have need, O Virgin stranger, there resides | One thy i inquiries ready to resolve. For this I go ; Antigone, do thou Guard here our father: for a: patent? s sake ad E’en if we toil, we think not of the toil"? CEDIPUS, “ANTIGONE, CHORUS... . Though it be painful to awake’a grief Long calm’d to’ rest, yet, Stranger, P wean ask Resin “Whatiwou'dst thouiask >? 9 we Whenée all this sina riety JOH This dreadful, this interminable woe ? | yf (ua . This;'by each hospitable right I beg, Forbear to’open': ‘they are deeds alihidri dl bot . Wide the report hath spread, nor yet hath ceased; «°° The truth TI wish to know. 1) | Unhappy me ! 86 CEdipus at Colonus. 5.234.847 cHor. Let me prevail ; comply with my request, I beg thee; with thy wishes L comply. «pip. The worst of ills I have sustain’d, sustain’d 7 Unwillingly, O strangers: none of these, _ © Be the gods witness, sprung from inst free choice. cHor, What may this be? of ns CEDIP. In marriage foul, accursed, Me the state bound, unconscious of the guilt. cnor. Didst thou, I tremble as I speak it, fill, As fame reports, thy mother’s bed? CEDIP. ' . To hear These things is death, O strangers ;' but from me Sprung these two virgins, of Ey guilt two ssa cHor. Immortal Jove! i DIP. And from one mother Sprung With me. CHOR. Are these then daughters, daughters these,» And sisters of their father ? CEDIP. Wretched me ! cuor. Wretched indeed: for infinite thy ills. cepip, Ah! never can their memory be effaced. cuor. And thou hast done...... , C(EDIP. These are no deeds of mine. cuor. How not thy deeds? | CEDIP. I from the liberal state OR) Received a gift, (O that I never had !) ‘26 i And thence sprung all the woes that rend my heart. cor. Unhappy man! And art thou stain’d with blood ? «pip. Why this? what wou’dst thou? CHOR. With a father’s blood? «© «pip. Oh! thou hast pierced me with another grief. cHor. -Didst thou not slay... DIP. I did: yet I have what To urge In my excuse. 548 ...578 CEdipus at Colonus. CHOR. ba) What canst thou plead? Labs tt epip. That I will tell thee: ignorant whose blood My hand then shed, I by the law am pure 5 For I was led unknowing to the deed. cyor. But see, excited by the fame of thee Our king, the son of Egeus, Theseus comes. THESEUS, GEDIPUS, ANTIGONE, CHORUS.. THEs. Hearing reported oft in days long past The bloody deed that quench’d thy orbs of sight, I know thee, son of Laius: much more now, By information on the way received, « know thee well; those squalid weeds, that head So mark’d with misery show me who thou art. Unhappy Cidipus, I pity thee, And wish to ask with what request to me - And to my people hither thou art come, Thou, and that hapless virgin on thy steps Attending: make it known: be it a task a Of toil or danger, fear not a repulse 5 For I have learn’d, I have been train’d to feel, Like thee, a stranger’s woes; with many toils: And many dangers in a foreign land = Have I conflicted ; from no stranger then, As thou art now disdainful will I turn, * Not yieldiug thee protection ; for I know, Being a man, not more than thine my pow’r’ To rule th’ events to-morrow may bring forth. «pip. Thy generous spirit, Theseus, in few words Shines forth ; behoves me then a brief reply : For who I am, and of what father born, | And from what country come, thou hast declared. Nothing for me remains then, but to show What at thy friendly hands I would request. 87 rrreory 88 §§ —«- Cdipus at. Colonus®) — aie, +608 : ; ; 4 ‘ tHEs. Of this:inform,me;then.; I,wish to know. «pip. I come.this, wretched, body to.bestow (J y.))) On thee; a,gift, not to the sight indeed...) yj _ . Alluring, but.th’ advantages, if. bein gs{ enw Dx Are of more value than,a beauteous: a sa .tokl THES. And what. advantage dost: thou deign/ to. bring20 «pip. Time, not the present hour will show thee this. q THES. When ‘shall in deed thy offer’d good appears i cpip. When I am dead, and, thou: shalt bury, HE fae MW THES. These are the Jast sad, offices. of hile, vhoold oft Thou now, hast ask’d ; but. all. between, hast left » Forgotten, or of no importance deem deere. vi cpIP. ;In PARIS measure. these are, AHEM mB et Conferr’d, ort woud Weel it tiw b'duse 0@ THES. Small. grace dost; oat ee me, require, ly cpip. Yet see; not seal this contest... 5 joiw ba er THES. eT? rift “<5 (Ot Hh sons. ot bad Og, 41 I Is this declared, or me? aoload dedt bas sod't | DIP. | . They, would, by. force Compel n me to returns, ‘+ 4 er bid > Ooi ihrre rat Sa FOL AE ab 16 [tod ig THES, pee _ If such their tisha ay oven { a ia"! .s Thy voluntary wanderings on. thy self 91 Bring much dishonour, ‘ CEDIP, But when, auch my wish, ....r They would, not yield assets) eon te Hodts Ab THES. ea _ Rash. man, in. AUS, Anger. hiner no advange 1 10Gb se CEDIP. pewkwaie copdatehs Me: first, . bolus ok Exe thon reprove MeysaodT hice evotenoy yal THES, setae tone Speaks 5 for. till informa acnitle, Mit Sab ae me ofthe cause to judge; oi wl ceepir. Q. Theseus, I haye suffer’d dreadful ills 4:1 bud - Added to ills... en. te IGE iol Et GO wirihio Vl THES. As, i a seppe to speak... t Gdt da ad ~ ry : ck erogateby, Yaga be te On EGR * AOD a * at H oy i 4 i { DIP. THES. CEDIP. THES. CEDIP. THES. CEDIP. THES. DIP. 604,..634, CEdiprs ai Colonus. Of the old ills which plunged, thy house in woe? No: for of that each Grecian speaks aloud. More than man’s common lot are then thy woes ? They are : for fram my country I am driv’n By mine own sons, and never to return, Since in my father’s blood my hands are stain’d. Why then would they recal i since thy doom Is to live distant? By the voice avin Constrain’d. _What terrors doth that voice denounce ? Defeat and t slangbtes: from this land. And whence *Twixt them and me should strife and war arise? O friendly son of AEgeus, to the gods Alone is giv’n exemption from old age And death ; all else th’ all-powerful hand of time Crumbles to dust, The vigour of the earth, The vigour of the body wastes away ; Faith withers to the root, and Perfidy Puts forth fresh branches. -So in men, in states Leagued now in friendship, the same spirit long Never remains; but what is grateful now, Instant to some, to some in distant time, Becomes detested, then delights again.. So now though all is amity and peace *Twixt thee and Thebes, yet ever-changing time Will, in its progress, ever-changing nights And days beget, in which your plighted hands, Armd for a trivial cause, shall burst your leagues ; That my cold corse, at rest beneath the earth, 89 Shall drink their warm blood, if Jove reigns supreme, And Pheebus, son of Jove, declares the truth, But to unfold what silence ought to veil N 9) Gdipus at Colonus. © 635..,662 Delights me not ; permit me to proceed — In what I first began; keep but thy faith, i And never shalt thou say that peal ah mM on0R eat Thou didst receive an useless habitant' 9 (Unless the gods beguile me) to this land. cHor. These and like things this man before, O king, Declared he for this country would achieve. - 3 THES. The warm benevolence of such a man | Who would reject ? To him among us first The common hospitable altar stands; Then coming suppliant to these awful pow’rs, To me and to my country he repays’ - L Tt An ample recompense; revering which His courtesy I never will reject, But give him in this land to dwell secure. 0)" if here the stranger wishes to abide, I give thee charge to guard him : if thy will Inclines thee, Gdipus, with me to go, Thou hast thy choice ; my will assents to thine. «pip. Thou ruler of the skies, on men like these ~ P Pour down thy blessings ! | THES. What dost thou resolve? Wilt thou with me to Athens ? EDIP. | Would the fates Allow it : but my place is here. | . THES. And here © - What wilt thou do? I shall not check thy will. «pip. Here will I vanquish those, who drove me forth An outcast. | . THES. Great requital hast thou named For thy reception here. VIP. a If firm thy faith, And to thy promise just. JHEs. | Confide in me 3 663.,.686 Gdipus at Colonus,: . 91 I never will betray thee... : DIP. at yey With, an oath 3 _ Thee,: like one fa of soul, Iwill not bind. THES. My word is pledged : there is’ no surer tie. epip. How. wilt thou act— THES. ~° |... What chiefly dost shi fear ? «pip. The men will come. THES, antnten -L bese silk sustain that care. «pir. Take heed lest if thou leave me. THES. _ EB ‘Teach not me . To act as best behoves me. | DIP. atl otresieven 2 36 W RO fears. tHEs. My heart. ne’er knew to fear. : EDIP. 7 | », . Know’st thou their threats ? tHEs. I know. that no man to my will opposed Shall force thee hence... I. know that many threats, Many vain, words in rage are vaunted loud ; But when cool reason reassumes the sway, These menaces sink forceless... So, though now Perchance these threaten high, they. soon shall find Th’ attempt to drag thee hence is but to dare A wide rough sea, on which their bark will sink. Nay, I exhort, thee, e’en without. my care Be confident, if Phoebus be thy guide. Though I may hence-be distant, yet. I know ~ My name shall guard thee from the assault of ill. tn ANTIGONE, CHORUS. ei CHORUS: aTRo. 1, ‘ Well, stranger, to these rural seats “Thou comest, this region’ s blest retreats, Where white Colonus lifts his head, And glories i in the bounding steed, »* 92 Gidipus at Colonus. — 687...720 Where sadly sweet the frequent nightingale - Impassion’d pours her evening song, itis And ‘charms with varied notes each verdant Yale, The ivy’s dark-green boughs among’; ra spn es Or shelter’d ’midst the cluster’d vinés) 6 “0 Which high above, to form’ a bow’r — Safe from the sun or stormy show’ rn Loves its thick branches to entwine ; pe Where frolic Bacchus’ always roves, |” And visits with his fostering Nymphs the groves. ANTIs. I, Bath’d in the dew of heav’n each morn — Fresh is the fair Narcissus born, Of these great pow’rs the érown' of old: °°" ~The Crocus’ glitters robed in gold. _ Here restless fountains ever murmuring lide, And as their crisped streamlets stray ‘To feed, Cephisus, thy unfailing tide, © Fresh verdure marks their winding ways ~ And as their’ pure streams roll along © O’er the rich bosom of the ground, Quick spring the plants, thé flow’ 18 around, Here oft to raise the tuneful song The virgin band of Muses deigns ; © And car-borne Venus guides her golden reigns. sTRO, 2. What nor rich Asia’s wide domain, 7 Nor all that sea-encircled land From Doric Pelops named, contain, Here, unrequired the cult’ring hand, The hallow’d plant spontaneous grows, Striking cold terror through our foes. Here blooms, this favour’d region round, The fertile Olive’s hoary head; _ 4 The young, the old behold it spread, Nor dare with impious hand to wound : tres”: 721 t...7389 CEdipus at Colonus. 93 For Morian Jove with voivdint care: Delights to see it flourish fairy) 800) sta n And Pallas, fav’ ring, from the skies ~ Rolls the blue lustre of her eyes.” ANTIS, 2, My voice yet once more let ‘me raise,’ or THD Yet other glories to relate + | ~~ A potent God for these we praise, His presents to this favourd state $ The Steed obedient to the rein, ‘And safe to plough the subject main. Our highest vaunt is this, thy grace, Saturnian Neptune, we behold The ruling Curb emboss’d with gold Control the Courser’s managed pace. Though loud, O king, thy billows roar, Our strong hands grasp the well-form’d oar ; And, while the Nereids round it play,’ Light cuts our bounding bark its way. - ant. O happy land, for thay glories famed.” 4 , oa L. 721. The sacred Olives in the Academia were called “Morie ; hence Jupiter, who had an altar there as dh ayuturpeds of the: atts had the name of a). 4. Morian. L. 729. That Neptune should teach his favoured Athenians the art of navigation is no wonder; but when the monarch of the Ocean is represented as giving them the Horse, and instructing them in equestrian exercises, does he not appear somewhat out of character? A passage in Strabo may account for this dark and mistaken mythology, He tells us that one Eudoxos a Cy- zicene, being sent by Cleopatra, widow of Euergetes the second, on an expe- dition up the Nile, found above Aithiopia the broken prow of fi! vessel that had been wrecked, on which ait Huei was sculptured : this he carried back to Egypt, where it-was' known to be a vessel of Gades, catled:from the sculp- tured image an Horse, Tadegiray yee Tovs psy tusogau pryanee ortAAuy wrAoie rovg dk wivnras Mined, & KOALIY ‘marous, amd ru ty ras ereasuss imran. Lib. ii. From these i insignia happend came the TWoordav" Brier of the fan- ‘ fT eiful Grecians, 94 (Edipus at Colonis, 740..:770 Behoves thee now assert this splendid praise, pip. Is there aught new, my daughter?) ANT. oy roa: wHieey of Creompnigh Agiroutiiias not without a numerous train. «pip. Revered old men, on you my safety now Depends; protect; me, shield me from his wrongs. cHor. Fear not ; thou shalt have aid: though I am old, The nation’s strength is not decay’d through age. CREON, CEDIPUS, ANTIGONE, CHORUS. cr. Illustrious habitants of this fair land, | I see, your eyes declare it,. that surprise Hath on my coming seized you, mix’d .with fear. But fear me not; nor let your speech be. harsh. No deed of outrage wish I to attempt, For I am old, and know that to a state, Potent as.any Greece can boast, I come. But I am sent.on this man to prevail, Thus worn with age, t’ attend me to the realms Of Thebes: this charge received I not from one, But all the citizens ; since most to me, Through near affinity of blood, belongs To mourn and pity his calamities Then hear me, thou afflicted Cidipus, Return with me ; for all the sons of Thebes __ Recal thee, with just cause, I more than all, . As more than others (else of all mankind I were the vilest) for thy sufferings griev’d, Beholding thee thus old oppress’d with woes, Ever ’mongst strangers wandering, destitute Of food, thy steps by one attendant led: Her, hapless virgin, never had IT thought. To see thus fall’n, sunk to this wretched | state, os To thee for ever ministring, for thee ay + > Ss 771 ...804 Edipus at Colonus. 95 DIP. Begging the scanty meal, and at this age - Of nuptial rites bereft, and still exposed’ © To ruffian violence. With base reproach Have I then wrong’d myself, and thee, and all Our race ? Am { that wretch ? It is not so;o And things well known in vain’ would we conceal. Be then advised : by the paternal gods’ I now conjure thee, Gidipus, comply — — At my persuasion, willingly return’ To Thebes thy native city, and thy house, Seat of thy fathers; to these regions bid — A friendly farewell, they deserve it of thee: But justice to thy country, since thy youth «) Was nurtured there, an higher reverence claims. O thou, audacious in whate’er is base, And prompt from all just words to draw a train Of deep insidious ills, why this attempt ? Why seek again t’ ensnare me, where I most, Should grieve to be ensnared ? In days long past — When with domestic miseries o’erwhelm’d My sickening soul in exile would have joy’d, ' Then to my wish this grace didst thou deny. But when my soul was glutted with its grief, And in my house it had been sweet to rest, For ebbing then I found my former rage, Then didst thou drive me forth an outcast: thence, Nor was this near affinity of blood ori Dear to thee. Now again, when thou didst see This state benevolent to me, and all. Its race, dost thou assay to drag me hence, Filing thy tongue to smooth thy harsh attempts. _ Why this delight to show thy courtesy When: most it is unwelcome ? If to thee, What thy wants crave requesting to obtain, (Edipus at Colonus. 805...838 One should give nothing, nor e’en show a wall To grant thee a,supply; but, when thy soul Er Enjoys its wish e’en to the full, would give, When the slow favour all its grace hath lost, Wou'dst thou this worthless. pleasure wish to gain ? Such is to me thy..offer’d grace, im words’. | Pretending good, but hateful in. effect. Nay, I will tell it these, that I may show. Thy baseness: hence to draw me thou art come, Not with leave granted to possess my house, - But to be stabled on your confines; thus CRe CEDIP. CR. CEDIP. Your country should be guarded from the ills’ Fear’d from these realms. This never shall be thine ; ’ But thine shall be those ills ; for in that land | rks ‘ | My vengeful spirit always shall reside. dap ae Nor-of my kingdom shall my sons share more, °. Then to die in it. Seem I not to know. Better than thou the destined state of Thebes? Much better, as by more unerring guides Instructed, Phoebus and his father Jove. Yet hither hast thou brought that treacherous front Harden’d ’gainst shame: but that fine-filed tongue Shall work thee woe, not safety ; be assured With me thou never shalt prevail: begone, Let us live here; not ill we here should live. _ E’en as we are, could we delight in life. Mine dost thou ween.a greater share of grief From thy refusal, than what thou must feel? Greatly shall I rejoice if neither me, 3 Nor these here present thou hast pow’r to inove. Thou wretch, whom time to wisdom could not’ train, But mark’d thee a dishonour to old age! Pow’rful art thou in speech; but I ne’er knew, A man revering justice, who could smooth ~ $89...867 (Edipus at Colonus. CR. G@DIP. OR, DIP. CR. «DIP. CH. DIP. CR. DIP. CHOR. ANT. CHOR. eR. CEDIP. CHOR. CR. CHOR. His tongue to gloze all arguments alike. Much speech, and well adapted, differ wide. Though brief, yet well adapted are those words. No 3 not to one that hath a soul like thine. -Begone, for I will speak for these ; nor take Thy station watching where behoves me dwell. These’l attest, not thee, and’ these as friends, . What, should I seize thee, such replies deserve. Me from ‘such guardians who by force shall take? From these apart thou shalt have cause of grief. From what rude deed doth such a’ menace rise ? Of thy two daughters one I lately seized, And sent away: this soon I hence will lead. » Ah me}: ilps wollot wards Thou soon shalt have ‘more cause to éigh:i Is then my daughter seized, and in thy pow’r? Pass a few moments this tool will seize. O friendly strangers, now on you I call, What will you do? Will-yow desert my cause? ~ Will you not drive this ruffian from your land? Stranger, depart: neither thy present. deeds, Nor those late done, are just: with so depart. . CREON, to his attendants. Now is your time; seize her, and lead her hence, If wayward she refuse to go, by force.’ Unhappy me, ah, whither shall -I fly? Aid from what god, what man shall I receive ? What. ost ene stranger 2... iG to ~ Him I shall not titauch!: Thee v virgin’s mine. | o. aloete 0 rulers of this ‘exidl h These thin BS, O stranger, dre not just. Most ane How are thky juaka | oF 98 Cidipus at Colonus. 868.894 CR. . [lead away mine own. ANT. O state of Athens! | CHOR, eds Stranger, what means this ? What dost thou? Wilt thou not forbear ? This. goon ne Must stand the test of arms, ER. Haw! Take off thy hands. cHor. Not on this outrage while thy will is bent. — If thou wrong me, thou call’st the state to arms. «pip. Did I not say this contest would be great? cr. This instant from the virgin take thy hands. cHor..Command not those o’er whom thou hast no pow’r,«\. > cr. I say to thee, no more the virgin hold. cHor. I say to thee, hence take thy way, begone. Come forth, my fellow-citizens, come forth, Our state by force is piunder’d, hither haste. ant. O strangers, strangers, I am dragged away.) pip. My child, where art thou? | ANT. Borne by force away. «pip. Stretch out thy hands to me. ANT. I have not pow’ f cr. Will you not lead her hence? - fto-h hts! attendants. ? DIP. yy - O-wretched me! er. On these two props no more shalt thou support Thy wandering steps; but since thou wilt o’ercome Thy country and thy friends, at whose command. I, though théir sovereign, do this; have thy will, O’ercome: yet thou wilt know in time, I ween, That neither what thou now hast done avails To thee for good, nor what thou didst of old ; The counsels of thy friends thy pride disdain’d, — ' And rage indulged hath always work’d thee woes, cHoR. Stranger, thou movest not hence. eR. - Off; touch me not. cHor. Of these bereaved I will not quit my hold. f 4 895...921 | Gdipus at Colonus. 99 ER. CHOR. eR, CHOR. OR. DIP. CR. DIP. CR. CEDIP. ER. DIP. CHOR. CR. CHOR. CR. DIP. CHOR. CR. CHOR. CR, Thy. state with heavier ransom wilt thou charge ; For not these virgins only will I seize. To what now wilt thou turn thee? ( I will seize And bear this old man hence. A perilous threat. But soon to be accomplish’d, if the king, The sovereign of this land, restrain me not. Me, shameless babbler, wilt thou dare to touch? I charge thee be thou silent. | Silent! no; May not these awful pow’rs restrain my tongue From one curse more, this curse on thee, vile man, Who from my sightless steps hast drawn by force My tender guide! For this may yon bright god, Th’ all-seeing sun, give thee and all thy race To close your lives with an old age like mine! Ye natives of this country, see you this? They see both me and thee, and they perceive That wrong’d by deeds in words I seek revenge. No longer will I check my rage, but hence Drag him by force, though here I am alone, And slow ‘through age. | Ah me, unhappy me ! pedal stranger, hither darest thou come With aphior to do such deeds? ~ Such are my thoughts. This state then I esteem a state no more. In a just cause the weak subdue the strong. Hear you his threats? oe They shall not have effect. That Jove may know, not thou. What insult this ! An insult thou must bear. ! | -My countrymen ‘ hate yD Come forth, with all your forces:come! | Ye chiefs Advance, with speed advance; for now the tide Of headlong violence o “erflows all bounds. THESEUS, CEDIPUS, CREON, CHORUS. THES. CDIP. THES, CE DIP. THES. CEDIP. THES. What means this) cry ? What outrage raised. your fii, That at the altar while the victim bleeds... > An offering to the monarch, of the sea,... The god o’er this Colonus who presides,.... You call me? Speak, inform me what the cause That urged me-hither with uneasy speed? . . My generous friend, for well I know thy, voice,» Dreadful my’ recent sufferings from this man, ; What hast thou suffer’d? Who hath wrong'd thee? » Speak. This Creon, whom thou seest, has forced from»me My daughters, the sole comfort.of my woes. How say’st:thou?... My fresh sufferings thon hor or Of my attendants one with swiftest pace... wai. Hence to the altar, bear this charge to all. ger i Th’ assembled: people, from the. sacred rites. Horsemen and troops of foot to wing their 008 And seize the strait where the two roads unite, Ere there the virgins pass. I should be held . In scorn if, when my faith is pledged, by, force. I were deféated, ‘Go.as I command, And use thy utmost speed, But for this, many. Were I by anger prompted, as his deeds. Deserve, unwounded by my vengeful, hand I should not suffer him, go: hence. But now,, ayy cae Since his own laws he brought, to those same laws e: 3 His treatment shall accord; for from this land Thou never shalt depart, till thou hast brought ‘ Gdipus at Colontis, = 922.951 952...985° Gdipus at Colonus. — 101 | ad The virgins back, 'and»placed them in my sight. - For thou ‘hast: done what foul dishonour casts . On ine, on thy high lineage, and’ thy Jand : A country hast’ thou enter’d, which reveres The voice of justice, and ne’er dares ‘a deed. That violates the laws; ‘her sacred rights , Hast thow o’erleap’d, and rushing in by force Bearest hence thy spoil, deeming perchance my realm Of force devoid, and‘ sunk with servile fear, And me some spiritless and abject wretch. Thebes taught thee not this ruffian deed, nor loves To cherish the unjust ; nor would her voice Hail thee with acclamations, if she knew. . That thou hast plunder’d me, and. seized by force Unhappy men, the suppliants of the gods. Thy country-had I enter’d, were.my claims. Most) just, without the sovereign. of the land, Whoe’er he. were, thence nothing had I drawn Or forced away ; well. knowing how. behoves A stranger,in a foreign land. to frame... His fair demeanour : but thy deeds disgrace Thy country, not deserving such. reproach : And time in its full course hath made thee old, And void of wisdom. But I tell thee now, What I before declared, without delay ;» Send, let the virgins safe be-brought again, - Else i in this land constrain’d shalt thou abide | - Howe’er unwillingly. I tell thee this, | And my heart speaks accordant with my tongue. CHOR, Stranger, thou seest thy state, to what reduced, Since, though thy noble race bespoke thee just, Thy deeds have proved thee base, and prone to il. cr. Neither of puissant force: nor counsel sage. Deeming thy realm, O,son of Ageus, void, 1023 CEDIP. _ Of incest. Well I knew your awful Court » Gidipus at Colonus. 986...1019 Have I here done this deed; but knowing this; No friendly zeal e’er moved you to sustain | Those of my blood, by force, against my will. I knew your state would not receive a man Unholy, with his father’s blood distain’d ; His nuptial bed polluted with the guilt High on the mount of Mars, for wisdom famed, Coeval with your land, would ne’er allow Such outcasts in their city to reside. On this confiding I presumed to seize - The wretch; nor had I done it, but he pour’d 4 Such dreadful execrations forth on me ) 7 And on my race, that for the wrongs received — 1 deem’d this meet requital; for the force Of rage is not abated but by death ;. The dead feel noresentment. For these things Act as thy will inclines thee; thus alone, Just though my cause, my pow’r is small: yet know Such as you see me now, whate’er your deeds, Like deeds will I endeavour to repay.’ Unblushing insolence ! falls this reproach On my hoar head, or on thine own? while thus Thy tongue descants on murders, nuptial rites, And miseries which, unhappy, I sustain’d Of guilt not conscious; so it pleased the gods,’ Of old perchance enraged at some offence Of those from whom I sprung; for fault in me, To warrant this reproach thou canst not- find Against myself committed, or my house. - For tell me, to my father if the voice Of oracles declared that he should fall Slain by his sons, me justly for the deed Dost thou revile? J had not being then. 10201..1053 Cidipus at Colonus. 103 If by ill fate (and that ill fate was mine) Lin fierce conflict ’gainst my father stood, And slew him, nothing knowing whom my hand Opposed, canst thou revile me for a deed Unknowingly committed? But, thou wretch, Dost thou not blush that of my mother’s bed. Thou hast constrain’d me to make mention, since She was thy sister ?. I will speak of it , Briefly (for what would silence now avail ?) Since thy unhallow’d tongue hath touch’d that point. She brought me forth, ah me! she brought me forth, -O my unhappy fate! then bore me sons, Her foul reproach, unconscious I of guilt, Of guilt unconscious she. But this I know, Me thou hast willingly reviled, and. her ; Unwillingly I wedded her, and now.» - : Unwillingly speak this. Yet shall my name — Fear from these nuptials no reviling tongue, Nor from my father’s death, the constant theme Of thy malignant censure: for with truth Answer me this, should one with boisterous force Instant attack thy life, no wrong by thee First offer’d, wou’dst thou nice inquiry make Whether thy father made the rude assault ; Or wou'dst thou in a moment strive t’ avenge The wrong? I think, if that thou lovest thy life, . Thou wou’dst avenge thee of the rufhan strait, . Nor with slow caution ponder what is right. On ills like these with erring steps I ran, Led by the gods? nor would my father’s shade, Could it return to life, I think, reply Opposing my just plea. . But. thou, whose soul No justice rules, prompted by inipious pride | To utter all, though honour bids thy tongue 104 > (Hdipus eClonus' . 1054...1087 Be silent, in this presence. hast presumed | ¢ | To charge me thus with base and slanderous = Yet canst thou stoop with adulation bland To fawn on Theseus, and th’ Athenian state... As train’d to righteous laws; but ae * eee Of this forgetful, that if ever land* tteotl - ‘Knew with due honours to revere sil wort Athens in this hath high pre-eminence. Yet in this state thy thievish hand hath seized, - Its hoary supplicant, ‘and borne-aWay”) _ | |) My virgin daughters. «'Touch’d with wrongs like these Bending before these awful pow’rs 1 ipeniabiney ri 4 My ardent’ supplications, and invoke: Their succour, their protection, that ap oxide 16 May learn what ‘men are guardians. of this state: cuHor. This stranger hath much merit. and his woes, -In total ruin which have crush’d him down, - Deserve, O king, protection at thy hand. ~ ; ruxs. Enough of words; forwhile the spoilers haste — _ We, who have suffer’d :wrong, inactive stand, \ cr. What to my feeble age‘are thy commands? THES. Go on the way before, and be. my guide,» . That in these regions if the virgins yet ~~ _ Are held, thou may’st direct me. to ‘the place.) If they, who seized them, fly, we need not toil;) For others are abroad, whose swift pursuit: \ They never shall elude to thank the gods. «: That from this country they by flight escaped. Lead thou the way, and know that thou art seized, - As thou hast seized; the hunter fortune takes. In his own toils; for things by fraud obtain’d;. > And unjust violence, abide not longy). ysieogg®) Thy hope of aid shall fail thee; for Pknow' © With such small force, for such a rudé attempt ! 4088...1110 Cdipus at Colonus. 405 Unfurnish’d thus, a SaUBk had not swell’d Confiding gon ash pie We saat this Demands attention 5 not to:yield this state A prey to one invader. » Are my. words To thy conception clear 5, or seem they’ vain, As when thy thoughts this insult first devised ? cr. Nothing of what is said I here can. blame; At home what best; behoves us we.shall know. tHEs. Go now, hereafter threaten, Thou with us Remain iin quiet, CEdipus, assured I will not rest, unless I first, should die, _ Till to thy wish thy daughters I restore. mpip. Be thou blest, Theseus, for thy generous mind, And for; ‘eel just. protection « of my age! ‘EDIPUS, CHORUS. CHORUS. | STRO. 1. Were I where the dauntless train 4 Swells the battle’ s brazen, roar ; On the hallow’d Pythian, plain ; ‘ Or the torch- ‘illumined shore, Where for men, their holy flame ., 0% er r the sacred Mysteries wakes, ee Whee his station Silence takes, L. 1103. The Choris; licked that’ an engacenrént inust ensue, wish themselves with. their brave countsymen when théy, should overtake the forces of Creon, whether it were in the plains of; Marathon characterised by the Temple there dedicated to the Py thjan Apollo, or on the shores of Eleu- sis, or near Leucogeos the domain of the tribe of Oia. Confiding in the yva- tour of their troops they indnige the joyful } presages of victory, and address the gods with prayers for their country, their king, and his attendants. This as in the true spirit of a brave and religious-people. iL. 1140. This alludes to the religious silence observed in the Eleusiniax P 106 Oe Cdipus at Colonus. aaa bi Wont his golden key to bear | | In his firm tongue-locking hand! © There the warrior Theseus, there. Join’d the virgin sisters stand ; There they shall soon the conflict share, And pour the torrent rage of war. — anTis. 1. Westward haply on the plain, Where the white and rocky steep — ‘Tow’rs o’er Oia’s rich domain, May th’ ensanguin’d battle sweep > Where impetuous in their speed, | Glowing with the flames of war, ‘ Warriors spur the foaming: steed, Other warriors roll the car. Brave the youths who here reside, ° Brave th’ Athenian troops in fight ; Shine their reins with martial pride, ~ _ All their trappings glitter bright ; These honours in their rich array To Pallas all and Neptune pay. _ STRO, 2. Is the dreadful work begun? Or does ought their force delay O let me give the glad. presages way ! Soon shall yon bright ethereal sun Behold him, vaunting now no more, 7 Compell’d th’ afflicted virgin to restore, 7 Afflicted through her father’s woes. Each day some deed effected shows, The ruling hand of righteous Jove. % f am the prophet of a prosperous fight. a _ Had I the pennons of a dove Mysteries. These Priests were called Eumolpide, from Eumolpus the first Hierophant. 1142...1169 Edipus at Colonus. 107 _ High o’er the clouds to whirl my flight, Then should my raptured eyes behold The victory my-thoughts foretold. ANTIS. 2, Thou in heav’n’s high throne ador’d, Sovereign of the gods above, eave strength, O pow’rful all-beholding Jove, Give conquest to. my country’s lord 5, With glory mark his purple way, And make the ambush’d foe an easy prey ! Pallas, propitious hear my pray’r, nd show that Athens is.thy care! Thee, Hunter Phoebus, skill’d to trace: The sylvan savage in his rapid flight ; Thee, whom the pleasures in the chase Of the fleet, spotted hind delight, Thee I implore, chaste. Huntress Maid, Aid her brave sons, our country aid ! cHor. Thou shalt not, stranger, of thy watchman speak Asa false augur; for mine eyes behold The virgins: they return, with hasty steps. _ Advancing nigh. DIP. _ Where, where? what say’st thou? how? THESEUS, ANTIGONE, ISMENE, GsDIPUS, CHORUS. anT. My father, O my father, would some god Give thee to see this best of men, who thus Hath pequens us back to thee ! DIP. My children here ! Are you both here, my children ? ANT. By the hands Of Theseus, and. his. brave attendants, saved. cepip. Come near, my children; and, what ne’er again We could e’en hope, support me with your atms. 108 ANT. DIP. ANT. DIP. ANT. C2DIP. CEDIP. ANT. CE DIP. CEdipus at Colonus. — 1170...1200 Obtain thiy wish; we Jae it Aafia delight Where are you then ? | Together we appt O my dear blossoms ! fd & Toe a dat all” Is dear! | | Ye téndef props of my old pace Unhappy props of an’ ‘unhappy man. What is most dear to me I holds and now Were I to die whilst you thus tear me stand, I should not be quite wretched: but support, On each side prop me, growing to the trunk From which you sprung 5; to an afflicted wretch Outeast; and late abandon’d, givé some rest. What hath been done now tell mé, but i in brief, A short relation will from you stiffice. Theseus is here; who sav’d us; it is hiéet Thou learn from him: -86 shall my words bé brief. My daughters thus beyond my hopes restored, Marvél not, genetous Theseus, if miy words Exceed due measure. Well I know from thee, - And thee alone, this dear délight, in them Which I receive, is giv’n me; for thy hand,” And thine alone, preserved them. May the gods On thee and on thy state their blessings pour | Ample as my warm Wishes }) for ’ mongst you. Only of all mankiiid have I discern’d A reverence for thé gods, a fix’d yegard ~ For justice, and a manly love of truth. The worth, which T have proved, my words tol, For what T have, T have from thee alone. ioe Disdaiti not ‘then, O king, to stéetech the hand~ | That I may touch it, and, with leave Obtain’d,” Kiss thée! What have U said? How théveah L 7 12013..1234 CGEdipus at Colonus. THES. CEDIP. THES. CEDIP. THES. CEDIP. THES. Born wretched, wish to touch a man, whom stain Of ill hath’ne’er approach’d? It shall not be: Such grace must be refused.’ Of all: mankind Those only, who have suffer’d ills, can feel A touch of pity for my ie: Eanew? Ory Bid thee henceforth farewell; and let thy care, Thus far extended to a wretch like me, - Through what of life is left mé, yet extend. T marvel not that many are thy words Through pleasure that thy daughters are restored ; ‘Nor that, ere mine, thou joy’dst in their address. These things with me are trivial, of no weight, I have no caré aught splendid in my life’ To show in words, but honourable deeds ’ oe ; And let thesé speak: I pledged to thee my faith ; In nothing I deceived thee, but have brought These virgins back alive, and from his threats — Uninjured : how this contest was achieved Why should I vaunt? In private thow may’st learn From them. But to an incident which late Occurr’d, as hither I return’d, attend. Things of small semblance oft with import high _ Are pregnant : prudence slights no circumstance. Of this, O son of Agéus, uninform’d I wish a fall relation and distinct. A-man, they say, no ‘Habitant of Thebes, | But to thy blood allied, a suppliant sits os At Neptune’ s altar, where the victim slain ” I offer’d when I hasten’d at your cries, Whénce is he? In this hallow’d seat why placed ? I know but this, short conference he requests With thee, in nothing to molest thee more. Why this? No trivial cause hath placed him there. “With thee he wishés to converse, and asks 109 110 CEdipus at Colonus. 1235 ...1266 ‘Permission thence in safety to return... , «pip. Who can this be that near the altar sits? | rHEs. At Argos is there none. to thee allied, |... - Who may with ardour wish this grace from thee ? cepip. My honour’ d friend, forbear. THES. _ Why thus disturb’d? pip. No more entreat.... THES. What n may I not entreat 3 D4 DIP. What I have heard shows who the suppliant is iss THES. Say who, that his attempt I may rebuke. cepip. It is my hated son: of all umankind Him with most pain should I endure to hear. THEs. Yet thou may’st hear, nor yield to his request, - Thy will averse: to hear can give no pain. pip. His voice, O king, is to a father’s ear Most hateful: urge me not perforce to yield. THES. But if his seat compels to. this, take heed, ; The sanction of the god must be revered. ant. Hear me, my father, nor despise my youth. Indulge this man, assenting to his wish And to the god, in what his soul desires. Refuse us not, but let my brother come. His words, though ill accorded to thy state, . Thee from thy stedfast purpose will not draw By force: what ill from hearing words can rise? The honourable purpose of the heart Is signified by words. Nay, weigh this well, Thou art his father: though his deeds to thee _ Be of the vilest, the most impious, right - . Wills not that thou repay him like ill deeds ; His own will bring their vengeance. _Impious sons Have injured other parents, and have raised | Anger as fierce ;, but by th’ advice of friends | This harshness hath been charm’d een to assume 1267...1297 . Qdipus at Colonus. 111 A milder nature. - On th’ afflicting ills >) ‘Thy soul has suffer’d for thy parents’ sake Reflect not now; dismiss them from thy thoughts, Adverting only to the dire effects Of raging anger; those thou soon may’st know; For violent the proofs of this thou bearest, Thy orbs of sight extinguish’d. © Yield thee then ; Ill it becomes thee that a just request Repeatedly be’urged, or that a grace Received with grace thou know’st not to repay. -«@pip. Your painful pleasure thus declared, my child, You overcome me: be it as you will. Only if hither he must come, my friend, Protect me, o’er my life let none have pow’r. rues. Of this enough: it is not mine to boast. Me if the gods protect, be thou assured Old man, in my protection thou art safe. C&DIPUS, ANTIGONE, ISMENE, CHORUS. Me CHORUS rot STRO. Beyond the bounds to strength assign’d Hast thou a wish t’ extend life’s lingering day ? With heedful eye my state survey, And learn that thoughtless folly rules thy mind. For years thus lengthen’d in their train Bring nearer weakness, grief, and pain. But be thy wish indulged beyond its height, Nought shalt thou see that yields delight ; Insatiate to the tomb no bound it knows, Though Hymen’s torch no longer glows, No choral lyre now charms the ears, And slow-approaching Death to close the scene appears, ANTIS. Not to be born is heav’n’s first grace : If born, extinguish’d soon the vital flame, 112 ‘ CEdipus at Colonus. 1298 26 | Back: to return whence Jate he came, — S heav’n’s next, blessing to man’s Peary ame: Youth comes, and with him leads a train Of idle follies, pleasures.vain: Thence rugged toil attends his mazy Way, And Misery marks:him. for her prey. . Sedition, Envy, Murder, Passion, Strife. Spread horror o’er. his»path of life; These to the hated mansions.lead «, Where cheerless, friendless A ge reclines his rane head. EPOD. | Not mine alone these ills to know;......7 4. But on:some bleak and rocky shore, ee, As storms and dashing billows roar,~> . - x £ > t' ¥aoet7 ‘. pape dl \ Soon his hapless, hoary brow, 4... ».. Waves heap’d on waves without, control The tempests of affliction roll: . Some from those. tracts impetuous sweep, . Where the sun skirts the western deep ; ~. Some;-where he gilds the orient day; Some, where he beams his noontide ray ; a ' Some, where Areturus in his height Flames o’er the bosom of the-night.: ANT. Hither, the stranger takes his way; alone He comes, my father) ashing from, his: eyes Fast flow thes tears. EDiPy yqiqias ne a is he-?. ANT. dgionedl be | Whom before » We deem’d him, Polynices : jhe is here. POLYNICES, CEDIPUS, ANTIGONE, ISMENE, CHORUS. POLY. Alas, 4 my sisters, “midst these various sills /, My own misfortunes, shall. I first hewaily Or those which on my father’s hoary, head 1327...1360 Gidipus at Colonus. I see have fall’n, whom, in a foreign land, . ' Exiled, by you attended I have found? - But how attired! hisimean and squalid garb, Worn bare by length of time, his aged limbs Contaminates ; arid.on his eyeless head His matted locks by each rude gale are: waved ; - And to his garb akin his wretched. food But ill supports him. Late, too late 1 know The ruin I have caused. 1 call the gods To witness, vile, flagitious.as I am, I come with wholesome food to cherish thee, And lighten thy accumulated woes, E’en by the side of Jove and on his throne Sits Moderation tempering every act:: Nigh thee, my father, let her stand. ..Offence, Though not to be extinguish’d, may be heal’d. Why art thew silent ? O my father speak, Speak something to me; turn hot from me thus. Wilt thou not answer mé, not e’en a word, But send me thus with mute contempt away, _. Nor why thine anger burns declare ?, But. you, Ye daughters of this man, my sisters, speak, Plead with my father. fer me, try to move _) His unrelenting heart ; nor let him send - ANT. POLY. The suppliant of the god dishonour’d hence; | > A word to me disdaining to reply. 99 Speak, my unhappy brother, speak thyself. What sad occasion brought thee hither, » Oft Words as they flow delighting, or perchance Offending, or to pity soothing mild, Have giv’n a voice e’en toa speechless tongue. Then I will. speak, for well hast thou advised, Imploring first this god, that he would deign To be my guardian, at whose altar placed, ,| Q 113 me CEdipus at Colonus. 1361)...1394! The sovereign of this country raising mei) oo | Gave me to come, to hold free converse here, #. And back in safety to return. And this” ° Of you, O strangers, of my sisters this,) This of my father wish I to obtain: To thee, my father, I would now unfold’ Why I anvhere.. From my paternal realms — I am driv’n forthan exile, on thy throne |) Because L-aim’d in regal state to sit,, My birth-right'; but Eteocles, to years 4 0) By nature less indebted, thrust me out, Not in just right. triumphant, nor his claim. Brought to the proof of arms, or noble deeds, © / But winning with insidious arts the state. Of this I know, and from the Seers have heard, That the chief cause was thy infuriate curse. In Doric Argos I sought refuge ; there The daughter of Adrastus made my bride, Associates in my cause. I raised the Chiefs, Lords of the Apian land, and honour’d high | -- For martial deeds ; that I ’gainst Thebes might lead Seven batids commanded by seven‘ valiant: rie And bravely die, or from my country chase ~ Those who have wrong’d me. But of this: cig What saiiction, hither coming, claim I then? os To thee, my father, supplicating pray’rs, ~~ For me, and my compeers in arms, I/bring, °°” Who with’seven bands beneath seven spears arranged, Are now encamp’d 0’er‘all the plain of Thebes. In martial prowess first, and first in skill’ 9” To mark’the flight of birds, Amphiaraus; 9 9!) — Etolian Tydeus marches next, the son — Of CEneus ; and next him’ of Argive:race! >| Eteoclus'; there tow’rs Hippomedon’ 1895...1428 CEdipus at Colonis. 115 Sent by his father Talius ; inarms : don * Advances Capaneus with menace high Instant to rend the rampires.to the ground, | Parthenopzeus; an Arcadian, fierce |’, . «, Advances, from his mother’s virgin state. ‘ His name deriving; the undoubted. son: Of Atalanta... I.these chiefs among,:.. . Thy. son, or if not thine, at least the:son..°' Of unpropitious Fortune, yet call’d thine, » Lead against Thebes th’ intrepid. Argive troops. ..j/ By these, thy daughters, by. thy life, we all. Suppliant -entreat thee, O_ my father, yield, Remit thy anger, raging ’gainst this wretch Now?roused in arms t’ avenge the wrongs sustain’d From a.base brother, who hath driv’n me out, And robb’d me/of my kingdom. \ But the fates If there:be faith im, oracles, declare. . That where thou art, there Victory attends. . Now by, our country’s fountains, by. her gods, - Let, I implore thee, my entreaties touch Thy heart; be thou appeased ; for I, like. thee; Am poor; and wander ina foreign land; One fate to us assign’d, to thee and me, Submissive ‘to another’s will.we live. . He lives in royal state, unhappy me !. And. ’midst luxurious, pleasures laughs alike. At thee and me... But, if thy fav’ring. mind Accord with mine, him with no mighty. toil, » No arduous effort, will I put to flight, And lead:thee back, replace thee, in thy house, Replace myself, and drive him’ out by force. This boast, if thou assent, I will achieve ; But without thee my efforts have no pow’r. cHor. In reverence to the king make some reply; (EDIP. _ Draws tears from thee, by fortune now reduced” - These things I ‘must not weep, but I must’ bear ; _ The memory of thy impious deed ; for thou “~ (Edipus at Colonus. 1429... 1462 Such as thou-yudgest meet, then let him ‘go. © But that the sovereign of this land, my end Had sent him to me; and esteems it just * That I should answer him, he had not pends My voice: that grace now deign’d, let- him begone 5 ; Nor will he find a joy in what he hears. For thou, vile wretch, the sceptre and the throne Holding, which now thy brother holds at — Didst drive thy’ father out, by thee’ constraiiy’d © An exile from my country far to rover eas And wear these loathsome weeds ; ; the sight of bis To suffer want and wretchedness like mine: < - And always keep alive, whilst I shall live, Hast made me long familiar with these toils,’ | Thou hast to exile driv’n me, and by thee’ I wander thus, from strangers day by day "° Begging'a poor subsistence. . Were not these My daughters, had they not with tender Care Supported me, long since (to thee no thanks) - My life had been no more : but these preserve, ’ These cherish me, in bearing toils sin oan These take, beyond their sex, a manly: part. But you, my sons...Away, you are not mine. For this cause fortune looks upon thee now ~ Not as she soon will look, when thou shalt lead: These troops to Thebes: it is not in thy fate 0” To rend her rampires down, but there to fall Welt’ring in blood; such too thy brother’s fate, These curses on you I before denounced, * ' And now as my associates call them down, That to a parent you may learn to show™ 1468... CHOR. POLY. 1496 Gidipus at Colonus. | 17 | Due reverence, nor disdain a father more! - Though blind) My daughters. have not been'thus base ; Therefore thy seat, thy throne shall they possess ; Since Justice long renown’d, by laws’ of old Establish’d, ‘shares th’ imperial throne of Jove. But get thee*hence, thou hast no father here,’ Detested wretch, thou vilest of the vile, | And take these curses with thee, on thy head — Which I call down: by arms thy native land Never may’st thou recover, nor again Visit the vales of Argos ; may’st thou die Slain by thy brother’s hand, and may thy hand Slay him, by whom thou art to‘exile driv’n. These eurses I call on thee, and'invoke The parent gloom ‘of Erebus abhorr’d | To give thee in his dark Tartarean realms © A mansion : I invoke these awful pow’rs; ° And the stern ‘god of war, who twixt you! yaised This horrible ‘hate. Thow ‘hast my answer ; ZO, ‘Tell all the Thebans, tell thy faithful friends?!” Confederate in thy cause, that C&dipus - Confers this’ meed of stick on his sons. | No gratulation, youth, on thy success - Have T to give thee : now with speed return. Much for my journey hither Tlament,. Much for’ my ill success ; but for my friends I feel a dééper anguish, Wretched me! Is this then the event that waits our Ymarch ©” In arms from’ Atgos) never #6 return’! This to no friend, not one, shall I make gaat That must not be, but silent meet my fate. But, O my sisters, since the dreadful curse *- Of my relentless father you have heard," Do not, should all its cruel menace find 118 ANT. POLY. ANT. POLY. ANT. POLY. ANT. POLY. ANT. POLY. ANT. POLY. ANT. '» Return to. ‘Thebes, ah)! do ‘not, by the ge (Edipus at Colonus: —_ 1497...1530 Like terrible effect, and should you eer a a : Leave me unhonour’d, but with funeral rites. Lay ny dead body’ in ‘the. tomb. The praistyi: Which for.a father your: unwearied toils’ Have won.you now, will equal —— Ps If you perform these offices for me. O Polyniceés, let, my pray’rs prevail | bs 3 My loved Antigone, what wou’dst thou? Speak Lead back thy troops to Argos, nor destroy. With wasting war thy country, and. thyself... That cannot be ; for if L. now show fear,» How shall I raise such martial force again ?..;» And why again’shou’dst thou be. fired. to. a . Or in thy country’s ruin what thy gain? Oh, what a shame is exile,’ what ashame. . To bear. a younger brother’s taunting scorn ! { Yet-hast thou heard my father’s words denounce Death to you.both, each by the other, slain. Such were his words; but, me they must not 1 move. Unhappy me !»But who will madly dare. Attend thee, hearing his proplietic. voice? They shall not, hear. such omens : ,a, brave, Chief. Will speak: what raises courage, not despair. ye Is this, my brother, thy resolved intent? - “4 It is; detain me not: this warlike march Shall be my care, though ruin, woe, and death Await it through my father's. ruthless curse. To you be Jove propitious, if you pay. These rites to me when dead, for, ne’er again. Shall I. alive your tender care receive. Nay, hold me not, but take my last dhs For living never shall you, see me more, Wretched Antigone ! ; te { LEG with te 1531...1560 (Edipus at Colonus. - POLY. Lament me not, © 00 0) ant. Who can behold a brother rush on-death , With open eyes, and_ not lament his tig? ji poty. If my at calls me, I will'die. 2 5 ANT. aT Thy death : Yet shun; iis ‘me; let me yet prevail... poty. Urge not what honour wills not that I grant. ant. Of thee bereaved how wretched shall I be! | poty. These things are in the fates, whether to good. Thy life be doom’d, or ill. May never ill, I pray the gods, reach you, by all esteem’d Unworthy what affliction 1 is to feel. CEDIPUS, ANTIGONE, ISMENE, CHORUS. cHor. These are new ills; these horrible events, bac Late from this eyeless stranger learnt, are new, If fate assigns no refuge; but my voice Knows not to say what the gods decree. Fails of its purpose. ‘Time beholds these ot j Always beholds them ; ills of old announced. _ He saw confirm’d, and hastens in his course To see the measure of affliction full. | Almighty Jove, what thunders rend the A Tk a cepip. My daughters, O my daughters, to this place es Is there the generous ‘Theseus who will ayn > aNnT. His presence what of moment, here requires ' @pip. So n will this winged thunder of high Jove Lead. me to Pluto’s realms. Send then with speed cuor. Awfully, dreadful i is this deep’ning roar “ Roll’d by the hand of Jove : my hoary hairs — Are rais’d. through horror upright on. my head, And my soul sinks within me.—There again The rapid lightening flames,along the sky. .;.... What terrible event doth this portend? ,. .... » 119 120 (EDIP. CHOR. CEDIP. CHOR. CEDIP. CHOR. (DIP. CHOR. THESEUS, CEDIPUS, ANTIGONE, ISMENB, cues. Again these cries!’ What mean they? for! distinet - Just recompense to’ thee, thy state, thy friends ; | Cdipus at Colonus. 156b...0591 The dread of it appals me: not in vain, Not unpredictive of some dreadful fate od Wi These thunders roll.— Almighty Jove! again: »/ Wide through th’ ethereal vault of heav’n they roll. . This, O my daughters, is the fated day | That ends my life: there is no refuge more, | How know’st thou this? Whence hast thou thus divined? I know it well: but with the utmost speed.” w Be your illustrious sovereign hither call’d. Ah me, ah me! Again the thinder’s roar’ Around us with redoubled fury rolls... - Be merciful, O God, if to this land, My native country, aught of dire event iia Thou bringest, yet be merciful to me; Nor let me share misfortune as my fiveedt oak Because this man with fated woes oppress’d IT saw: Almighty Jove, on thee T'call! ” i Is the king near, my daughters, that alive : He yet may find me, and my ‘sense entire ? What to his secret faith wou’dst thou ‘confide ? > My promise, when his kindness I received, | No trivial favour, I would now return. Hither, my son, haste hither, if perchance Nest On the shore’s lowest verge thy pious hand | a Burns offerings on the altar to the god, | That rules the ocean, hallow’d, hither come. The stranger, grateful for thy courteous ‘deeds, Wishes to pay: : come cs 5 O king, with’ speed. 01 | CHORUS» -) 4 luce va B | I hear your Voices, I the’stranger’s hears’) °° '" , (1594...1624 Cidipus at, Colonus. 121 , And spears of neighbouring states, to, thee, allied. But things mysterious, not as. yet. by words. Unfolded, thou shalt learn when thither come: Alone: ‘to none: of all thy citizens, |; bcs Nor to my daughters to my soul though: ex Would Lreveal them: lock them in,thy breast: But when thy life approaches to its end, R e- 122 — Edipus at Colonus. -4695..11686 Declaté them only'to the Chief that stands g In highest hondur’} to his successor” fatty) ‘ Let him' disclose them. Thus thy’ wh seat) : Shall in this city stand impregnable To all the inroads of the dragoii-racel 6 For oft we see that states, though founded well On righteous laws; are prone 't’ abuse their Pores, its To insolent oppression : but the gods Exaet, though late, observe when one disdains « Their holy mandates, and to madness turns.’ ‘That, son of /Egeus, that be far from thee. But I instruct a mind in all the parts’ OF virtue skill’d. Now go we tothe places: 6 15 (For the strong impulse of the god I feel ii ita Urging me on) nor fear lest we profane od de 2 The sanctity we reverence. Followme | This way, my daughtérs; I am now become: « . = A guide to ‘you, as‘ to your father long: i : ; You have been guides. ' Gothen, butitouch me not; Let ‘me unguided find the sacred tomb, 10/0!) Where these old limbs are destined to repose: ” Beneath the earth. ‘Go this way, this way go For this way Hermes, who:conducts the dead,” Leads me, and’ she‘o’er the dark realms who reigns. O light, thy beats though I no more behold, (Once I beheld them) now these ‘aged limbs* Feel thy last touch; with feeble steps I go To close my last of life in death’s'dark shades. | But ‘be thou‘blést, my noble; ‘honour’d friend, | Thou, and thy country; and thy faithful train’! Yet ’midst success, “midst glories always ‘yours, ~ Think on’the dead, remember pean blo W F , ; ity ?. OY? oJ | ¥057...1687 — (Edipus at, Colonus: STRO. ANTIS. COL. ‘ I (CHORUR G5 te) culbastA ® If I may thee, infernal Queen, © Thou gloomy pow’r by mortal eyes unseen, With holy awe revere5) 64) yuo"! 123 _And thee, stern. Monarch,’ whose.’ ete sway pan . The idseary realms of night. obeys...) joy old’! | |Hear Pluto, Pluto hear! oy) yo.) 10% Let no pangs of tortiring: pawn. 9! |, you Rack the stranger's dying hour,. Te /» While the cheerless path. he treads...) To the Stygian house that leads,..++..)'// +) Guiltless thou, wast doom’d ta know... «| ..,./Various ills and bitter|woe:. |, es -May the god with just. regard |. 4.5) °)/) Grace thee with,a bright reward 4) ..../'1 Ye awful pow’rs, from:realms) of night, » Who Sener aan rise the guilty,to affright.|,..; 1; _., And thou, grim Dog of Hell...) Before the iron gates of Pluto spread » ;)j:) 1 ., Enormous on thy horrid bed, ., «45:1 10 _» With manyia hideous yell...) [¢ Whilst thy echoing cave resounds,.)) -..)).,1) Guarding fierce those dismal, bounds;.; ,,7// Thou, whom Earth.to Tartarus bore, | Cease, oh cease thy dreaded roars | ‘Gentle meet him in-:those glades, ..... fide ait? When he joins the silent.shades 5) |... Ever wakeful, cease t’ appal ; | Dog, of Hell.on thee, I icall! COLONIATE, CHORUS. Few words, 1 my fellow citizens, may ‘speak — That Cfdipus is dead; but not in few The manner, and each awful cireumstance CEdipus at Colonus. 1688...1717 Attending that event, can'I relate. -Is ee ee poneyget nian: ‘no: p etiore Know this,’ For ever he hath left this mortal life. Favour’d by heav’n his death, and void'of pain ? This yet demands astonishment. “Thou know’st, For thou wast’ present, how he parted hence, Led by no friend, but'to us all’a guide. When he-approach’d the rent rock’s craggy verge With steps'of brass deep rooted in the earth, Where many broken passes wind along, In oné of these near the gulf’s yawning mouth He stood, where Fheseus and Pirithous placed Th’ eternal pledges of their mutual faith : There in the ‘midst between Acherdus’steep And ‘the Thorician rock on‘ raised’stone — Himself he seated, and his squalid weeds’ ° Ungirding to his’ daugliters'gave command To bring him lavers and libations: pure © lg Of living water. ‘To the mount, thence seen, Of Ceres cloth’d in’ lively green they went — Hasting their father’ s orders to perform, With lavers cleansed, and in a decent robe!’ Array’d him, as funereal rites require.’ These pleasing offices, and all whate’er : | His soul could wish; perform’d, the Stygian Jove Thunder’d beneath; the virgins, as they heard, Trembled with horror, at their father’s feet’ - Fell down, and wept, beating their sande loud And long laments... But he, the dreadful sound Soon as he heard, embraced them i in his. arms, L. 1693. Mention was before made of the)‘ brazen way.’”. ‘These steps were supposed to lead down to the infernal realms. OPE UE SMa ER ip Hae a Re eR, I ae me aes Se a "718.1751 CEdipus at Colonus. 125 And said, my daughters, on this fated day’ ~ You 'have'no more a father; what was:mine Is all rent‘from me, and the'task no more! / ‘Is yours my poor subsistence to provide, * A painful task, Iknow}; but one short:word* Sweetens all toils; for’ greater love from none Than from your father ‘ean you e’er receive} © Now you will pass your lives of him deprived. Thus mournfully, it’close embraces lock’d, They all lamented’: but at length their atirieks Arose no more, the cries of grief were hush’ d,' And all was'silence.’ Suddenly a voice’ Call’d him aloud : awe-struck we stood’ aghast: Again, and oft'it call’d, Cldipus, vas “ Why; CEdipus, delay we to départ ® “ Thine this delay.’”” Soon 48‘ he heard ‘the: ‘eae Thus calling him, the royal Theseus’ nigh! " He bids approach, ‘and said, my honoar’d friend, Thy hand, the well-proved pledge of former: al Give to my daughters ; and, my children, give « Your hands to him and promise that: thou ne er - Wilt willingly betray them, but perform» Always benevolent whate’er' thy thiieHie roe A ; Shall tell thee will to’their advantage tend. ° The generous ‘king suppress’d his tears,-and gave His hand, his’promise with a:solemn oath © / Confirming. ‘This accomplish’d, Gidipus') | «: His daughters in his feeble arms embrac’d, )0“ And said, my children, let’ your generous minds Not grieve that from this place you must depart ; Nor, what your eyes must not behold, desire To see ; nor, what must not be heard, to hear; The fates Oppose your wish : go then, the hour Demands it ; but alone let Theseus stay 126 . CHOR, COL. ANT. Which in her, deeply-rifted, boson. gpen’d. a? . Here. is'no,.cause for. wailings 5, for, he died “0 CEdipus at Colonus. 1152 AIRS | Witness of the event... We heard him speak); / These words,:and mournful with tear-moisten’ adreyes, 3 Attendant on the virgins left the places .. |). »? But in short,space\we stopp’dy we backwards, turn’d Our eyes; the man was no where to be found; » He was not; but;we:saw the king alone... )...:, He stood, and o'er his, face. his: hands he. spread Shading his eyes; as if with, terror struck...) At something horrible to human Sighteoe: end’ Thus; long; he stood not, but we saw him;soon; The Earth adoring, and Olympus high,.,., ....; Seat of th’ immortal gods, with ardent. pray’r., But by what fate he died no mortalyman,! j,"(1,.") Save Theseus, can, declare:; for not the flames, » Thick flashing. from, the, thunders of high dove» Consumed, him, mor the: tempest from, the, sea « Then raging wilds; but haply by, the gods, ....)"y Borne thence, or sinking through the friendly earth, A painless. passage. to, the. xealms, belowe 6) svitd From all the anguish of disease, exempty iy; 3{) J! A man of all the human jrace who claims jy ..;7/ /. Our wonder most... If any deem, myisense {{.-.1- Not perfect, these events while Lirelate,:o. 91’! My senses, Jet them know,:are'sound ds theirs.) ~ Where are, the virgins and th’ attending train)? Not distant far ;. the voice of weeping. heard, i! | And loud spaces gives pin sheep ~ ent yy" wo ie Roan thee as we nen now we ee fe my Miseries till now unknown, our. father’s death, Which time can ne’er erase :,.for his dear, sake | ¥784,.1811 . Gsdipus at. Colonus. 127 CHOR. ANT. With patience; many, a, painful toil we. bore ae Now; at the last, what miseries must we. see... And ‘suffer, miseries’ ioe to) she named esl] What: mean *st thow 2) todial bt » More ay thought ean a compeben CHOR. Tru; h hevi is Be. ANT. IsM. 1) ore And soy ‘as most: wi anit Could v vibhls ; for not in war, or stormy seas ©. Found he’ his death 3: but obscure wnsearch’d tracts, ._. In some dark fate appearing, snatched him hence. But on oureyes (unhappy me!) now hangs . ‘The! ‘sickly gloom of night: for by what means, ; Wandering o’er what strange land, what billowy sea, Shall we the poor supports of life procure ?; .,, I know'not: © Oh that ruthless death would. take Me too, unhappy me, that I might ‘die, .., Die with my‘aged father ! for in life What now‘remains that prompts a wish to live? cuor. Most excellent of daughters, what the, gods); Assign our lot; submissive ‘to bear, well. Becomes us. © Check the ardour of your grief; , 1 Bé ealih 5 no’dause of lamentation here... |... ANT. I had a fondness e’en-for ills with him}, ¢ |).,,)» Things not delightful, whilst: these hands, sustain d His feeble limbs, afforded me delight. O my loved father, now beneath:the earth, .. Closed in eternal darkness, dear to me Wast thou in'age, and'shall be ever dear!) |, cuor. He hath obtained...... Honea th 1p ? ANT. ‘Wats wish wa Ina idea land. jy) «| He hathindeed obtain’d * FAITE A . eeenient L. 1795. as ey? 6 dihawb bios ao Biditis. - Cui iiteas esse, Mita | weitalig’ ut ait Ennius.ess Ciecro dé) Amicitia; 4/51. e 128 Edipus at Colonus. 1812. ,.1841 He died, and lodges in eternal shades aq dtiVy Beneath’the ‘ground: nor ‘hath he left’ a: gar vi. That shall forget to weep 3 for’ from: my/eyes:; / For thee, my father, shall thetears:Of woe \:./ // ) For éver stream; for nothing:can efface eR This sorrow deep imprinted on.my. heart.) ou! Thou shou’dst’not ina foreign: land have died ; But thou hast died, and left: me:desolates |./,..> isM. | Me now, unhappy me, what fate‘awaits,! §y).50% “2 Helpless, forsaken: as Tamj:and thee); ogra) My sister, of our father thus: bereaved!:; :., }, CHOR. But, ye loved mourners, since his, life lath. found ~~ An end the’best, the happiest} cease your. griefs; For the assaults of misery none: escape. «., {f,,/2 ant. Hence, my loved sister, let us haste fe egnitwon Baer isM. Whither? with what intent 2; eda .cot olf ANT. aLEE ngs ae | hiitehs a eh vy oft A strong desire, aie that Iam, to see +,./\), Where in his mansion!low my father lies. ;,,..) _ ism. How may this"be? ‘Reflect, ah wretched, me}... - He lies witliout ‘a tomb, deprived of all... ruceitl ant. Lead me, then:kill me. Where: Mie " me ! Shall I deserted, mene ieins sid | ‘My miserable life?i: is J) 1 ead CHOR. My mourning fica eit Be not thus troubled. rt. taste? havol. vee O ANT? outs of 1¥Mihithen sll vi ai hseolD coor. You have euiie fled: where never tun ¥ Shall reach you. bogintdeuted.oH cons ANT. Grateful I sdlaioWleded this. nnd cuor. What further thoughts:disturb thy anxious mind ? > ant. I know not how to Thebes I shall return. cor. Think not of that: allis confusion, theres. -<, 5 ant. And was before; one while the swelling tide.» 1842...1863 “Cdipus at Colomis. 129 O’erflowsall! Bounds $6 ne Phe Ye ebb gait cHor. Fortitie hath tow’d Powe are wit seas! ant. It hath, it Hath? Pisd3 fs bas tasrg liv! on CHE . CHOR. Thiy Sorrows‘ touch’ my’ sbi x ant. Whither, O'Joves cat we dirdét our les Is there- “an bedi to’ ‘whicti ‘the! 8 How Tetids 3 ah THESEUS, ANDIGONE,, ISMENE, CHORUS. “THEs. Virgins, restrain your sorrows: to lament ’ Thoseéitt whose tombs such blésstigs are reposed, . Becomes us not : grief here, would merit blame, ant. _O.son of Ageus, at thy; knees we’ fall. THES. Of me, O virgins, what would you request’? ant. We'wish to visit our loved father’s’ tomb: vHES. It may not be 5. this grace I cannot yield. ant. _,, What, sovereign lord of Athens, hast. thou said? 2, THES,» Your father, virgins,’ gave me solémn charge’ ‘That none approach’ the place, that ‘none’ sth” With: vows the. hallow” d ground i in ‘which he lies : "“Obeying this, he told me I should hold. ... ‘These realms from hostile insult always safe. id ‘The god my promise ‘heard, and’ thie its cca Of Jove whicli all pind Hears.” 3 ANT. coe ee? or sue Se charge,” “wiki! meek. submission to his will we yield, “But. send us to ° Ogsgian Thebes, if there... - Rize is \ vy o 1857. By Ration xak Avds dexos., the saath ex presses, yeh Zave.§ oexsag $0 religiously reverenced by.the Grecians, To give this Oath the greater sanc- tity it is here represented as a gods and invested with the attributes of a god ; so Ennius, rm : O fides alma, apta pinnis,.et jusjurandum Jovis! L. 1860. Ogygian, See Stanley’s note on v. 327. of The seven Chiefs against Thebes; or the translator’s note on v. 979. of the Persians of A%s- ehylus, 130 _Adipus at Colonus. 1864...1871 Haply the demon Rage, athirst for blood, ..) ...*, Rushing, between our brothers, we; may,check..") |... THES. This I will grant, and all that I can.do; dint sf ee, To work your. welfare, and to gratify, Him who, late gone, now lies, beneath, the earth. No toil for you my, friendly ¢ care declines. , cHor. Cease then, and raise the voice of grief no more; For all these —— are ratified sea fate. J Heat It has often baa ‘aid’ on the sth stlbiis of Tally. let it tie aye once more, and in the words of his elegant Translator, that ¢ ‘ Sophocles continued in “ extreme old age to write tragedies. As he WE to neglect his family af fairs whilst he was ‘wholly intent on his dramatic | compositions ; hissons in. * © stituted a suit against, him in a court of judicature; 4 ‘suggesting thathis un!” derstanding was impaired, and praying that he might be removed from the , management of his estate: agreeably to a custom which prevails, likewise! in our own coitntry, where if a father of a family by imprudent, conduct i is €¢ ce ruining his fortunes, the magistrate common! y interposes and takes the ad- “ ‘ ministration out of histhands:,: It-is said,thatiwhen the old bard appeared: | “¢ in court upon this occasion, he desired that he might be. permitted'to read “ a play which he had lately, finished, and which he then. held in ‘his hand : “€ it was his CEdipus i in Colonis. His request being granted ; “after he had™ “ finished the recital he appealed to the judges, whether they’ could disco- “ ver in his performance any symptoms of an. insane mind? and’ ‘the result “€ was, that the court unanimously dismissed the complainants BePifon.” Melmoth’s translation of Tully’ s Essay on. Old, Age, .y a? 4 +f ; 7 3 iF “2 2 ‘a “¢ Sophocles. had. almost/attained his ‘hun dieldeh year when he composed ¢ this tragedy; .in which the marks of decayed g genius are so, far, from ap- “ pearing, that it was deemed by the ancients an unrivalled miaster-picee of “‘ dramatic poetry.” Melmoth from Valerins Maximus.....There are some e: | modern critics who affect to speak of it with contempt. The translater gives — La it the preference to any of the tragedies of Sophocles ; be TOBE : ccesenssbh Ob ey Dax Poovey abyey, . roisife , Obx dy maotiany ios wh doxw Poaveir. bi Loi 44 YAR? P » ho - ey wf ¥ , \ er” ATR tif j \ ve * Te : ~ ; h ¢ : Pa A ee he ; ’ i) 4 “i i - ee, ; #" wy, A “ tla a nie: ne x. ’ "7 ‘ ; ~~ 2 1 ; . . iste eB al :* . Fa Zz t pain ied oe pth se are “) Bh) pays: phe Recta sph gy ccs ‘ae alpoiens heed bias a ‘ite ren: ae ee ae Che itt 3 Ry occas é ¥ te Pb N WA f oy Tis! “ 7 a 5 : Tf >» ee ‘ ie , . Mae inti i Er yi Se Oe sennpyiage aa ar rae : Sp He SR gC, ‘piety, ey) 4 2 5 ‘ Lf nig) a 5 aay: ogee nae Behe : \ ~ Ly ’ + G e . : ra ’ . é *) _ wy eeee B ap arr slepenppes SHE TO YOR TS abet 7 ie | > ANTIGONE. iota rN | | | lonhts : ome, Sh defeat: of . ihe Aveivd army, ‘and the | death, of, the, contending brothers, Creon, who stié- ceeded, to, the throne of ‘Thebes, allowed funeral | honours; to: Eteocles, but commanded the body | of Polynices.to be, cast, out, unburied, a prey to ‘dogs and, ravenous birds, denouncing death to any per- son wha, should, presume to disobey his edict, and inter the corse., . The, tender and: virtuous Anti- gone, so. illustrious. for her filial: piety, shines’ forth on this, occasion a bright, example of affection to her. brother and, reverence to the gods‘;’ animated | with a sense of duty, and unterrified by the menaces of a relentless tyrant, she pays the last sad offices’ to the unhappy. Polynices... This, with its dreadful | COMPRTHE AREA is, the: sulyect of this inne inter sage imaged: | - : ‘i 2 iachy laa gavesa slight sketch’ of’ this’ subject, 134 which Sophocles bas here filled up with a masterly hand. Euripides, in his tragedy of the Supplicants, has shown us that the rites of sepulture were con- sidered as the most sacred of laws: we despise their ~ superstition, but we must approve their wisdom in this respect, and reverence their humanity ; indeed the feelings of our common nature are nearly the same in all ages and all countries. / The Chorus is composed of some of the princi- pal inhabitants of Thebes, selected for their known attachment and fidelity to the house of Labdacus, and summoned: by Creon, as ‘they’ imagined, toa council; but they soon’ found ‘that ‘he’ convened them, only to give theirsanction to‘ his inhuman’ and impious edict ; they seemed disposed indeed to vin= dicate the action of Antigone by ascribing it to the impulse of the gods; but the king rebukes’ them’ harshly, and they become submissive even to servi’ lity; they had asense of religion afd'‘their ‘daty; but “fear had chained their tongues 3” nor till Ti’ resias had alarmed the fears of the tyrant, and ‘they’ saw his savage mind begin to rélént, did they dare to take a decided part in favour of humanity and’ religion. Had they supported: their manly office, and reproved the barbarous insolence of! their new. Sovereign with the firm and virtuous spirit of Free Men, their conduct would have given elevation and’ dignity to the drama: but the great poet well knew for, whom he wrote ; af-Athens everything was pe- 135 litical ; their passions, their prejudices, their pride, and even their diversions took that cast. In the Persian war Thebes had deserted the cause of glory and of Greece, and was besides hostile to the Athe- nian state; therefore to this generous people ani- mated with resentment, conscious of their own merit, and glowing with all the enthusiasm of civil liberty, nothing could be more pleasing than a re- presentation of their hated enemies under the most contemptible of all circumstances, as slaves to a tyrant. | : . The Scene is at Thebes hefore the gates of the palace. JONELA PERSONS or tur DRAMA." ANTIGONE ISMENE CREON H AMON TIRESIAS EURYDICE MESSEN GERS ATTENDANTS CHORUS, THEBAN SENATORS. ANT. ISM. ANTIGONE. 1.018: ANTIGONE, ISMENE, My sister, loved Ismene, of the ills | Which sprung from CEdipus conceives thy thought One by the hand of Jove not brought on us His sole-surviving children? There is nought That sinks the soul with anguish; deep distress, Shame, and disgrace, but in thy ills and mine. I see it all. E’en now what new decree Is rumour’d by the Chief as late proclaim’d | ' Through all the city?) Know’st thou? aes thou heard > - Or art thou unacquainted with the ills: Which from our foes advance ‘against our friends ? To me no tidings of our friends are come, Pleasing or mournful, since the fatal hour ~ At once deprived us of our brothers, slain | Each by the other’s hand; and this last night The slaughtering sword hath quell’d the Argive host ; Further than this I’ know not, nor have heard Aught of good fortune or affliction more. T % 138 _ Antigone. has ant. I know it well, and call’d thee forth before i hia The palace gates, that thou may’st hear alone. : | ism. What is it? Dark and troubled seem thy thoughts, ant. Know then that of our brothers Creon deigns One with a tomb to grace, and casts one forth Unhonour’d. With all just and solemn rites Eteocles, they say, beneath the earth He places, honour’ ¢ by the dead below. : But his harsh edict is proclaim’d, that none Entomb, that none bewail the wretched corse Of Polynices, doom’d by him to lie Unwept, unburied, with his flesh to gorge The ravening birds, whose keen eye marks their prey. This the good Creon hath, they say, to thee And me (for I must name myself) enjoin’d ; And hither comes his. mandaté to proclaim To those who’ know it not.,;, no jtrivial charge, Nor to be slighted ; for whoe’er performs Aught of these offices, is doom’d to die, Such is our states; which, calls on thee to show: Thy high-born spirit, or degenerate mind. |. ism. - What, wretched sister, what.can I avail, Opposing, or obeying his command ? | ‘ant. Wilt thou assist me ?, Wilt thou share my toils ? \ Resolve. — one ISM. What deed of rece to. temp? What thy intent? ANT. >. ..Wilt thou with thine assist My hand, and bear this wretched corse away dic ism. | Wou’dst thou inter him, though, the state forbids ? ant. Mine and thy brother, e’en though thou refuse Thy social aid, I never will betray.....,.). .. ism. Wilt thou, too daring, Creon’s mandate prensa: ant. He has no right to hold, me from my friends, 51.85 Antigone. 139 ISM. ANT. ISM. Yet, O my sister, to remembrance call Our father’s fate’; how odious, how defamed. He perish’d, when‘ confounded with the sensé: Of his. offences, in his‘rage he rent. 1°) : With his own Hiands’his bleedirig: orbs of sight. His mother then and wife, to ills on ills . A double ‘title, in the: wreathed noosé Died self-destroy’d. Our brothers now, en thin Each by the other’s spear, unhappy youths, — Have in one day one common fate achieved |. We now remain sole relics of our house 3 > - Think then how we shall perish by a fate - oe More wretched still, if:we by force infringe » The sovereign pow’r and edict of our lordsi.:: | / Consider|too that we are women; — jerstiolad By nature, and unable:to; contend | Withimen, thus subject to.a Sebati pow! 'r We must hear this, and what may. grieve'us more. I then (of those beneath the earth revered: ; Imploring pardon, since by force constrain’d)) Will yield obedience to’our: potent lords, Attempts beyond our strength no prudence show. I would not urge thee; nor, were now thy mind Prompt to the deed, consent that thou eben act With me: be suchas is thy will tobe. I will inter hint} ‘and performing: this Death will be glorious to me ;-I-shall lie With my dear brother, to piers dear, These pious rites discharged ; for to the dead Longer a, grace. is. pleasing than to: those Who live ; since there for ever I shall lie. Do thou, if such thy pleasure, lightly, deem Of sacred; things, the honours of the gods. J hold them high in honour ; but to act By force against thestate were rash and wild, Antigone. 865.115. | 140 2 ant. Make that thy fair pretence ; but I will-go) 007 And for my dearest brother raise a tomb. ©) 250 1sM. - Unhappy sister, how I fear for thee’! | ANT. Fear not for me; :be'thy own life thy care. | IsM. Yet to none other thy intent disclose: - 0 Conceal it: of my silence be assured. tests ANT. No, speak it loud’: more hateful wilt. thou be / If silent ; be it then proclaim’d to allo-! 00 oo isM. Thou hast a warm heart in a anigead acti or. ant. Pleasing, I know, this act to those) whom most ; | Behoves it me to please. iw | ISM. Couldst thou: effect! Thy purpose; but the deed exceeds thy pow’r. - ‘ant. When my pow’r fails, I from th’ attempt will Cease. ism. Attempt not things which cannot be achieved: ant. Thou wilt be hated e’en by me, if thus” Thou speak; and ‘justly by the dead be held In hatred. «Leave me then, and’ my design © / Thus rash, to put this danger to the proofi'?’ © To me no sufferings have that ‘hideous’form |!‘ Which can affright me from @ glorious death’! isM. Go then, since thus resolved ;\ but know th’ attempt Shows frenzy, though strong friendship to thy friends: CHORUS. sTRO. 1. Thou Sun, whose orient ‘ray’ Hh On rampired Thebes ne’er rosé 86 bright, “At length hast thou display’d die light," > °° “Eye of the golden day, Hasting o’er Dirce’s sacred streams |“ ‘To roll sublime thy glorious beams “The Argive first, who dared’ to wield ‘ - With hostile rage his silver shield,” LL, 115.) So Euripides distinguishes the Argive troéps, >" Eye 116...137 ~ Antigone. . _ 41 9 (His thick-embattled martial train «| ©» Defeated on th’ ensanguin’d plain) --* Thou madest to turn his sharp-rein’d steed, : And urge his flight with headlong speed. He; in the cause of Polynices arm’d, >) Our’sons with doubtful’war alarm’d; - Soar’d like an Eagle o’er the plains below, =... » And cover’d with ‘his wings of snow Shrill-screaming: hurtled o’er the realm, With pay a glittering lance, and man ya crested helm. ANTIs. 1. ‘Impatient of delay «0s or High o’er our bulwarks on biich i With purple spears encircled round, « He ravin’d for his prey.’ At our seven gates his warlike pow’rs ° o[n deep array assail’d our tow’rs ; But his pride sunk, to flight constrain d Ere with our blood his beak was stain’d ; | Ere to our rampires’ héight aspire’ | ‘The dark-wreath’d smoke and wasting fire ; “Such roar of war; such rout, such dread oThe dragonrace around him spread. >From our high tow’rs we view ‘the Argive host,’ L. 130. There is much. confusion here: the Argive Chief is characterised as a shrill-screaming Eagle; the Eagle is then representéd.as the Argive Chief. #éschylus has described two Eagles of different species; Agamemnon, v. 115. ogy olijeo, In plumage one of dusky hue, And one, his dark wings edged with white. epee with great indement selects the latter,:1 in allusion to the silver 7 L137, Eschylus has given the same sublime image, See an orphan racé Reft of the parent eagle; that inwreath’d, e 142 Antigone. 138...168 — For Jove indignant hears:the vaunts ‘of pride, _ And checks its frenzy’s swelling tide ; | He:sees:them in th’ impetuous torrent roll’d, « And glorying in the clash of gold: ’ He hurls his flames ;, the Boaster falls, The shouts of conquest now loud-raising on our walls. sTRO. 2. volo) evinlAsshigh'the fire he bore ¥i,2 » Jove’s lightening’ dash’d him 'to the ground ; «The corsé, and clashing arms | rebound ; ow 'The warrior 1s;no mores 9) (1; '// Who rushing with resistless' force, -Impetuous, frentic in his, course, Breath'd: but: one,little moment’ past A sweeping ‘whirlwind’s-horrid blast. , Undaunted and with matchless might The. sons of Thebes maintain’d the fight, And Mars triumphant on his car Directed. all the storm. of war... At the seven gates seven Argive warriors raged, . But,,Chief with daring. Chief, engaged, Left. to Tropzan Jove their glittering, spoils. _ Not such th’ unhappy Brothers’ toils ; With ruthless spears and ruthless hate They rush’d victorious both, both shared one common fate. ANTIS. 2. The queen of glorious name, To grace her Thebes, in gorgeous state... Her high cars rolling through each gate, a ih 2h Resplendent Conquest came. | \ Let war, and arms, and hostile rage No more your anxious thoughts engage ; To all the temples now advance, - In the dire serpent’sispiry volumes, perish’d....Cheeph. v. 245. The allusion to a battle between the dragon and the eagle has here a singular propriety on account of the dragon race of Thebes. 169...198 Antigone. 143 eR. Devote the night to festive dance baa To every god. at every shrine, : | »» + To Bacchus: chief, pay rites divine! | ;:: Let Bacchus lead the frolic train, ». And swell through Thebes the joyful’ strain. But see the royal Creon, whose new sway. ‘The sons of Thebes must now obey,. - The gods assigning him this glorious fate, To: council comes in awful state ;: And here, by heralds warn’d, we stand, The sages am the ascis to hear his ilies command, CREON, ‘CHORUS. Since now, ye men cf Thebes, the gods, aes lascck With many a'surging wave this sinking state. Again have raised it from the storm secure,;/ «' You by my heralds to attend me here’ Selected I have summon’d 3: for I know +i :/9::0": How highly you révered the throne and pow’r Of Laius; and again when Cédipus: | Was king; and, after his disastrous fate, I saw how firm, how loyal to his sons | - Your zeal remain’d; but now, since they are. fallen, Each by the other’s hand, in the same’ day,'..“! By mutual wounds and mutual guilt, the: crown And regal pow’r by right:devolve on me.) §))) / As nearest to the slain by blood allied. But who can penetrate man’s secret; thought, rr The quality and temper of his’ soul, Till by high office put to frequent proof, ., And execution of the laws?) To me. « The Sovereign of a state; who weak of soul Adheres not to the sagest counsels firm, 144 Antigone. — 199. But suffers fear to close ‘his lips, appears! Most base and abject ;:such I deem him now, And always deem’d :and him, who‘dearer holds A private friendship than the secret ties Which bind him to his country, L,esteem A weak slight man. But I (all-seeing Jove,’ Be thou my witness !) ne’er will close:my lips In silence, to: my people:if I see A threatening danger, or: cparieeleoenlig And ‘never will [hold that man my friend, ‘Who to my country *bears an hostile mind ;" | Well knowing that on her we all depend For safety: whilst that bark securely ploughs A tranquil sea, we,:as we sail, make friends. . I by such rules will iraise/the Theban state (°° To higher:glory ; and allied to these v):) 4). / My edict through the city is proclaim’d: .° Touching the sons of CEdipus: the youth, ..(., Who fighting for his country greatly died,’ «(4 In arms illustrious, honour’d in the tomb’: ><) I bade them lay, with all the hallow’d rités,,,// Paid to the noblest of the dead! below... », ‘But Polynices; who from ‘exilé came: |). - 45\¥ Back to his'country and his country’s gods, |. Eager to gorge himself with kindred blood, . And leadthese hence.as slaves, it is proclaim’d That none with solemn obsequies' entomb, : That none lament; unburied Jet him lie, . And let his mangled carcase be devour’d., By dogs and birds of prey: Such is’ my will? For never to the base will J allow f The honours to the virtuous only due: ..% 6.1% But he,.who loves my country, shall byane, ; ~ 232 "234—261 Antigone. 145 Alike be honour’d, let him live. or die.:.. 5) cHor. If towards the foe and towards the friend of Ph ches ; Son of Meénceceus, such thy royal will, To give each law its force, both on the dead. And us, whoe’er are living here, is thine., . cr. See that’ ee teint be obey’d. | | | ; That charge. Gita to more e vigorous youth, CR. wos eittesd Omatech. the a Guards are. assign’ ‘d ! 4 CHOR. +. What. more wou’dst esi command ? ? CR. Not to show grace to those who disobey. | cHor. None is so.mad to be in love with death... cr. And death shall be his meed: but/oft rewards With treacherous hope bold men to ruin lead, CHOR. CREON, MESSENGER, CHORUS. mess. I will not say, O king, that lam come |... With hasten’d step, and breathless through | my speed; _ For oft I paused, deep-musing, on my way), And oft wheel’d round with purpose to return. My soul with many a. forceful argument fh hus reason’d with me, “ Why in evil hour ‘< Goest thou where punishment awaits thee ?—Wretch, é « Wilt thou stay lingering. here? Should. Creon know “ast This from some other, how wilt thou escape ae His vengeance ?”’—-Musing thus with anxious thought, ‘And a slow pace, | made a short. way long. i At length it was decided I should come. E’en though I tell thee nothing, I will speak; For I. am come confiding in the hope ; .. 3 Nothing awaits me more than is decreed. _., cr. Why is thy soul distracted with these fears?» MEss. First of myself 1 wish to speak. ‘This, deed ;, U “146 CR, MESS. ~ CR. MESS. CR. MKSS. Antigone. 262—29¢ I did not, nor who did it ean T'says 6 oo) ~ Unjustly then on me would vengeance fall.) | With wary heed thou dost entrench thee round’; Some recent deed of guilt thou wou’dst relate. Danger occasions caution and delay. Speak then at length, and hence in safety go. Now I will tell thee. Some one lately came, Buried the dead, and went away; the corse With the dry dust he lightly cover’d o’er, And duly all the hallow’d rites perform’d. What say’st thou? Who the man that dared this deed ? I know not: neither stroke ‘of axe was there, Nor with a spade the mold cast up 3; the — Was firm, the soil unbroken nor-impress’d\: 9 With track of wheels; but he, who did thididided, Left not a mark behind. Whea the first watch Of morning show’d us this, in, wild amaze - We stood aghast; for, though no tomb was raised, The body disappear’d; but the light dust Thrown o’er it show’d the hasty work of one Who fear’d profanely to neglect the dead ; For not the trace of sayage beast, or dog, h 3 Who gorged with prey had cover’d it, was seen. Harsh words with mutual clamour now rose high, Guard charging guard 5 we almost came to blows, With none to mediate peace ; for each to each PSs to have done the deed, yet proof appear’d ’Gainst none: “ T know not’’ was the voice of all, The mass of burning iron in our hands We all were prompt to take, to pass through, fire, To call the gods to witness with firm oath’ We did it not, we knew not who design’ a" Or who perform’d the deed. - Inquiry now‘ Was found’ of * no ‘avail, W rhen one men What made us all bend fo’ the earth"our heads °°"! ' 297 +333 Antigone. | «147 CHOR. Through fear, (and nought against it could we speak, Nor knew’ we how to guide our conduct right) That this bold deed,to thee should be disclosed, And not concealid.) “This purpose was approved ; And me, unhappy me, the lot calls forth. To earn this meed.,,, To me no. pleasure this; No pleasure, well I know, to you I bring. Unwelcome he, who.evil tidings: bears. Long hath my. mind, O king, been prone to think That by the impulse of the. gods this deed......... Forbear, my anger ere thou raise, and show. Thy age unwise; it is not to be borne, This vain surmise. What, think’st thou that the mere O’er such a wretch their guardian care extend, — And grace his body with.a tomb,,as one That well deserved, who came to set on fire Their pillar’d temples, and rich-gifted. shrines, To waste their. favour’d land, and crush its laws ? Seest thou the gods grant honours to the vile ?: It is not so.,. There :are among us some 7 Who brook this ill, and murmuring shake their heade With due allegiance to my just. command, Disdaining to submit their crested pride : By these corrupted, and for base, rewards, Some hirelings, well I know, have done this deed. For never sprung device that teem’d, like gold, _ With ills to mortals ; .cities it lays waste ; | seh Impels men from their country far, to roam, “ay Corrupts the honest mind, ‘its virtuous thought Changing to deeds of baseness; the ill arts... Of treacherous falshood it has taught, and train ae oe To the dark science of all impious 2h eae tae But they, who for reward perform’d these ‘things, Have earn’d in time just vengeance for their meed, 148 Antigone. —— $31..358 For, as I reverence heav’n’s almighty king, oo Be thou assured (1 speak it with an oath) Find you the man whose hand prepared this tonib, Bring him before me, or not death alone Shall for your fault suffice, but you shall. hang -“ Alive, this heinous act till you disclose; That, knowing whence your booty may be sig You may hereafter plunder; and be taught © That not from all things gain may be derived: Of those, who grasp at unjust lucre, ‘more In ruin sink, than triumph in success. mrss. Wilt thou permit me to reply, or ia Must I return? mu CR. Dost thou not know e’en now How much thy words offend ? MESS, Hurt they uh ee Or do: a wound thy mind? . as CR. What, wou'dst thow scan The regions of my pain? : MESS. Thy mind he wounds , Who did the deed, my words iieinien ry ears. - cr. What aquaint prater this! =~ i MESS. ‘Be thou assured © I never did this daring deed. CR. For gold Thou didst it; bartering thy vile life away. mEss. How cruel is suspicion when unjust ! cr. | Nowdescant on suspicion; but take heed, _Show me who did tliis act, or you shall say : That punishment on impious gain attends. ~ [exit. mrss. I wish he might be found: but be he seized” Or not, (be that as fortune shall assign) Me here return’d thou shalt not see again ; ee | For now beyond my hopes, beyond my thoughts 359...386 Antigone. — oy 149 Preserved I bow me thankful to he pais: ca , “CHORUS. ne) sTRO. 1. Where’er we turn our curious eyes, | | Wonders through all the works of nature rise ; But Man the chief. The foaming deep, With all his winds though winter raves, »)- And round him swell the roaring waves, Of danger reckless he dares sweep, The sacred and eternal earth his toil . ‘From year to year unweared rends, The proud steed to his purpose’ bends, And furrows with his rolling plough the soil. ANTIs. 1. His fine entangling arts ensnare- ',.,. The feather’d tribes that lightly wing the air. Each savage which the forest knows, « And all the finny race that glide Sportive beneath the azure tide, .,-.. His line-enwoven nets enclose, °°... He knows to tame the herds that wander wild ; The stiff-maned horse obeys his hand, - Bends his strong neck to his command, And the reluctant mountain bull grows mild. STRO. 2, The modulated voice he taught,” And train’d: the mind to harbour virtuous thought He gave to life a polish’d form, . _. When first he bade the city rise | ¥ A shelter from night’s freezing skies, “sf And the sharp arrows of the storm. if “O’er all victorious mounts his active mind: ao} Pl fi 2 L. 385. Absoploe Qevryeiy Blin. . bophetes terms the Hail “the arrows *¢ of the storm.”” Milton has inverted the metaphor, and termed thick flying arrows * sleet of LEMee shower,”?’ ‘The metaphor in ‘either: poet “is highly poetical; that of Sophocies is conceived with superior boldness. J 150. | Antigone. 387...415 ‘Een for'disease and racking pain Some healing balm his arts obtain, But from the darts of death no refuge find. ANTIS. 2. Unbounded soars his active thought, With high device and quick invention fraught : - ‘And now ‘to ill it downward leads ; Generous in virtue now delights, And prompt to guard its country’s rights * Glory o’er all the empire spreads } To baseness when its wild design descends, Destruction on the state it draws. -N’erbe the man, who spurns the laws, Placed at my hearth, or rank’d among my friends ! cHor. I stand astonish’d at this sight: too’ well I know her, nor this virgin can’ deny? » To be Antigone. ‘Unhappy child) © Of an unhappy father! What means this? Thee do they lead. seized in this mad attempt, Found disobedient: to the king’s- command } > MESSENGER, ANTIGONE, CHORUS. MESS. This, be assured, is she that did the deed : We seized, her as the body she interr’d. | But where is Creon? ae , CHOR. | Hither he dehuahtack CREON, MESSENGER, ANTIGONE, CHORUS. CR. What hath befall’n ?. Hath justice reach’ d th’ offence ? mEss. Never should man, O king, on oath, protest Against a deed ; ; some unseen cause may rise, And show his former resolution built On false foundations. By thy threats appall’d I rashly said I never would return ; Ht Yet with a joy beyond, above all hope, © CR. MESS, CR. MESS. OR. MESS. _ Above all other pleasure I am 1 come, Though strong against me stands my oath, and lead This virgin, whom I found with her own. hands The dead interring.. Now no lot was cast, ‘The unexpected meed is all my own,.» Not shared by others. Take her then, O- king, Judge her, convict: her: guiltless I am proved, And rightly from thy threaten’d vengeance free. Thou bring’st this virgin, for what cause? where found ? Her hands interr’d the dead. Thou hast: the whole. Hast thou clear proof? From knowledge dost thou speak ? I saw her burying him to whom those rites . - Thy charge forbade... Speak I now plain and clear ? How was she seen? how was she found? How seized ? I will inform thee of each circumstance... , Under thy dreadful menace to the place Soon.as.we came, we swept the dust away, , The dead which cover’d o’er, and laying bare The putrid body, on the higher ground. ; In the free wind sate down, th’ infectious smell Avoiding :: man urged man, with keen reproach Utter’d ’gainst him who from, the task should shrink. The hours: thus pass’d till in its mid-day height Stood the sun’s radiant orb ;. the heat. was fierce ; When sudden from the ogidd a fiery wind. , Rose i in tempestuous whirls, the troubled sky ts wild rage rent, swept o’er the plain, and smote The leafy branches of each bending tree ; Now the wide air was fill’d with dust ; our eyes We closed by this ethereal pest annoy’d.. At length a calm succeeds; the virgin then Is seen, lamenting shrill with plaintive notes, Like the poor bird that sees her lonely nest Spoil’d of her young ; so when she sees the dead 152 Antigone. (450.0482 Exposed uncover’d) she with sorrow a ‘And ‘utter’d execrations on the head » ( Oftiiose'who'did thé:deed,! (With herown atids Instant the loose dry dust she brings, and pours, Thrice from a’ fine-wrotight brazen vase she ‘pours _ Libations'thrice repeated o’er the dead! We séé her thus employ’d, we rush on: bit We seize her, nothing’ at our sight appall’d. | Both with the former and the present deed °°. We charg’d her ; nothing she denied of ale geal Pleasing at once and painful thistome: © ® That Tam free from danger i is just cause Of pleasure ; but to danger that, I lead Those whom T highly honour,’gives me pain’: But nature so has form’d me, all these things Than my own safety lighter I esteem. cr. Say thou, ay thou thus bending to the ground Thy head, this heinous charge dost thou deny ? ANT. I did it ; nor the deed will I deny. a cr. * Thou may’st go hence ; 3 go free, where” er thy will May lead thy steps, acquitted from this blame. + Now tell me thou, and let thy speech be brief, ‘My mandate this forbidding didst thou know? ante I knew it; I must know it; wide it spread. cr. How hast ih dared then to transgress the laws ? ant. For this just cause, that nor the voice of Jove, Nor holy Right that with the gods below - Inhabits, e’er to men such laws ordain’d. Nor of such force thy edicts did I deem, That, mortal as thou art, thou hast the pow” r To overthrow the firm unwritten laws © Of the just gods ; these are not of to day, © . Me POutsneT but through all ages ives fe tl 1fé Lae ae ' * To the Mo + To haticoue | 4&3 ...515 Antigon e, 168 ‘And noné knows whetice’ they spring. Behoved me not, Through’ fear of man’s proud’ will profaining’ these, To draw on me the vengeance! ‘of the: gods. : I knew that I must die: this I had: ‘known, If not proclaim’d by thee: ‘if I shall die“ unk A little ere my time, 1 shall esteem | et Déath ‘as’ a well-éarn’d prize... What sao gh lives, Like me, with: many ills enclosed around, Would not deein'death a prize? That such a doom ts then:assign’d to mé, afflicts me not’; But with tame sufferance if’a brother’s corse CHOR. CR. Unburied I had left, that had indeed | Been deep affliction ; this excites no’ grief. If now my actions seem to thee unwise, Thy thoughts with wisdom little commerce hold. This daring spirit from her daring sire © The virgin draws, to ills untaught ‘to yield. But know, the vauntings of the fiercest pride‘'~- yo Sink most: the strong steel rigid from the flames Through its hard:temper brittle may’st thou’ Sée; And soonest shiver’d; the most fiery-steed ~ With a small curb oft govern’d have I known: Ill suits the arrogant presumptuous mind Those that are’slaves'to others.” Then’ she learn’ d This insult, when she overleap’d the laws Which had the sanction ‘of authority. And having done thé deed, she further adds" ‘~ Fresh insult, glories'in the bold attempt, And proudly laughs. But fam nota man, She is the man, if this audacious act i Passes tinpunish’d. * Thought she boasts her ‘birth, The daughter of my sister, were she sprung From:one more near than all whom Hercian Jove \ L, 515. ‘Eoxsios Zebs, & Copco} tyes eoxous by TH CUAN ouvret. Burton, Xx 154 ANT. ANT. ANT. CR. ANT. CR. Antigone. 516...542 Hath to my blood allied, not e’en those.ties «.. Should:save her from the rigour of her fate; . No, nor her sister ; for with equal guilt Her too I charge, associate to.entomb _ This corse. But call her hither; late I saw Within her raving and distracted mood. 3 The guileful mind, that forms its base designs In darkness, oft such fits of frenzy seize. But I detest the wretch, who tries to dress, When caught, his villanies in virtue’s garb. » Wou’dst thou do more than kill me now so eaught ? No more: thy death my vengeance will appease. Why then delay, since nothing :in thy words », To me is pleasing, or will ever please 5 Nor will my words be pleasing to thy ear? A brighter glory whence could I obtain Than from this deed, a brother’s honour’d corse Entombing ?. All here present: would aloud Applaud the deed, but fear hath chain’d their tongues, Amidst their envied greatness kings enjoy This pow’r, to do and speak'whate’er they please. Dost thou alone of all the Thebans here See this? These also see it, but for thee They close their lips. But wou’dst thou not feel shame, Shou’dst thou from these dissent ? It.is no shame To reverence a brother. Was not he, Whom Thebes entomb’d, thy brother too? >. from Harpocration, This Jupiter was the guardian of the honse, in the court of which his altar stood, 5434,.568 Antigone. | 155 ANT... CR. ANT. CR. ANT. CR. ANT. cR. ANT. 3 CR. ANT. CR. CHOR, ORe - Wilt’ thou show: honour (bE SE, ~ He was, Of the same’ father‘and same mother born. How to the Youth, who for his country died; This the’ dead entomb’d Will not attest. “oa If equally’ thou grace The impious? He ‘was not’a slave who died; He was a brother. Ravaging these realms For which the othier bravely fought. : These rites Pluto demands for all. Not that the base’ Be honour’d ‘like the good: But in the realms Beneath whe knows’if pious’ this be deem’d ? A foe, though dead, can never be a friend. To mutual love, not hate, my nature leads. If thou must love them, to the shades below Go now, and love them there; for be assured No women, while I live, shall bear the sway. _ Before the gates Ismene now appears, The tears, expressive of a sister’s love, Fast-streaming from her eyes; and o’er her brows. Sorrow hath spread a gloomy cloud, that dims The glowing radiance of her beauteous cheeks. CREON, ANTIGONE, ISMENE, CHORUS. Thou, like a vapour creeping through my house L. 544. Omnino legendum sxsw y’ eves. De Eteocle enim hic agitur, quod ex versu abhine altero, quo Creontis oratio imperfecta continatur et absolvitur, manifestum est, Mudge, oo) Antigone. . 5642-.589. With, wily secrecy to drain my blood, — * pyeg (For little did.I think, that two.such pests...) 40 i nurtured,.to subvert my. throne combined) 1 Tell me, with her didst thou. prepare this, fomb ¥, Will thou confess it,.or abjure the deed? 1sM. I did it, with my sister in the deed». on Hiv | Consorting, and. with her partake, the, ks, ANT. Juctice allows not this: thou hadst no,will., ..°) | -To aid; nor with thee did, share. the act.. : ism. Yet in thy danger I am not ashamet. « .«. «3% To make myself a, partner of thy fate. ant. Whose deed this is the dead and Pluto know. «7 Love shown. in. words alone contents not me. ism. Yet scorn me not, disdain not that I die vats ofl With thee, and. pay that; reverence to the dead. ant. Die not with me, nor thine. make thou,a deed. .° Thou didst not: it sufficeth that I die. isM. Deprived.of.thee, my sister, how can life, |. .../ Be dear to. me?. ‘* rb. dhatedkt oot | ANT, _ Ask Creon: thy Leeks llguiem of rw Is paid to him. ven node Vi 85 ISM. Why dost thou give me © tie on) | Bringing no good 2. oe " ANT. If,I deride; thee, knows. o4) svclef- . som That anguish rends: my heart. ISM. gerd id as'o bi What can. od Pate ‘ That will ell thee. now} do! ANT. fyaily spon] yes HESeINe Sheva I ony not thy safety. ISM. - Wretched me, PAE MOBRYS " And fail'to share thy fate{oot tvoqes sox od ~ ao ANT. | It was thy choice * mf 0 live, but mine to die. ISM. 3 But not unwarn’d 3 590,..612: Antigone. Es 157) Pe 3 berty t> VE 43°% ; j Py PY” my gsssdatiai words. | AMBen of jean 119 Thou. thought’st ead wise; .) me me) ‘my Radesae’ prompted other thoughts. ism. Yet have we,equal,share-in this.offence., > |): ANT. Despond not; thou may’st live: my life long since I gave, to pay this honour to the dead.. ck. _.Krenzy hath.seized these virgins ; lately one It struck ,, the, other from her early years...) ° 1sM. Not in the wretched doth. the mind, O king, Retain its vigour; crush’d with ills it sigks :. Of sense se deprived, CR. ss Of sense wast thou Area re _.,, When basely with the base it. was Last choice ae suffer), atid 3 ISM. Of my sister. if bereft, lecture sagiilis ~ How can,I, bear to live?.., a ha CR. setecntho ili not of het, oil She.is no, more,, ISM. But wilt tecab Kill the ater Affianced. to thy.son?.. |... i OA. ¢ 495 Some. other bride He os his bed: ‘shall lead. ISM. . But never one, United by pens tg ties. e CR. ro} uly , My son With a hase woman I disdain to, wed.. ant, O my belov’d Hemon, how: wap father slights Thy peace:! GRiten sos Thy. bridal bed, Piet he alike »._ My soul detests.. ISM. Wilt thou deprive chy" son Of one so dear? CR. These nuptials death shall end. isM. Her doom, I see, is fix’d, and she must die. 153) A ntigone. | 613...640° cr. Ay; so must thou, and I.. No more delays) Guards, bear them hence.: These women must no moré*. Be left: to range at large: for’ e’en the’ bold* > Will fly, when:death approaching near they*see? » CHORUS: | STRO. |, How blest their'state, whose’ tsb Ne hours Glide smoothly on, untaught: to taste of woe!” But when (heav’ n-sent) sfflictions: flow, Wide-wasting the impetuous torrent ‘pours ; The house from its foundations’ shakes, And ruin‘ all its sons o’ertakes. As when from Thrace’ the winds ‘tempestuous sweep With dark’ning horror o’er the deep; The boiling sands are-from the bottom’ torn, And high the surging billows’borne’ Furious they lash the:solid shore, The promontories round rebellow to the ‘roar: ANTIS. 1. The house of Labdacus of ‘old’: {In all the pomp of regal splendor stood; ” fi Till rough misfortune’s: swelling flood Ruin on former ruin deep’ning rolPd: Some god’adds fury’to its force, And urges its resistless course; ia No dams, no mounds ‘the raging torrent ‘stay, Race after race it- sweeps ‘away. © O the last branch ‘of this imperial lin€é — A brighter sun now seem’d to shine; The bloody ‘dust ‘the dead‘heap’d round, [grounds’ Proud speech, and frenzy wild soon’ mow her‘te the L. 639. Three causes are here mentioned as conc urring to destroy eu gone, the respect shown by her to the bloody corse of Polynices, her petulant ~~? answers to Creonjandithe madnessufrher design :. these, towime the tragiens i 641...668 Antigone. | 159 _ $7RO. 2. ‘Shall man’s. presumptuous’ pride:eontrol _ Thy pow’r, O,sovereign ruler.of the skies ? Enfeebling sleep ne’er closed thy eyes : The months.of gods of toil unconscious.roll,; And time, that leads old age along. Withering the.vigour of the strong, Beholds thee, glorious in.immortal might, High-throned in heav’n’s resplendent light. But this firm law, ordain’d through ages past, Is now, and will for ever last ;. 4 No state to mortals shall remain , From wasting ills secure, and sorrow’s sickly train. ANTIS. 2. Yet Hope oft waves her wanton wings And flattering dreams of distant joy inspires ; Oft o’er man’s gay and light desires The dreary gloom of blank illusion flings ; Forward with eager pace he goes ; He hath no sense of latent woes, Till on the treacherous fires he treads aghast. Well said the Sage in ages past, | Ills they misdeem as good, whose darkling mind The god to misery hath assigned ; Heedless awhile through life they stray, But ruin couches close to. spring upon its prey. See Hemon comes, the youngest of thy sons, Oppress’d with sorrow for the virgin’s fate, And grieving of his bride to be deprived. “cr. We soon shall know more certain than the Seers. style its elevation, are represented as three persons menting down this last branch of the imperial stem. Vid. Valekaraer. in Eurip, Pheeniss. 668. This seems to be a proverbial expression denoting knowledge more certain than the auguries of the Seers. It finely marks: the character of Creon, and prepares us for the scene between the tyrant and Tiresias. 160 CR. HEM. CR. Antigone... 669... 7OL- -/ HABMON,, CREON, CHORUS. & oe Hearing’ the sentence we have firmly pass’d | On hér that should have been thy bride, my son, Enraged against thy father art thou « shee f Or doing this am T still dear to thee?” My father, I am thine: ’be thou my guide Where honour ealls ; to follow. shall be mine. ‘With me no nuptials’ ever shall be deem’ d Of higher import than thy’ just commands. » Thus it behoves' thee from thy heart, my son, A father’ more thin all things to revere. This is the pride, the glory of a man, To train obedient children i in his house, Prompt on his énemies t” ‘avenge his’ wrongs, And with the father’ s zeal in honour high To hold his friends. ‘But he, who nurttires: sons That in thé hour of trial from his aid Shrink spiritless and weak, hath to: himself Engender’d grief, and’ slaughter to his foes. Then do not for a woman now, ‘my son, Debase: thy noble mind} be not a ‘slave Wet A To pleasure : ‘Gold is the embrace of her Who shares thy nuptial bed, if baseness taint Her mind; no ulcer rankles with such’ rage As a false friend. Cast then this virgin off . As one of hostile thought, and let her wed _ Some other i in the dreary realms below. . For since of all the city. her alone Sag ‘The laws contemning I have clearly found, My faith, my honour to the’ state is pledged, _ And she shail die. To Jove, who guards'the rights’ Of kindred lineage let her make appeal : S If those,.whom,nature hath allied to me, x aid, seit In deeds:unseemly I ‘protect, like claim © ee 702 46736 ° Antigone, CHOR. HAM. They, who are strangers to my blood, might urge With added reason. For in private life . Whoever to the honour of. ‘his house». my Is faithful found, that man will be eat 104 Just to the state: but he; who scorns, or dares. To violate the laws, or forms a thought: \.. To lord it o’er his rulers, shall from’ me.) No praise obtain. . He, whom the state appoints Its sovereign, should in all things be obey’d,; » Their justice, their injustice, or their weight | Unquestion’d. In that man, who’ probipaly pays Obedience to his Chief, would I confide, . Assured that he with honour will cominand,.;/’. Or be commanded ; in the storm: of war. Assured that he his station will maintain, .. . A brave associate. ‘Than wild Anarchy. There is no greater ul: beneath its rage Cities are sunk, and houses:are o’erturn’d;, . And in the contest. of the spear it breaks’). | The battle’s bleeding ranks; whilst Order saves Those who obey command: ‘by: those that-rule ) This with ‘firm hand should always be sustain; ra And never for a woman be d’erturn’d. Betterj:if we must fall, to-falliby men, iis Uy And not beneath:a:woman’s spirit:sink. | | We judge, if not by age: of. sense-bereft, . ‘What thow hast said, withowisdom thou hast. said. Reason, iy father, by the gods is giv’n To men, the noblest treasure we can. boast. That without reason thou hast framed thy speech I can not say, 1 know not how to say, : This with moré‘grace some other may prondunce. Me nature bids with deep attention mark Respecting thee how each may speak, how act, v 162 Antigone. 936..°769 How blame in words that would offend thy. ears. Thy presence on the people strikes an awe; Their secret murmurs it is mine to hear; For Thebes laments this virgin, as her fate > >! Of all her sex the least deserving, doom’d Most wretchedly for glorious deeds to diez «~ “ That she her brother’s corse, in battle slain,, “¢ Disdains to leave unburied, to be torn. _ “ By hungry dogs and ravenous beasts of prey, “¢ Deserves she not for this the brightest meed ‘¢ Of golden honour?”’ Such the general.voice, Which in dark murmurs whispers discontent. |“ The world hath not a treasure which I prizes. _ High as thy prosperous honours; to a son «(). There is no ornament to grace his name Bright as his father’s glory; and on him 11 / Again th’ illustrious son fresh glory beams... Far be this temper from thy mind, to think What thou may’st. say, and nothing else, is right. Whoe’er imagines prudence all his own, Or deems that he hath pow’rs to speak and judge, Such as none other hath, when they are known They are found shallow. There are many. things Which e’en the wise without disgrace may learn, And yield convine’d. Beneath the wintry storms Thou seest the trees, that bend their heads, preserve Their branching honours; those which boldly dare The tyrannous blasts, uprooted fall and die. The pilot thus, who proudly swells his sails. With vigour unrelax’d, o’ersets his bark, ,, Then on the shatter’d planks at random floats. / Abate thy anger then, and let thy thoughts Yield to cool reason: if my younger years Have aught of judgment, I esteem that man 770...794 . Antigone. — 163 CHOR. Of most exalted merit, whose large mind Contains all knowledge: but since nature deigns This ample grace to few, from those who speak - And counsel well our glory is to learn. If well what prudence dictates he hath urged, © _ Thee it behoves, O king, to hear: and thou CR. HEM. CR. HEM. CR. HEM. CR. HEM. CR. HEM. CR. HAM. CRe HEM. CR. To him attend. The words of both are wise. Shall I then, at my age shall I be taught Wisdom by him, by.one so green in years ?», Nothing that is not just: though few my years, Not what my age, but what is right regard. Is it then just to favour those, who dare To disobey ? | To those, whose deeds are ill, © I wish no favour. | Hath not she been found Deep-tainted with this ill ? Not such the voice Of Thebes through all its state. Shall ‘then the state Prescribe to me my laws ?- These are the words Of inexperienced youth. . Who then, but I, Hath right to rule the state ? That is no state, Where one man lords it with despotic sway. Is not the king lord of the state ? Alone: Thus o’er a desert kingdom might’st thou reign. Mark him; he pleads a woman’s cause. If thou A woman art: for thee my zeal is warm. Thou basest of mankind, wilt thou oppose . 164 HAM. CRe HAMe CR. CR. CR. HAM, CR. HAM. CR. CR. HEM. ‘ae ratbett s will 2 » Lsee my father err Wide from the laws of justice. Do lL err Sh wit perso y my sovereign pow'r? That gains no. o seength From. insult thi the gods. . ‘Degenerate mind, Beneath a woman’s.sunk ! : ) To. baseness sunk Me never shalt thou see. he ik For her thy tongue ont It i Now argues. doalb oF : And for-thee, and jai myself And for th’ infernal gods. novel on dai She shall not live To be thy bride. - And if she dies, inno She shall not die. ~ Whit, is thy dati a Ris’n to this height, to threats? | What nats, to pa Against a fas decree ? Of wisdom void Thou shalt be alia by sorrow to be wise... I will not say:my father is unwise. Thou woman’s slave, forbear; urge:me no: more. Is it thy will to speak, and nothing hear? It is. But by: the! eights of heav’n [ swear, Thou shalt not in. “thy insults leng rejoice. | Bring forth that hated wretch; before his face ” Now in her bridegroom’s presence let her die. Not in my,presence: no; before my face... ~ , She shall not die; admit not such athought;'~ - 817...846 Antigoue. | 165 Nor shalt thou ever see my bce Wasta, Hy Associate with thy friends, and spend thy rage *Mongst. sii who tamely will th yidrenzy bear. -CREON, CHORUS. cuor. In rage with hurried step the youth is gone : _ To deeds of fierceness grief such spirits works. cr. Let him then go, and.dare beyond his might : These virgins from their doom he shall not save. cHor. Is it thy purpose then that both should die? cr.” No} not the guiltless. I approve thy words. ' cHor. What death to the offender is decreed? : cr. Deep in a yawning cave beneath a.rock. From human footsteps far removed, alive I will enclose her, and a little food... Only allow, that no unhallow’d stain Pollute the state.’ There ‘to th’ infernal king, Of all the gods whom she reveres alone, | Pouring her vows she -haply will obtain ..That-she die not; or,rather learn at lengthr How little ,reverence:to the dead avails. % CHORUS. STRO, O Love, resistless in thy might, Triumphant o’er the pow’r of gold, In youth’s soft cheek with beauty bright -Joying thy sweet domain to hold, ) ') Thou rulest o’er th’ extended main, - . The rural hut, the pastoral plain; |. Thy pow’r th’ immortal gods obey, And mortal men confess thy sway : ~ But all, who feel thy piercing darts, Feel madness rankling in their hearts. _ANTIS. By. thee the virtuous mind beguil’d) 166 ANT. Antigone. _ SEPT Basely to wrong is drawn aside ; By thee contentions fierce and wild ‘Raise storms in hearts by blood allied. Desire, in flames now seen to rise Caught from the virgin’s radiant eyes, 'Disdains' the curb of Laws to own, ais But with them shares their potent throne ; ; While Venus, sovereign: of the soul, 4 Victorious smiles, and scorns control.’ E’en I at this sad sight beyenll aie niin e Am carried, and the fountain of my tears — No longer can restrain, whilst I behold’ ” Antigone thus borne to share the bed Of death, the common bed where all repose. : ANTIGONE, CHORUS, Ye reverend men, inhabitants of Thebes, ~~ My country, you behold me treading now * For the last time these paths, the sun’s loth beams For the last time beholding, never more: For me the all-composing hand of death Leads to the dismal banks of Acheron ; No nuptial rites, no hymeneal song Are mine; to Achéron’a bride I go.) cHor. Therefore illustrious and with praise obtain’d ANT. Wilt thou go down: to the dark cave of death. Not wasted by the pains of slow disease, Nor by the sword cut off, dost thou descend, But, as none other, by thine own free choice, And living, to the ‘monarch of the dead. Thus on the heights of Sipylus of old The Phrygian stranger miserably died, Daughter of Tantalus; the rigid rock, /878...911 Antigone. — AG?” Like ivy panentlsB around her, and subdued (1: / Her vital pow’rs.. Her, melting into dews!’ Fast-trickling, (such the voice of fame) e’en now The currents fail not, but the gushing tears, Stream from her eyes, and down the mountain flow. A doom like hers hath fate to me assign’ds: «' cHor, She'was divine, and sprung from race divine ;,"!' But we are mortal, and of mortals borny«..) | For thee how glorious then to share like fate.’ ” With those of heav’nly race, and as the. gods © Revered, like them to live, like them to die!“ ANT. Nay, do not mock me; by my country’s gods Insult. me not ere Iam sunk in death, While yet I stand before your eyes. O Thebes, And you, the splendid habitants of Thebes »./ With various treasures rich! Ye sacred founts Of Dirce, and thou grove of Thebes, whose glades Are open to the frequent-rolling cars! : You all can witness for me, how, by friends '’ _ Unwept, and by what laws I go condemn’d To the rude prison of the hollow rock, Of this unwonted tomb. Unhappy me, I have, or in my life, or in my death, » No dwelling with the living, or the:dead'!.. ©: cHor. Thy daring was extreme, and thy offence *Gainst the high throne of justice. O my child, O’er thee some trespass of thy father hangs !: ANT. Oh, thou hast touch’d the griefs that rend my heart With sharpest pangs, my father’s mournful fate Through the wide world divulged, and all the ills Which sunk th’ illustrious house of Labdacus ! Ye horrors of my mother’s nuptial rites, My father in unhappy hour ye led To the same couch from which he took his birth ; 168 CHOR, ANT. eR. ANT. Tf * % Antigone. 912.4943 And thence, O: miserable me, I sprang): 9) | With them accursed, unwedded; I descend » ‘To share their gloomy mansions. . Fatal too! Thy nuptials; O my brother: thou, though dead, Draw’st me, yet living, to. the realms below.” C To act with piety denotes a soul: ooh Touch’d with religious awe: but. a a igh pow T Of those invested with the sovereign rule §)))_ May never bé transgress’d. Indignant pride Fix’d to its purpose, hath thy ruin wrought. © No pitying tear, no friend, no nuptial rites." : Are mine, as thus unhappy 1 am led): co ' This destined way. No more shall I behold The sacred orb of you bright- beaming sum5: + Yet not one friend laments or weeps my fate. -CREON, ANTIGONE, CHORUS. If mournful eries and wailings before death ©. Avail’d, there is not one, be well assured, : That e’er would cease them. Instant’take her hence, Enclose her in the rock’s'sepulehral:cavey) © | As I commanded, leave her there alone; i+) . Either to die, or there to: live éntomb’d. .«¥: We from: her death receive no stain: biit she.” No more shall with the living converse he if iy tere O thou dark tonib, thou rugged bridal bed, Deep mansion, which shalt ever close me rout, . To thee I go; l\go to join my friends,), A: numerous: train, whom sunk among, tlie dead Hath Proserpine received... 1 go the lastgucutt And most, unhappy, ere th’ allotted space. // Of life Lreach. | Yet glowing at:my heart) © © I feed this hope; that to my-father dear, _ And dear to thee, my mother, dear to thee, ! «' 9441..977 - Ampijone, - 4 1469 My brother, I slall’ go ;/'sinee: avait these! hands. . Your bodiesd with ‘cleansing lavets en ol'T. aon Added cath ritual drhainents and pour’d no. Libations at your tombs: | Ahdnow ally so La, ao Loved: Polynicesé, in the éarth T laid,’ aon 3 And for'the'pious deed have this: ait Vet those of better judgement will approve | My care; whiely paid these honvurs to! the dad Where I a*tiother! now,. were LT a wife,)) . Mouldering in-death if:child or husband mit nf I would: not, if the'state opposed the deedy», ¢ In such a‘task ‘engage.’ Ask you what rulegs /- _ Direct my.conduct? If am hasband:dies, 01/5 o0~ Another might be wedded’; to a:childy: i: iyo One lost, another father might givé birth But when both parents in the earth are eid Entomb’d, a brother ¢an\no tore be born. Me, by thesé thoughts impell’d.with:lidllow’d rites. To honour thee; my brother, Creén:deein’d ‘Deep-stain’d with: gilt, and dating heihous deeds ; He seized me}, with rude: hands! he leads me now — Of nuptial fites,’ of hymetieal-songs! )'/ Of bridal bed: deprived;/and the swedt joys’! A mother! inher. ehildven’s nurture: knows / _ But thus'oppress’d withowretehedness} by friends Abandon’d,'to' the ¢avesof death 1 go ‘Alive, | What rites\;whht honours of 'the:gods Have I transgress’d? But why, unhappy me, , . Why to the: gods look,more ?, What heav’nly pow'r bis “« Shall dT-invoke; ‘since for my pious ‘deeds | “TP béar the’ vengeance to the inipious due? If this. ‘the justice of the gods demands, _ And I offend, these sufferings I forgive : If these offend, no greater ill be theirs) «» : | z CHOR. CR. ANT, CR. ANT. Antigone. 978,..1002 Than they to me unjustly. have assign’d. The tempest of her passions yet is high; The same impetuous spirit rules her yet. For this the slaves that lead her shall be taught With tears their slow obedience to repent. | Death from that menace is not distant far. I will not sooth thee with the flattering hope That thy fix’d doom shall ever be reversed... Thou city of my fathers, royal Thebes, And you, who from my country drew your birth, Ye gods, I hence am forced ; I am no more! And you, who o’er the Theban state preside, See the last virgin of an honour’d line, Your kings; see what I suffer, and from whom, See me condemn’d for pious deeds to die! CHORUS.» STRO. |. Thus the beauteous Danae lay L. 993. This timid and servile Chorus had not the spirit even to inter- cede for the generous Antigone ; and now she is led to death, instead of pity- ing her unhappy fate, they poorly put us off with cold unintersting narra- tive. Thestory of Danae is well known. After the birth of Perseus, she and her infant son were enclosed ina chest, and thrown into the sea. Long doom’d in brass-girt walls to dwell, Denied the sun’s ethereal ray Enclosed in her sepulchral cell : Yet her rich illustrious blood From a long line of Argive monarchs flow’d 5 And she, unconscious of his secret love, Cherish’d the golden gems of Jove. O fate, resistless is thy pow’r, | Triumphant o’er the heav’n-descended show’r, represents him as thrown into a dungeon, The poet here alludes to this, as well as to the tower of brass. The story of Lyeur- gus is also wellknown: his punishment is differently related ; Sophocles here 1008...1026 ANTIS. 1. STRO. 2. L. 1017. In chains of tigid rock lay bound: Antigone. 171 The rampired wall, war’s furious train, And the black bark that rides the roaring main ! Thus the Thracian king, whose pride Dash’d the scorn’d Thyrsus to the ground, And dared th’ avenging god deride, Sunk his soul to deep dismay, His fury melted by degrees away ; Now knew he that his rude unhallow’d pride, By frenzy fired, a god defied ; For he severe with stern disdain — From their loved Orgies awed the raptured: train, Forbade the Bacchic torch to shine, And ‘scorn’d the tuneful Muses’ song divine. Nigh the clashing rocks, whose brow Frowns o’er the double sea that roars Foaming with angry waves below, You saw, ye wild Bosphorean shores, Thracian Salmydessus saw (Where Mars the neighbouring cities holds in awe) The sons of Phineus,-and the wound abhorr’d ; You saw their darken’d eye-balls gor’d; Nor sword, nor spear, nor dart was found, Unhappy youths, to give the wound :. These clashing rocks, the Symplegades or Cyanew Pétre, are- mentined by Euripides. Sce his Medea, 1. 2. n. and Iphigen. in.Taur. 1. 487. How did they pass the dangerous rocks Clashing with rade, tremendous shocks? L. 1023. Phineus married Cleopatra, the daughter of Boreas.and Orithyie, by whom he had two sons, Crambis and Orythus. He afterwards repudiated her, and married Idea, the daughter of a Thracian king. This barbarious stepmother put out the eyes of Crambis and Orythus ; Cleopatra, to escape her cruelty, concealed herself amidst the rocks, where she died. To- this. circumstance the Chorus alludes, See Natal. Com. Pe |. - Antigone. 1087 L055 cinSee where the savage stepdame stands, ve pointed, shuttle arms her bleody, hands. antis. 2. obi Wasting inctheirdreary'cel! pot errs cioiy (The: hope. of nuptial joys;no,mere) With woe-and darkness'deom’d to dwell, Their, mother’s-miseries. they. deplore ; Yet, her;pure arid noble blood 2 Rich from the high-born. Erecthide, flow'd 5 And where the rock, its winding caverns, forms,, Nurtured amidst her father’s storms, y Swift.as the courser’s:rapid. flight cin Phe: virgin, bounded. o’er the, mountain’s. height :. ' . But date with aged step’ and slow: O ‘ertook hete speed, ‘aia: ebedtiiel a dow ‘to woe., “TIRESIAS, CREON, ‘CHORUS. te. ~~ Ye rulers of. the ‘Theban state, we come, As is our, wont, both: seeing with the eyes Of one: the blind some: leading hand Fequire.. cr. Aged Tiresias, what of ABR Pia | . Hath, now arisen ; 2 PIR ees .. That 1 will impart: a , me Ie And thou ob ey. the Seer, iui sgalaelica a eR, Bi a Did I e ‘er ‘slight. ve The wintees of thy) set } bes TERS fi. | The realms. of Thebes '- “Phrough dangers therefore safely hast thou \steer’dy cr. ‘To thy sage counsels much indeed I owe. Tir. Be counsell’d now: fate hangs upon this hour. CR. i What may this be ? I tremble at thy words. °°) ~' TI “Hear what my skill hath mark’d, and thou wilt know Placed on my ancient seat of augury, Whence all my auspices I draw,:the voices: em Of birds I hear; unknown the sounds. their screams a 1056...1089 | Antigone, 173 CR. Were} wild and: strange, of ‘na kieabe and fierge With bloody, talons)each; thejother, rent: denis) I knew this; forthe, clashing of their, wingse:; | Gave not.dark:signs +1 trembled, and.explored The hallow’d fires’ that.on' the-altars, burns; | But frotathe sacrifice no flame; shone bright, Nor vapour from the humid, flesh aroségoy- : 0 _ It, wastied: on the ashes, and. toll’d,low.); «) ~: A dull black smoke, exsuding on, the fire; The entrails swell’d-and burst ;. the melting thighs, Shrunk from th’ involving crawls, lay bare. )These signs Of dark jand dangerous import from my boy | / I learn’d ;;to me he shows, them, and my: voice | Explains to, others, ;. From thy harsh ‘resolves These omens threati the states. the birds: of prey, And: dogs, whose ravenous hunger hath devonr'tl AP The hapless Polynices slain in war, » *,, Pollute:our ‘public altars: /for this cause 42 Our pray’rs, our victims the offerided'gods;:\) -) Accept no. more;,no hallow’d flames ascend ; HY) No more are heard th’ auspicious notes of birds Gorged now with human flesh. Weigh these ee ngs welt, My son; to all of mortal race to err) “Is common; but. that man:is not unblest; >. Nor unadvised, who having err’d, and felt The ill awaiting. error, heals the-wound, hii. | _. Nor perseveres. unmoved: th’ obdurate mind:! — Pays dear for its perverseness.. To 'the slain“: Be then appeased : why, woud’st thou wound a corse ? » A brave man wars not with the dead.: » With! apy To thee benevolent, I well advise. Most pleasant i is instruction when it comes; -) And with it comes advantage, from the wise. I am your mark, old mati; and-all-your shafts 174 Antigone. 1090...1486 At me are aim’d: nor are the prophet’s arts *Gainst me unpractised: by this venal race J as a slave am sold, and led away. Pursue your traffic; be the precious ore Of Sardis, and the Indian gold, your gain; Him in the earth you never shall entomb. No; would the eagles of almighty Jove Bear to their sovereign’s throne his mangled flesh, I would‘not, dreading that pollution, yield »— To lay him in the tomb; for well I know That mortals never can pollute the gods.’ Yet there are men, thou aged Seer, held high — For various excellence, who basely fall; By sordid lucre when allured they speak The words of baseness urged in honour’s style. TIR. Is there a man that knows, is there a man That comprehends....... CR. What wou’dst thou? To ‘us Jas Is this address’d ? TIR. With what high excellence Wisdom transcends all treasures ? my od ery! This he.knows, — Who knows that folly is our greatest bane. rin. Heavy on thee hangs that disease. CR. Reproach I would not harshly on the Seer retort. TR. Thou dost reproach me, when thou say’st my voice: Announces falsehoods. CRAHOS You are fond of gold, All the inampe tribe. TIR. The tyrant loves Treasures by baseness gain’d. CR. Know’st thou thy words: Are to aking address’d ? 1117...1146 Antigone. 175 TIR. 2 I know it well; For o’er a kingdom saved by me ishy, reign. Thou holdest. CR, As a Seer I deem a wise, But asa man. sai ust. TIR, The dark decrees Of fate, which in my breast I would have a Conceal’d thou wilt compel me to disclose. cr. Disclose them then, but not through hopes of gain. Tin. Respecting thee I have no hope of gain. cr. But know, my purpose never shall be sold. rik. . And know thou well that ere the rapid wheels Of the sun’s chariot many circles roll, One sprung from thee, thy offspring, thou shalt pay Dead for the dead a recompense, for those _ Whom from the light of life to the dark realms Thou hast sent down dishonour’d, and entomb’d In the rock’s dreary cavern; and for those Whom of the honours to the gods below, Of solemn obsequies, and hallow’d rites Thou hast deprived ; a deed, that nor to thee Belongs, nor to the gods above; a deed Of tyrant force: the slow-avenging pow’rs, The Furies of th’ infernal gods,’ for this In ambush wait to seize thee, and in ills Like these will plunge thee. Go now, see if gold Hath bribed the prophet’s mercenary voice :' Pass a few moments, the laments of men, The shrieks of women through thy house shall sound. Indignant all the hostile states are roused, — Whose mangled dead the dogs or beasts of prey Have in these plains polluted, or the birds Of obscene wing, bearing th’ unhallow’d stench 176 CHOR. CR. CHOR. CR. CHOR. CR. €HOR. CR. CHOR. GREHL ‘To anger) which at thee I aim: their foréero’ Strikes deep, ‘nor shalt’thou ‘shun the burning wound#» Antigone. — BM. 1197 E’en to the saeréd ‘altars of the gods. These are the shafts’ (for thou hast moved mysoul ay Boy, lead me hence; and let him’ vet‘ his*rage On those of fréshér years; or curb his tongue HT With modesty, and learn to! train hisanind ! (\ yl. ss 7 Se vied _— those’ witieh now it ears. _ GREON, CHORUS., ie The Seer is gone, O king, and hath rea Things dreadful: never from myveatliest: sbinhh To these grey hairs now scatter'd/o’er my. head; : Knéw:T his voice: prophetic to the:statenc: 010 Aught false, or.faithless in th” evént: pronounce. L know it;:and' distraction rends:my mind.» To yield, would: wound: me deep ;. but to/oppose, With:keener agonices would pieree my sould; ; | Son of Menceteus,; prudence is requtired...;| // What must I do? Thy counsel)shall prevail. : Go, from the rock’s'dark :cave the virgin {raisd;) And for the outcast dead erect ia:tomb. 2 jofo8 Dost thou:approve this?,!Wou’dst:tlion that Iyield? And instantly,:O. king: malignant, minds! o({j The vengeance of the gods, with: speed. o’ertakes. My heart-reluctant yields: to: thy advices) 4/1 . But: with: Necessity we may not, strives) fj! Go thou;:nor others with this charge entrusts;:‘) ° Instant: Earow |) Youy my attendarits, haste, oti | With. axes: in. your hands: haste, to the;plainj|,,;| “And if = sg now: ~ seleseionnstveioas nN Ub fear the to: cata reninionieainea gecko a) ee ye | ~ 1978...1199 Antigone. 177 Through all his life i is mat ’s discreetest part. “# oHoRUS.. stro. 1. . — O thou by various names renown’d, The Theban Nymph’s illustrious grace, - Sprung from enraptur’d Jove’s embrace, While all his awful thunders roll’d around ; Who joy’st thy richest gifts to pour ~ O’er blest Italia’s favour’d shore, | And on the hallow’d Eleusinian plain ik _- Where Ceres waves her ripen’d gold, With her thy mystic reign dost hold ; God of the shouting Thyad train, Pleased o’er the walls, which thy loved Thebes enclose, A present guardian to preside, Where deep Ismetus rolls his tide, ’Midst the fierce race that from the dragon rose ! ANTIS. 1. _ Thee saw the wild and rocky‘steep, Whose forked summits proudly rise, And stretch their rude brows to the skies, Where the Corycian Nymphs their orgies keep: Thee, the flames blazing on the mount: Thee, pure Castalia’s sacred fount : Thee, the Nyszean mountain’s craggy sides, * The Chorus, no longer awed by the presence of the tyrant, or intimidated by his threats, assume the dignity and sacredness of their character; and in this religious Ode, which is truly a tragic hymn in -the original acceptation of the word, invoke the protection of Bacchus, the tutelary god of Thebes. L. 1184. This mention of Italy has a peculiar propriety, we She Tus2ans were religious observers of the rites of Bacchus. L, 1197. | Euripides.also mentions this fire sacred to Bacchus near one of the summits of Parnassus, Wa wie anda IB Baxxsiove lon. v. 1125. . Ae. 178 Antigone. 1200..1227 O’er which the mantling ivy twines ¢ — The swelling hillocks green with vines, Whose purple fruit their foliage hides ; And waking harmony’s enchanting pow’rs, On thee attends thy raptur’d train, Raises the high immortal strain, And hails thee guardian of the Theban tow’rs.. STRO. 2. The Theban tow’rs their rampires rear, _Thy guardian care their boast, their pride ; They to thy mother too were dear, . Who in the flaming thunder died. Now, while her banners Discord waves, While through our streets Confusion raves, . Prompt to avert our threaten’d woe Haste from the steep Parnassian brow, Or from Eubcea’s groaning shore, And to thy Thebans peace restore ! ANTIS. 2. Thou leader of the starry train. That flaming bursts upon the sight ; Director of th’ harmonious strain Whose sweet notes charm the ear of night ; Hear, son of Jove, O Bacchus, hear, Bright in thy form divine appear ; Thy frentic, Nymphs from Naxos lead, The frolic dance who lightly tread, And, as around their god they stand, Hail thee the leader of their band! . MESSENGER, CHORUS, miss. Inhabitants of Thebes, the honour’d seat I, 4217. This alludes to the flaming torches, which Bacchus and his female attendants carried in their noeturnal orgies. So Euripides, Baccha, }.. 453. But Bacchus, waving in his hand The torch that from his hallow’d wand Flames high, his roving Bacche leads. $228...1251 _ Antigone. CHOR. ' MESS. CHOR. MESS. CHOR. MESS. Of Cadmus and Amphion, such the life Of man, so unassured his fickle state, _Tcannot prize it high, nor would dispraise : For fortune ever raises or casts down’. The happy, and th’ unhappy, at her will, And no man‘can divine the fates to come. Such was the state of Creon, it from me Excited admiration ;' from its foes He saved. this land; o’er all its realms obtain’d The monarchy, reign’d sole with sovereign pow’ r And flourish’d i in a noble race of sons. _ Now all is lost: for when the joys:of life - Man knows no more, may he be said to live? He breathes, but hath not life. Nay, let his house Be stored with riches, let a monarch’s pomp Attend him ; yet ’midst these if heart-felt joy Be absent, all the rest 1 would not prize, Nor purchase with the shadow e’en of smoke. What ills, that-cause the royal-house to mourn, Comest thou to tell us?» _ They are dead: those salind Who caused their death. _ Inform us whose this deed, Who lies in death ° Hemon is dead’; he lies Welt’ring in blood. . Slain by his father’s hand, Or “ his own? By his own hand he died, sesh his father for the eile s death 179 L.1250. Mr. Heath jesdicicusly observes that the word eirayee here, and in some other places, signifies simply interfectus. Vid. supra v. 56. 178. Ajace v. 852. A’schylum in Septam ad Thebas v. 810. , adverted to this, they would have spared their censures here. In Had other critics 180 CHOR. ere 1252.,.1283 Enraged: ‘ id YO What: snhaiat O Séedei ea voice sich e ! MEss. These-are fulfill’d: yet others claim our thought. CHOR. EURY. MESS. Bur see Eurydice, th? unhappy wife - > Of Creon: these sad tidings she hath heard; Or chance hath brought her from the: — house. EURYDICE, MESSENGER, CHORUS. Ye' citizens of Thebes, I heard. tlie voice Of rumour,.as I came forth, at the shrine Of Pallas suppliant to address my vows: . The bars, that closed the gates, it eilaiiobd ic hand Was opening, at that instant the report Bit Of.ill my house affecting reach’d my-eari?i¢ 9 - With terror: struck in my attendants’ arms I sunk, and life forsook my fainting frame. But tell:mecall; repeat the mournful tale; © © In.woes not. unexperienced I’ shall hear. My honour’d Mistress, I will tell thee all, (For I was present) nor conceal the truth: Why should I flatter, when a little time Would show my falsehood? Truth is always plain. I to the summit of the-field thy lord A Attended, where exposed and torn by dogs ». ~ The wretched corse of Polynices lay : Him (our vows first to Proserpine address’d) And Pluto, that propitious now their wrath They would avert) in hallow’d lavers:cleansed « On a green ‘pyre of new-pluck’d boughs we laid, And burn’d the mangled relics; then raised high The earth contiguous, a sepulchral mound. . Thence to the virgin’s cavern’d rock we go, The nuptial couch of Death ; when of our train |. One heard, the distant ee of loud laments, a 1284...1817. - Antigone. | 181 Which echoed round that bridal bed ‘of Death’ With obséquies unhonour’d: to his lord He bears'the tidings.’ As the king“approach’d, The hollow murmurs of a! voice resound ; Deeply he sigh’d; and spoke these mournful words, " Are then myefears prophetic ? Do I tread, ** Unhappy me, a path that leads to woe < The most afflicting? Moaning to my ear «« Comes my-son’s voice. » You, that attend me, go, “ Haste to the cavern, from its mouth remove « The rock’s' obstructing mass; stand near, observe ‘¢ If Hemon’s-voice [ hear, or by the gods” << T am deceived.”. Obeying these commands, Utter’d in deep despair, we went, we look’d, And in the cayé’s extreme: recess beheld. The virgin strangled:;, round her neck the zone, Which. bound: her. flowing robes, her hands ‘had twined. She lay, and near her lay the youth, his arms - Clasp’d round her, mourning the unhappy fate Of his lost bride, his father’s ruthless deeds, And all his nuptial joys thus sunk in woe. When Creon saw: him, with a mournful groan He enter’d, and lamenting thus exclaim’d, 0) my -unhappy son, what dost thou here? ‘— <¢ What is thy purpose? What calamity “‘ Hath sunk thee thus? Come from this cave; my son, «¢ Suppliant thy father begs thee.”’. His wild eyes The youth roll’d fiercely round, and gave strong proof Of stern disdain and hate; nor made reply, But drew his pointed’ sword: ‘his father’s flight The stroke prevented; then th’ unhappy youth Turning his rage against himself; while yet | His arm was:raised,!inhis own side plunged deep The furious; weapon, and; retaining yet: . 182 CHOR. MKSS. CHOR. MESS. CHOR. CR. Antigone. 1318).,1847 His sense, around the virgin threw his arms) Yet warm, and ‘there expired, with his last:breath Distaining her pale cheeks with drops of blood. |’ Dead with, the dead he lies, and in ‘the hotise Of Pluto celebrates his nuptial rites ; A melaneholy proof that rash eit Bring the severest miseries on man. MESSEN GER, CHORUS. Canst thou conjecture what this means? ‘The queen Is gone, and not a word burst: from her lips. I am astonish’d; but my hopes are warm That dignity of mind)from public view 9 — Restrains her grief for her.son’s fate: retired Amidst her female train she may indulge Her sighs and streaming tears: from rash attempts Her prudence oft experienced is:her guard.: I know:not: but a silence so reserved Imports some dread event ; such are my thoughts: A clamorous sorrow wastes itself in sound. . Let us draw near the house; we soon shall know If fatal purpose in her troubled mind | Secret she harbours; wise is thy remark ; Silence oppresses with too great a weight. But see, the king advances, in his hands Bearing the signal token of his woes. Not from another, might I freely speak, But from himself arose this fatal ill. CREON, CHORUS. Alas the frenzies of a wayward mind: Ill-judging, rigorous! See their deathful fruits, The dead to those who slew them how allied! «1 These are my unblest counsels! O my son; 1448...1377 | Antigone: | 183 My son! Untimely is thy fate, cut off In youth’s fresh prime: yet thou wast blameless ; all The fatal rashness, all the guilt is mine. cHOR. At length, O king, thou seest what justice is. cR. _ Too late I learn it now; then, then the god Laid on my head this load, impell’d me then To these rough paths, and all our high-raised joys Spurn’d to the ground. Oh vain, vain toils of men! ATTENDANT, CREON, CHORUS. att. My royallord, what dreadful ills are thine ! There in thy hands thou’bearest; in thy house Others await thee: thou wilt see them soon. cr. Is their aught worse? Is there aught else of ill? att. Thy queen, the mother of this breathless youth, Gored. with fresh wounds, unhappy, is no more. cr. O thou polluted port of death, why thus; Why thus dost thou destroy me ? What ill sounds, Ah me, of dreadful utterance hast thou sent! : cHor. Thou hast brought death to one already dead. cr. Whatsay’st thou? This is new: and death on death Is heap'd. My wife a bleeding victim slain |! atr. Thou may’st behold her, to the private scenes Allotted to the females not removed. cr. Wretch that I am, another ill I see, A second ill: and me, unhappy me, What fate-yet waits? Before me lies my son, Late slain, and there another new in deaths... ~ Unhappy mother, and unhappy son! - aTT. Beside the altar by a sudden wound She fell, and closed her eyes in endless sig lle But first lamented the illustrious cave £.1354. The joys arising from the defeat of the Argives. 184 CR. ATT. CR. ATT. CR. CHOR, CR. ATTY. CR. ATT. CR. i . Antigone.» 1378...1408 Of Megareus, her son first lost; then mourn’d The fate of Heemon ; and°with solemn grief’ ©’ Bewail’d thy cruel deeds which slew thy sons. ~ Chill horrow shakes my frame. O wretch, wretch, wretch ! Will no kind hand plunge deep th’ avenging sword, | Deep in my breast, and end an hated: life’ > Dis 3 Conflicting ’midst inextricable woe? Amidst her anguish ‘with her dying breath’ © She charged thee with the death of both her sons. How did her hand inflict this deadly wound! : Soon as she heard her son’s’ lamented death, In her sad heart she plunged the fatal swords Not on another can this fault be charged ; © No; it is all my own; the deed was mine; © I, O my son, I slew thee! Lead me henee, ° Far hence with speed oh lead me, for I now © Am nothing; no; I have no being now. |” Well hast thou judged, if aught in ills be well. Calamities, when present to the view, Though slight, with keenest anguish pierce the sense. ~ Advance, advance, appear thou last and best’ *’ Of all my fortunes ; bring my final day; Haste, that another day I ne’er may see! | These things are future, leave them to the gods. But what is present how must. we dispose iat But what 1 warmly wish I made my pray’r.o” Make now no wish, no pray’r: to mortal man — There is no refuge from-his destined woe: Take hence this lifeless shadow.’ » Oomy son, I slew thee, but I purposed not thy death ! Thee too, my oh I shies shires bce me! 1378. Euripides gives sais son of hls and Eurydice the name of Meneceus. His generous spirit and death make a fine episode in the tra- gedy of the Pheenician Virgins. ef ee ee ee es at ‘gi, LE Pe 1409...1416 Aaigone. : 185 Ah, which way shall I ae where rest my thonghts: ? All is distraction, all is ruin: fate Bursts on my head, resistless in its force. enor. To happiness the best, the surest guide 4 _ Is wisdom : but irreverence to the gods Becomes not mortal man; the mighty vaunts Of pride, with mighty punishments repaid, Teach his old age thus humbled to be wise. rt re ee tre iS & eae tee , a, . a . = 4s > Sa uaiuay * 3 A e ae A oe ¥ © - ” - hl * * . ™~ a i. wy PIVEN te we peey am: Poe dar eg ron ee deaial be eae er ore 5, %h, TRF De BE 4 ! pl thie wnt a Tae Ae 4 cA lt wither | ene warden 9 phe ry one sihcr ee ine pat eval dtgh. COs raphe: wf ie cle anya, ki ousG. feet tthe ii re ay bi jc as Rrgnres gia, es: me HH preg m i PERSONS or rus. DRAMA. | DEIANIRA id SS ae q HYLLUS' || * “ : DICHAS 7 ae ~~. HERCULES — "iy Hd A by ry mae -APTENDANTS «eee 4 _ CHORUS of Trachinian Virgins. THE _TRACHINIAN VIRGINS. Sornocirs is said to have drawn his women such as they ought tobe. Deianira is’a bright ex- ample of conjugal affection; the unhappiness of her situation, working upon thetender sensibility of her mind, diffuses a soft and gentle melancholy around her; one ray of joy shines through this gloom of sorrow, but it is only a transient beam, which leaves her involved in darker shades., In, the most trying circumstance ‘that can affect the heart of a woman she feels the injury, and complains of itin secret to her female friends, but. without any vio- lence of resentment, without any intemperate as- perity ; to recover the wandering love of Hercules is her only solicitude; the unhappy measure, which she takes to effect this innocent purpose, brings on the dreadful catastrophe of the drama. As this measure could not with propriety have been carried into execution without the approbation, at least without the,assent of the Chorus, .andias, the 190 a.’ cautious prudence of old age could not have ap- proved it, the Poet with great judgment formed the Chorus of young and unexperienced Virgins. The delineation of Hercules inso terrible a state required the utmost skill of Sophocles ; he has ma- naged it with wonderful propriety : the hero could not be represented either as amiable or virtuous; Hercules was yet a mortal man; but that such a man, “with all his imperfections on his head,” - should after his decease be enrolled among the gods, is a proof of the wretched state of religionand,mo- rality in that age ; that those divine honours were continued shows how little the most enlightened ages of Greece had RGA i: in real: knomledgeie The great art of the poet in this echidna honal in the gradations of distress, from the first: plain- tive melancholy of Deianira to the last agonies of Hercules, wrought: up with that'chaste>simplicity which always distinguishes’ real genius: © To feel this in its full force we need ‘only read the’ Her- cules Otzus of Seneca; all there is “ the very ‘“ torrent, pie staw and whirlwind of unmeaning “passion ;” it is a tale told by an ideot, ‘full of sound and fury, oe nothing.’ The scene is before the royal palace‘at Tra- chin)’ a ‘town situated near Mount sages ipl was then its king. | | iy i ae “THE: : r - pret ges F . STEM Fil Ards DEIAN IRA, FE EMALE, ATTENDANT. pia. Of old this saying hath ’mongst.men been, famed, That of man’s life, till, death hath, closed the scene We know not, to decide, to.term it blest, oy Or wretched. Of my life I can decide, Ere to the regions of the dead I go; “I know it to misfortune doom’d, and grief. , Peg en with my father Gineus when I dwelt coue it Pleuron, much I suffer’d through the dread, _ » More than Aitolian virgin ever felt, - ‘Of hated nuptials; for the River came “My wooer, Acheléus ; in three forms ‘Me of my father he demanded; now : He walk’d a Bull, a Dragon now he roll’d - a Ai 5 - ' z L.8. Strabo speaks of Pleuron as in ancient times one of the greatest ornaments of Greece, It was the residence of the kings of AZtolia. L. 13. The classical reader will, recollect instances enough of rivers thus described, and needs not to be informed of the reasons of this poetic imagery. The ingenious author of the History of the Heavens assigns a very different 192 The Trachinian Virgins. 144.83 _ His spotted wreaths, now wore the human form With a Bull’s head disfigured, copious streams Of fountain water flowing down his cheeks With hair thick-shaded. Dreading to receive A wooer so abhorr’d, my constant wish Was death, to such a bridal bed preferr’d. At length, though late, th’ illustrious son of Jove And of Alemena came, to me what joy! He with the monster in fierce fight engaged, And set me free: his dangerous toils distinct © I cannot tell thee, for I know them not; _ Whoe’er unterrified beheld that sight, Let him relate it; all my sense was lost In fear, lest sorrows fatal to my peace My beauty should perchance produce. At length The arbiter of battles, sovereign Jove, Disposed th’ event to glory and to joy, | If joy: for wedded ‘now to Hercules, My much-loved hero; fear succeeding fear Anxious for his dear eis ta a: sustain; Tw i » 3 . a ud OAS eause. The ‘nindbitshte of pene he says, sshd their harvest about tie time when the Sun enters the Bull; that animal therefore became the symbol of harvest and plenty in that ‘ston, uished province: and they § gave ‘the Nile the hedd of a Bull, to shew that he was the father of the harvests of Egypt ; and this i is the reason why other rivers are described under the’same form ; for though they do not-overflow, like the Nile, yet they never failrto fertilize the plains through w bich they wind their COUrSe., Histoire du Cigl poetique. L. 22. Strabo tells us. that the Achelius ‘often overflowed its, banks, and rendered the boundaries between Etolin and Acarnania disputable, which had been the cause of many battles. ‘He thén, from this passage of Sopho- cles, speaks of the combat between Hereules and Acheléus; and adds that those, who search for truth through poetic fables, say that Hercules restrained these inundations by strong embankments, and by cutting channels drained great part of the Parachelois; from the first work the poets represent him as rending off an horn of the Bull; from the fertility, which the second work produced, they formed the fable of the Horn of Amalthea, Strabo; lib. x. -34,..68 The Trachinian Virgins. 193 For the night. brings him. to me, and, the night . Drives him away to toil that follows toil. _ I bore him children; these he seldom sees ; As one that hath acquired far distant fields, Which only when he sows and when he reaps — He visits; such the life, that brings my lord Back to his house, and ever sends him thence On some harsh service: now, these toils achieved, I thence feel greater fears; for since he slew The mighty Iphitus, at Trachin here Exiled we dwell, with hospitable rites Received ; but whither he is gone none knows ; But he is gone, with pangs of piercing grief Rending my heart, for I have cause to fear That evil hath befall’n him; no short time, But ten slow months have roll’d away, and five Added to these, yet absent he remains, Nor have I tidings of him ;:there must be Some. dreadful ill; at his departure such The writing he left with me; to the gods My earnest supplications oft I pour) That no affliction thence may be derived. My mistress, Deianira, I long time Have seen thy sorrows and thy frequent tears, Mourning the absence of thy lord: and now If by a slave’s advice the nobly born May be admonish’d; me if it becomes So to presume; whence is it that with sons Thus blest, not one of them is sent to seek Thy lord; and Hyllus chief, whom most the charge Beseems, if aught his father’s welfare moves His anxious care? And see, with manly step He to the house advances: if my words _ Deserve attention, thou hast now the pow’r iyi ys give th’ important mandate to the youth. 2¢ 194 The Trachinian ieikoias 69a. 1G8 HYLLUS, DEIANIRA, “ATTENDANT. pera. My child, my son, “the meanly horn may, bined Generous advice: this woman, though a’ las f _ . Hath spoken. what: denotes a liberal r HYLL. Inform me what, if I may be inform’ dy. | pEiA. Thy father absent in a distant land | ~ Aoeel So long, she deems it shame that eek by thee What region thus detains him is not’ ante af uyii. If credence toreport be due, I know... pEIA, Where doth fame say, my son, that a sediaee a HyLL. All the past year in sordid tasks employ’d, — : And by a Lydian woman held a slave. : DEIA. If he bore this, what more may we not hearts.” ~ HYLL. It is reported he hath burst those bonds. ; pDE1a. Living or dead where is he said to be? HYLL. In arms, and in Eubcea, ’gainst the state }!44 Of Eurytus advanced, or on his march: ..4 «7 DEIA. Know’st thou th’ unerring prophecies, my son, ~ ‘That land,respecting, which he left with me? °P HYLL. What are they? Never have they reach’d-my-éar. ~pEIA. That there his life will eid ;. or, conquest there’: Obtain’d, his future days shall all be oo Without one cloud of adverse fortune more, ~~ .° 7 ) And wilt not thou, my, son, whilst now his, inte : Hangs doubtful, fly to aid him? For with. him) We share one fortune; in his fall ’we-fall,»< ~ Mi And in his safety we. our safety find. Hyiu.’ Mother, I go: had this prophetic voice | oe. eee Been earlier known.to me, I had long since’ . 7 Been present to his aid; now,/thus inform’d, 0% These things attentive L,will’trace, nor cease >: Till all the trath I know: but the suecess;'jysEF" = My father’s arms accustom’d to attend, . ss.5.5G ee ee eee “ Forbids dismay, and all excess of fear.’ - ad 102...133 The Trachinian Virgins. ee, pra. Go then, my'son ; ‘good fortune, though late known, - Brings a warm welcome to the anxious mind. | CHORUS, stro. 1. O thou, whom saphir-spangled Night (That vanquish’d flies before thy golden ray) Calls forth thy orient lustre to display, And curtains close thy setting light, To thee, O:Sun, I call; declare, Bright blazing through the lucid air, Where dwells the hero through this length of time? Where does Alemena’s son reside? Rolls he on ocean’s billowy tide? _ Lies he reposed in some soft eastern clime, Or where decline thy west’ring rays? Oh say, for all thy piercing eye surveys ! antis. 1. Desire, and doubt, and anxious fear Incessant harrow Deianira’s breast ; Like the poor bird that wails her widow’d nest, As from her eye still streams the tear, Mindful she mourns her lord, each thought - With terrors at his .wand’rings fraught, And at imagined dangers melts away :. As on her lonely couch she lies, The sleepless night she wastes in sighs, And sinks to sorrow and despair a prey ; _ Whilst to. her fancy ills unknown In all their hideous threat’ning shapes are shown: STRO. 2. - As when with.terror we behold. >. - From South, or North the wild)winds sweep, Waves after waves with fury roll’d Swell. the vex’d bosom of the deep ; Such is the Theban Hero’s state, » Tost in the ceaseless storms of fate. ook 196 The Trachinian Virgins... 134...167 Toils rise on toils, an endless train, ‘ As billows on the troubled main; Yet to his virtues just some god Saves him from Pluto’s drear abode. unTis. 2. Let me then blame thy anxious fear ; Far other views if I display, My words bring comfort to thy ear: ‘Thou shou’dst not throw sweet dew away. The sovereign ruler of our fate’ ‘Gives mortals no untroubled state ; But joy and grief are ever found _ Revolving their alternate round, “As circling in the Arctic skies — The constellations set and rise. °C BPOD. Nor Night in sable stole array’d ‘O’er mortals always spreads her solemn shade Nor always griets remain, | : ‘Nor riches; their light wings at once they _— Away at once are fled; The heart now welcomes joy’s bright train, Now sickens at th’ approach of pain. re Then sink not, Queen, with griefs opprest, . But let hope brighten in thy breast; — Jove o’er-his sons his care extends, . And ail his glorious race defends. 7 pra. Inform’d, I ween, of my afflictions thou ~ Art present here: what anguish rends my heart May’st thou ne’er know by suffering ; thou as yet Art inexperienc’d. ‘Youth\at random roves Q’er its own flow’ry fields; nor scorching heat _ Nor shew’r annoys it, nor the noxious force ° Of boisterous winds; in pleasures it supports A life that knows not trouble, till the name ‘Of virgin now is lost in that of wife: © > 168...193 The Trachinian Virgins. 197 Then first she shares anxiety; the night ~ - Then for her husband bids her wake to fears, - Or for her children ; then she may be taught By her own feelings what th’ oppressive woe That weighs-me down. My tears have often flow’d For many sufferings; but my present grief Springs from such cause as never rose before ; This I will tell thee. When my royal lord On his last emprize issued from his house, He left with me a writing of old date, His mandates, which before when marching forth To many contests he forbore to show, But went as to o’ercome, and not to die. But now, as to return no more, he gave In charge what portion for my nuptial dow’r I should receive, and to his sons assign’d To each his share of his paternal land: Nay, he the time determined ; from these realms Beyond the complete year three waining moons » Should he be absent, then the fates require | That he must die; the dangers of that time Should he surmount, then all his future life - Will pass unshaded with affliction’s’ cloud ; To.all the toils of Hercules, he said, Such is the period by the gods assign’d; Thus at Dodona the prophetic Doves L. 193. This oracle at Dodona, was of the highest.antiquity, and celebrated for itstruth, Herodotus was informed by its priestesses that two black doves, Aying from Thebes in Zgypt, rested ‘on this beech, and in an human voice declared that anoracle of Jupiter must be fixedthere. He supposes that some Phenician rovers had brought two priestesses from Thebes: the coloar of the doves, end the rites observed:i in consulting the oracle, show them to he Agyp- tian. The name of one of these holy women is said to be Peristera, which in the Greek language signifies a dove: this among so fanciful a people was foundation enough for the fable. 198: The Trachinian Virgins: -194...228 Gave from their ancient beech the voice of fate. These truths. are, certain,. and. the present sie ; Gives dreadful expectation of th’ event; So that, loved virgins, from sweet sleep I start, Distracted with my fears lest I remain | Now of the noblest of mankind bereaved. .. cHor. Be .thy-words now of happier import; see...» A messenger arrives ; his laurel wreath’, Gives token that his dings are of } Jey. ATTENDANT, DEIANIRA, CHORUS.. on att. My royal Mistress, Lam come the first © sin 07 To bear thee tidings, which from all thy fears’ »: Will set thee free ;. know, then Alcides lives, »«* Andis victorious; to his country’s gods - He brings the consecrated spoils of war. | pEIA. What dost thou tellme? What import thy words? att. ‘To thy warm wish thy husband in his house - Will. soon appear with his victorious force. pris. This information from the citizens © Received; or from some stranger, dost thou: bait Att. The herald Lichas in the verdant mead | These things. announces loud..).1 heard, and. ran. The first to greet thee with these words of joy,:'. To win thy favour, and obtain some boon.’ pEIA. Why comes he not, of triumphs if he ageale: te arr. That is not easy, Lady; all her sons Melia pours forth, who eager to inquire Throng close around him, and retard his steps ; Impatient each the welcome news to learn, Till all his ardent. wish be gratified, Suffers him not to pass; hence his delay, LE, 219, Melia was a town of Thessaly near Trachin, 224...254 The Trachiniaw Virgins. 199 ee him unpleasing, grateful to the croud: . . But soon thou may’st expect to see him here. ~ pE1a. O Jove, adored on the uncultured mead__ . - Of Gta, thou, though ‘tedious the delay, Hast giv’n us joy... Ye virgins, who abide. _ Beneath this royal roof, and you'who tread — . With me this court, raise:high th’ enraptured voice’ Of gratulation ; for beyond my hopes On me a ray of orient brightness beams. | sTRo. - In the chaste and secret shrine — : ’ Raise the loud and festive strain, Thou, for whom the virgin train Bids the nuptial torches shine. ~ Let the spritely youths around . Catch the sweet entrancing sound, And to the golden-quiver’d king, To Phoebus, Pans, joyful Pzans sing. _-antis. Virgins risé, thé raptures share; °° - To Ortygian Dian high Swell the voice of harmony : Hers the double torch to bear ; Hers the flying hind to chase ’Midst the Nymphs of mountain-rave : I rise sublime; without controul-' Thou reign’st, sweet Pipe, the monarch of my soul, | Epop. - The Thyrsus round with ivy twin’d To raptured frenzy swells my mind ; ‘T long to join the Bacchic train: Evoe! Raise th’ extatic strain. _ Now bid farewell, loved queen, to woe: See, in pure streams thy joys begin to Haves L, 244. As Hédates bearing a torch im each hand. -L, 246. This breathes the same spirit.of poetical enthusiasm as Pindaw’s KvakiPoouryyis favs, Olymp, Ode 2, 200 DEIA. DEIA. LICH. DEIA. LICH. DEIA. LICH. DEIA. LICH. DEIA. “LICH. DEIA. LICH. a ~The Trachinian Virgins. —_255...284 I see, loved. virgins, yes, my watchful eye, — Not. faithless to its office, sees this train. LICHAS, DEIANIRA, CHORUS. Herald, to joy I welcome thee, though late Be thy arrival, if thou bring’st me joy. With joy we greet thee, lady, and with joy | Are greeted; such the meed our acts deserve. The hero, that with glory hath achieved . His enterprize, the voice of welcome eatns, _ Thou art most welcome. First, what most I wish, Tell me, alive shall. I receive my lord ? I left him in sound health, alive, and high In vigorous strength, with no disease oppress’d. Where? In his native, or a foreign land? On the Euboic ‘strand, where he prepares © * Altars and. offerings ‘to: Cenzan Jove. — A vow? or by some oracle required ? A vow, when his victorious spear laid waste The country of these women, whom thou seest. Who, by the gods, and whence are these? If right I judge of misery, wretched is their state. ° These, when the town of Eurytus he razed,’ He for himself.selected, and the gods. Advanced against this town was he engaged In tedious war all this vast length of time? No: but in Lydia he was long detain’d Not free, such his account, but sold a slave. We should. not censure, Lady, what appears Wrought by the hand of Jove. Betray’d, and sold To the barbaric Omphale, he pass’d : One tedious year a slave: but the disgrace. L. 269. So called from Cenaum, a promontery of Eubea, where an alter was erected to him. Sih we og —-9985...312 The Trachinian Virgins. = = — 201 So stung his noble soul, that with'an oath — He vow’d the author of this wrong, his wife,» And children should be slaves; nor vow’d in vain; But, expiation made, with social hosts’ Vengeful he march’d against the rampired walls Of Eurytus, for him of all mankind : ‘Alone he deem’d the cause of his disgrace, Who, to his hearth when he approach’d, a friend With hospitable rites received of old, | Insulted him aloud with taunting words, And all the outrage of an hostile mind ; Reviling him as holding in his hands Arrows by fate assign’d to reach the mark, : But that his sons excell’d him in the skill .To draw the bow; that by the nobly born. He as a slave should be trod down and crush’d; Nay more, with wine when heated from his house He spurn’d him forth. Indignant at these wrongs, O’er the Tirynthian hills when Iphitus Search’d for his steeds that from their pastures roved, His eye on other objects bent, his mind On other thoughts engag’d, he hurl’d the youth From the steep summit of the tow’ring rock. Offended at the deed Olympian Jove, The supreme king and father, sent him thence To slavery sold, nor brook’d a treacherous act Unpractised but against this hapless youth: With manly fortitude and front to front L. 289. Hercules removed from Tirynthia to Trachin in voluntary banish- ment for the murder of Iphitus ; but his active spirit could not rest there; he went further, and, as Lichas tells the story, was sold as a slave to Omphale for a year, that being the usual time of atonement for murder ; the year being elapsed, and expiation made, he now advanced to,execute his vengeance on Eurytus. 2D 202, The Trachinian Virgins. —-_ 31348346 — In arms had he opposed him, heav’n’s high king Had pardon’d him, and deem’d his vengeance just ; ~ But base insidious wrong the gods abhor. |... ; CHOR. DEIA. But all those boasters, whose reviling tongues re Were wanton in their insolence, have now Their mansions in the gloomy realms beneath,» _And their proud city is enslaved. These dames, Which here thou seest, from high and happy life Sunk to this wretched state attend thy will. Such are thy lord’s commands, which I perform With faithful zeal. When to his father Jove . The hallow’d victims for his conquest vow’d.. Are slain, expect him here: of my long speech, Though grateful all, this gives thee highest joy. Now, royal lady, certain joy is thine; ) This captive train gives proof of his report. Yes, my heart feels it; I have cause, just cause Of joy; it bounds to hear my lord returns | Victorious ; all within me is alive eo" To tender sympathy. Yet those, who, teens Resolve the change of fortune, must have. fears 7 Lest he, who triumphs now, may some time know A sad reverse. E’en now, my friends, my heart Feels the warm touch of pity, while I see These wretched females from their country torn, Torn from their parents, in’a foreign land To exile doom’d; yet these perhaps are sprung From generous lineage, but must now sustain _ A servile life. O Jove, whose guardian pow’r Averts misfortune, never may I see | My offspring by thy anger thus assail’d ; Or if to.sufferings thou hast doom’d them, spare... My anguish, norinflict them whilst I live! Such are my fears, these females as I view. # \ ie 347.378 = The Trachinian Virgins. 203 * But who amidst this youthful train art thou? — | Ill chanée is thine : unmarried is thy state ? Or dost thou feel a mother’s grief? Thy mein Denotes thee virgin, and of noble blood. Who is this stranger, Lichas ?) Whence her birth ? Tell me: my pity most for her is mov’d, _ For she alone shows fortitude of mind, xicn. -What can I know? Why ask of me? Perchance She may from no ignoble race be sprung. pDEIA. Is she from Eurytus of royal birth? ich. I know not; nor minute inquiry made. pera. From her associates heard’st thou not her name? zicH. No: for in silence I my charge perform’d, DEIA. Speak then unhappy virgin ; let thy voice Inform me; for I feel a soft concern, ‘And painful not to know thee who thou art. nicH. She-will not speak; nor hath she to this hour Unlock’d her lips, or ever utter’d word ; But obstinate in silence mourns her weight Of misery, always weeping since she left Her desolated country: her ill fate Moves thee to pity and to pardon her. pEia. Then let her be indulged, and in the house Find courteous treatment: to her present ills ' I would not that from me fresh grief, her griefs - Augmenting, she receive; she hath enough Of woe already. To our houses now Let us all go; where thy occasions call, Go thou; domestic duties claim my care. ~ DEIANIRA, ATTENDANT, CHORUS. attr. Stay yet a little, that from these apart Thou may’st be shown what persons to thy house Thou hast admitted. Truths, of which no part DEIA. ATI. DEIA. ATT. . What wou’dst thou say?) Why thus detain ines sii Prachinian Virgins. (379.0410 Thou yet Wha sasha: and which behoves thee hear, T know, and can with faithful zeal impart. - Stay, And hear me : ‘not before did I abuse Thy ear with false reports ; nor shall I now. Those, late departed hence, should I recal, — Or to these virgins wou’dst thou speak, and me: To thee and these I speak without prelates: But let those go. Well, they are gone; now speak. Nothing of what this herald lately said Accorded with the laws of honest truth; = = oft But now he utters falsehoods, or before — fg Dared to deceive the ear with false reports. What say’st thou? Plainly tell me all thy thought : Thy words are dark; I understand them not. — I heard this man, and many: present heard His words, declare that for this virgin’s sake This war ’gainst Eurytus Alcides made, : And the high-tower’d OXchalia. Love alone © Of all the gods incited him to arms ; ny And not his Lydian slavery, and base tasks By Omphale commanded, nor the death — Of Iphitus hurl’d headlong from the rock. This love conceal’d, the herald other pleas. Devised. But when his lord had urged m vain The sire to give the daughter to his bed . In secret. nuptials, he assign’d some cause - Of slight and trivial charge to march in arms Against her country, where the royal throne Was held by Eurytus; he slew the king Her father, and his wasted city razed. Her, as thou seest, returning he-now sends 41.442 The Trachinian Virgins. — 205 Thus, lady, not without peculiar care, — Not as a slave; admit not such an hope; It is not-to be thought, since love inflames His soul. By duty prompted I to thee What was my chance to learn from him disclose : -And this, not Ialone, but many heard ; For ’midst the conflux of Trachinians round Assembled he declared it; and to these I make appeal. Unwelcome to thy ear If what I tell thee, I have no delight In speaking it, but what I speak is truth. pra. Unhappy me, what snares enclose me round ! Ah, what a secret pest have I received Beneath my roof! This wretch then hath no name, So he that led her swore, with all these charms, - This beauteous form, and dignity of mien ! attr. From Eurytus she drew her royal birth, And Tole her name ; yet of her race He could not speak, he no inquiries made. cHor. Ruin to all the base I would not wish; But perish he, who forms the vile design With dark and treacherous baseness to betray. priA. How, virgins, should I act? For at this tale In wild amazement all my sense is lost. cuor. Go, make inquiries of the man, add.threats Of torture, soon he will confess the truth. | pea. I go: to thy advice my mind accords. cHor. Should we wait thee here? or what thy will? pDEIA. Stay here: for see, the man, uncall’d by me. Of his own will advances from the house. DEIANIRA, LICHAS, ATTENDANT, CHORUS. uicH. What wou’dst thou, Lady, that I bear in charge To Hercules ? I hasten my return. 206 The Trachinian Virgins. 448:...467> pEi1A. After so long an absence why sosoon® 4) 97 | : LICH. ATT. LICH, ATT. LICH. ATT. LICH. ATT. LICH. ATT. LICH. ATT. Depart, ere my inquiries I renew ? of More wou’dst ‘thou ask ? I'to inform thee ning 1 Bat wilt thou answer me with honest truth? — ~ To what I know; be witness mighty Jove! Who is this woman, hither whom thou led’st 2. A native of Eubcea; of what race . > I know not. ld see h Herald, fix thine:eye on me. /s 65 s/o ; Know’st thou to whom thou spel ee , _ With what intent That question dost thou ask ? If thou dost bear The spirit of a man, be bold, andspeak. | — To Deianira, to the queen I speak, Daughter of GEneus, wife of Hercules, My royal mistress ; or I see in vain. — ony This was my wish to know: | Didst thou not sei She is thy royal mistress ? With just. igliets Tell me alent punishment is. then thy. dues, tite If to thy mistress thou art found not just? - And how not just ? With what, gieticnae wiles Wou’dst thou ensnare me? _ Fear not syalice Si meso? Thy thoughts are all td aa on wiles... >: isl B° Unwise thus far to hear thee. gu i “en q | Henpasthuishas vst® vere aa Thou shalt not stir till, one short question ask’d, | | _ Lhave thy answer. ~ Ask whate’er thou wilt ; it: : Thy tongue, it seems, can speak. 6) te) ty, This captive then, ~ * LICH. ATT. _. LICH. ATT. LICH. is ATT. LICH.. s ATT. LICH. DEIA. rs E 468...501 — The Trachinian Virgins. 207 Whom thou hast brought, who is she? dost thou know? Who is she ?>—— Why is this inquiry made ? Hast thou not said that she, on whom thine eye *,»sLook’d as on one unknown, was nobly born _ Of Eurytus, and Iole her name? To whom said this ? Whom bring’st thou to attest That from my lips such words he ever heard? The citizens: for the Trachinians round In crouds assembled heard thee speak these words. I said indeed I heard this; but to speak On mere imagination, and fo affirm _ As certain, merit not a like regard. , Imagination! Didst thou not on oath) .) Declare thou brought’st the wife of Hercules? I say she was his wife ! Now, by the gods, Who, honour’d lady, is this stranger here? One, who in person heard thee say his arms’ “Subdued the country for this virgin’s sake : That not his Lydian slavery, but the love: Of her spread devastation o’er her realms. The man is frentic : Lady, send him hence: With such to hold vain converse is not wise. By Jove, who rolls his thunders through the grove That shades the brow of (ita, do not hide ~The truth: to no base woman wilt thou speak, Nor to an untaught mind that hath not mark’d Man’s nature, form’d not always to delight In what once pleases. He, ’gainst Love who’ stands In daring opposition, is unwise. Love at his pleasure lords it o’er the gods, O’er me too ;:why not o’er anotherthen .. E’en such as I? Should I then blame my lord As vanquish’d by this pow’r ; or should I blame This woman, who to me causes no ill, 208 CHOR. LICH. To falsehood hath been train’d, no honest lore .) ro The Trachinian Virgins. 502...535 — Nor brings dishonour, I were mad indeed. _ It is not so. But if by him thy mind» = Hast thou been taught: if from thyself thou draw’st This glozing science, when thy heart shall prompt ¥ Yo open faith, distrust with jealous eye — , Will look on thee as base: let then thy tongue Always speak truth : on the free man, who bears The hateful brand of falsehood, shame attends. Can’st thou escape detection ? Vain that hope : What thou to many hast divulged, to me - Some will disclose. If thou hast fears, those fears Are vain and causeless : not to be inform’d, Aye, that indeed would grieve me; but to know, Can that be dreadful ? Hath not Hercules Admitted others to his nuptial bed, q And many? Yet not one of those e’er heard‘. Harsh word from me, or keen reproach $ nor now Shall this Eubcean, though with love she melt His yielding heart. Her, most of all the train, Soon as I saw, I pitied: well Lknow ss 1) Her beauty hath undone her; cruel fate, |) . And not her will, hath on her country brought Ruin and slavery. Of these things no more ; I give them to the winds. But mark thou well My charge, on others practise thy deceits, But always let thy tongue speak truth to me. This is for thine advantage ; be advised: The time will come when thou wilt not repent So doing; my esteem too thou wilt gain. _My honour’d mistress, since I see thee moreed By soft humanity, and not unlearn’d » Tn human nature, I no more will hide Aught from thy knowledge, but disclose the truth. ] 536...567 The Trachinian V. irgins. — * 209 DEIA. It is as this man said; with love of her Was Hercules inflamed; and for her sake Her father’s tealm, Ce chalia, by the spear Was wasted wide. ‘These things (for of my lord Thus I must speak) he gave me not in charge To hide, nor were they by himself disown’d : This fault was mine, if it be deem’d a fault ; For I was fearful, lady, lest thy breast * By tidings so unwelcome I should wound. And now, since all the truth to thee is known, For his sake, for thine own, with kindness treat This woman; be thy promised courtesy Confirm’d; for he, who glorious in his might Triumph’d o’er all, is by her love subdued. Such is my purpose; no augmented load Of ills spontaneous on myself to draw, Contending with the gods. Retire we now Beneath this royal roof, thou shalt receive My mandates ; for his presents in return { shall send presents; these too thou shalt bear ; Not to send something by thee were unjust, SAS ca test attended with a splendid train. STRO. CHORUS. Sovereign, résistless in her sway O’er the charm’d heart victorious Venus reigns. Not’ her sweet forée, which Gods obey, Which Jove’s firm soul subdued, attunes these strains; Which taught the gloomy Pow’r to bow, «Phe monarch of the realms below ; And him, who gives his thundering waves to roar, And furious shake the solid shore. To other themes these humbler strains belong : * The warring rivals claim the song, 25 . » 210: Phe Prachinian V, irgins: 568...599 — In arms.contending for this bride... . is The contest dust, and. toil, and wounds decide. ANTIS. _ Rising in all his strength the Flood, me » in-form a Bull terrific to the sight, Laat /Etolian Achelous stood, ,_, | With horns his threat’ning forehead arm/d for fight. . From Thebes the Chief of mighty fame * Fierce to the rough encounter came, — The son of Jove; his massy club he rears, — _His bow unbent, his arrows bears. * Inflamed with jealous love and rival rage. wat In horrid combat they engage; While Venus with severe delight. .)., _ Awards the prize, and arbitrates the fight. POD. ~ Dauntless each the fight provokes, | Loud the thunder of their strokes ; Sate tn) The. clanging | bow. now aims the, wound ; With dreadful clash the Bull’s strong ] horns resound. Now front meets front, the furious blow. With horrid conflict threatens death ; Now in strong grasp each” ‘struggling | foe Strains every nerve, and. lab’ring pants : for, breath. Meanwhile the beauteous Nymph, whose charms Inflamed the combatants to arms, Anxious and doubtful of her fate Conspicuous on the river’s margin sate ; (My song records the voice of fame) All was suspence and awful dread, : ~ Till victor now the. hero came, And from her mother’s arms the eating virgin led. e DEIANIRA, CHORUS. pera. Whilst with these female captives in the house — My guest, on his departure bent with speed, 4 ce 600:::638 The Trachinian ‘Virgins. - * Oe Holds converse; unobserved to you,’ my friends, Hither I come, to tell you what device) These hands have form’d, and for my Poa raise Your sympathetic pity ; for no more A. virgin deem J that I here received, But one who shares ‘this bed; as in his bark The matiner adiiits a banefal freight. - And now the same embrace in the same couch * We both await: such is the recompense — The good and faithful Hercules, so call’d, Repays me for my long and anxious care. Yet my heart knows not anger that he yields ’ Oft to this weakness; but to live with her In the same house, with her my nuptial bed “To share, what’ woman can bear this? I'see°:! Her age, it daily opens to fresh bloom, While mine is in the sere: the eye/of man Delighted views the vernal glow, arid loves: To crop the flow’r; but from the fading leaf Turns with disgust away? hence rise my fears - Lest Hercules, in vain my husband call’d) Give to her younger beauties all his loves’! Yet not for this doth anger, as I’said, ° , Become a prudent woman. But, my friends, 1 What I possess of pow’r to heal my griefs » ow J T will inform you. In a brazen vases ‘A present from the ancient Centuar long | Have I preserv’d; while yet in youth’s fresh Bloom This from the shaggy Nessus I received ~ When dying from his wound. It was is wont O’er the deep flood Evenus rolls to bear For hire, who wish’d to reach the further bank, In his strong arms; vor dashing oar was his, Nor batge with-swelling sails: © Me thus he bore, 212 CHOR. DEIA. The Trachinian Virgins. 634000667 ‘ 7 When, unattended with my father’s train 9 5 I followed Hercules; but when he reach’d ihe The middle of the stream, his wanton hands. ’Gainst modesty transgress’d; I cried aloud; The son of Jove sprung forward, in his hand, His ready bow, from which a feather’d shaft Wing’d with impetuous fury pierced his side. | Me then the dying monster thus address’d, Daughter of aged Ciuneus, 1 no more Shall pass this flood ; but since my arms have borne Thee their last charge, derive thou thence this good, — Observant of my words: Preserve with care, The clodded blood which issues from my wound ; = The gore of the Lernwan Hydra tinged. .. > , The blacken’d shaft; this will have pow’r to charm The heart of Hercules to thee assured’; That never woman shall his eyes behold Fair and attractive of his love, like thee., To memory this recalling (for with eare The dying Centaur’s gift 1 have preserved)... With it, my friends, this vestment I have tinged, Nothing omitted which he gave in,charge , While yet he lived. These things are now prepared. The boldness of ill arts I would not know, I would not learn ;_ those women I abhor Who dare attempt them: yet her youthful bloom Could I by charms o’ercome, and sooth the. heart Of Hercules to. love, I would assay Their potency : but if you deem th’ attempt Unmeet, or void of force, IP will forbear. If thou hast aught of confidence in deeds _ Like this, we judge that thou hast. purposed: wal. My confidence is only such as gives © Strength to opinion, net assured by proof, 668...699 The Trachinian Virgins. = 213 cHoR. Then put it to the proof; opinion else, 7 5, Though built on reason, no assurance yields, , pEIa. We soon shall know, for Lichas from the gate I see advance; he quickly will be here. © Only be secret; for.e’en shameful things In dark concealment are secured from shame. ~ LICHAS, DEIANIRA, CHORUS. ticH. Daughter of CEneus, give me thy commands ; Too long already I have linger’d here. 7 pEIA. Lichas, in this my care hath been employ’d, Whilst converse with the strangers thou hast held, That thou may’st bear this beauteous-woven vest,” Wrought by my hands, a present to thy lord. This give him, with a charge that but himself No mortal in it proudly be array’d ; Nor ever let the sun’s resplendent beam G Behold it, nor the altar’s sacred flame,’ +’ __ Nor the bright-blazing hearth, till he shall stand In public view, and show it to the géds, When on some solemn day the victim bleeds : For such my vow, if e’er I saw or heard | That he return’d in safety, with this robe To deck his person, that before the gods Gorgeous in new attire he might appear, And offer sacrifice. Bear this, in proof _ I gave such charge; my signet he will know. Now go, and take good heed not to presume Beyond thy orders; so shalt thou obtain A double meed, my favour and thy lord’s. uicH. The duty of an herald it is mine With firmness to discharge ; nor e’er to thee '- Will I be false ; but, as it is, present This chest, and faithfully relate thy words, 214 DEIA. LICH. DEIA. LICH. DEIA. STRO. The Trachinian Virgins. 700.798 Go then : the state: ap an domestic charge nod'T .AOKS Thou in sts: of proasor 20 Jind AapedT | | ) L know it,’ wad ‘atid shall say” OW. Ate That all ane by ‘thy prudent’ caré aré safes | . Thou know’st, for thou hast seen,’ how I received This stranger, with what friendly courtesy) fh I saw it, and my heart. was rapt with joy, . Is there aught else I wish thee to relate?” My love to him, I fear, thou may’st Hise Ls HOG Ere of sn — to me I am ane BAOl GOL ald aa estond shtSS “CHORUS, woven Jel Vi 1 You. on, the alti whose jpteiag cis gil o _ O’erhangs the dashing wave, idusoi¥! At whose soft foot the warm prs ae sane The: weary limbs to lave ; % | isttom off On Cita’s summits rudely piled)». 7 Who fix your, habitations wilds. 4), ).g7 You, who the Melian bay: command, The golden-quiver’d Virgin’s, ‘dines ni (Or near the rocky straits;reside, .., ,..4yy - Where Greece her Chiefs in council aicws with pride ; ANTIS. 1. Soon shall you hear the, pipe’s sweet sound; To you.it comes agains, °) sfas)) oT No. mournful notes it breathes around, ¢: But sprightly is the strains. 4 °P. ey And, with such airs as joy,imspite,. ... | Rivals the Muses’ heav'nly,lyre,. : The winged hours the hero,bring, F rock Son. of Alemena and heav’n/s king; f He comes, he chases all our fears, — And the,rich spoils of every virtue Beate L. 717. The straits of Phermopyle y Ave re” thee 25 eb at Mud yonic conn cil met. Piri Ayia ES 8 ret Tpit get y. ae o 729...760 The Trachinian Virgins. © 216 stro. 2... The hero absent from oar state)... .»» Twelve tedious moons we mourn, > _ Whilst anxious Expectation Sater. ¢ jf And. watch’d his wish’d return, Bie Unknown what seas. he ploughs with, pain, tonite) What shores his lingering steps detain. ..~ Meanwhile his fond wife melts in.tears;)..- \ »,And yields her heart. a)prey to fears : But Mars now bids his fury,cease, . And closes his long day of toils in peace. antis. 2. May he arrive, e’en now atrive sd Nor let the lab’ring oar ie Forbear his welcome bark to drive, ; | ~., On, Trachin’s shouting shore, nd Figs) Bat bring, him, from. the island shrine, ... ... Where how: he offers rites, divine. Of Lilia oS Ga Nirah “i adele Capea Come, as.the,Centaur’s, words profest, . , Wrapt in Renan Dineteeted vest ! ~.. ‘ DEIANIRA, CHORUS. pga. I felt ily female friends, that! T have, done. More. than became. me in, may, late attempt. | CHOR. Daughter of royal, fay news, what, hath, chanced : ? pEIA. , 1 know not; but misgivings; sink my, mind, ¥ Lest it should, soon appear that Thave done, Impell’d, by honest. hope, some mighty ,j ill. cHor. Thy presents to thy, lord, cause they this fear day DEIA. So strongly, . that I never will advise ,. A. promptness toa. deed of dark event. . tae cHor. If we may know, inform us whence. thy fear. if peta. A thing, my. friends, hath happen’d far beyond All thought, and big with wonders You shall hear. 216 The Trachinian V’ irgins. 761...794 The soft wool sever’d from the snow-white fleece, With which I lately ting’d the robe, at once Wasted and, touch’d by none within the house, - Shrunk self-corroded into dust, and lay A loose heap on the surface of the stone. That thou may’st know each circumstance, distinct Shall my relation be, and giv’n at large. Whate’er the dying Centaur, ’midst the pangs | Of the keen arrow in his side infix’d, Gave mé in charge, [ treasured in my heart, As characters indelibly engraved © -On brazen tablets: his instructions these, And I obey’d them; from the blazing hearth, And by the warm beams of the sun tintouch’d, Close-+cover'd still to keep this potent charm Fresh, till occasion should require its use. I did so: and when now my thought resolved To put its virtue to the proof, retired : In secret, wool from my domestic stores’ I for the purpose took, and tinged the vest ; Then folded it, and laid it, as you saw, In a close chest by the sun’s beams. untouch’d. Again returning T beheld a sight | | No language cat express, nor could the thought Of man conceive; the wool, wherewith I tinged The vest, I chanced to throw where the sun’s rays Beam’d in full force; as it grew warm, it shruhk And wasted on the ground, like the light dust Which falls beneath the saw, like this it lay : But soon the swelling mass in froth arose, — Fermenting like the grape’ s rich juice, that drops Pour’d in grey autunin on the earth. ‘My tind Is troubled, and perplex’d with fears: I see’ That Thave done some dreadful deed; for whence DEIA. DEIA. CHOR, CHOR, CHOR,. HYLL. - 795.826 =The Trachinian Virgins. = =——217 This kindness by the dying Centaur shown, Or why to me, through whom the savage died ? It is not so; but, wishing to destroy The author of his wound, he filed his tongue — To sooth my ear with glozing courtesy. This I too late perceive, for now to know: Avails not.: I aloney ah wretched me! . (If with false fears my soul is not deceived) Have wrought his ruin: well I-know the shaft That gave the wound; e’én Chiron the divine ~ Fell by its fatal point ; to every beast Tts touch is death; and the black poison, mix’d With the vile Centaur’s blood, shall, now, destroy My lord too. Such my fears... But should he die, Fix’d is the purpose of my soul, with him , I too will die: for who’could bear to live. With infamy, that has a:sense of shame, . And a base nature holds in-high disdain ?.. Horror at dreadful deeds must seize the soul ; But ere th’ event hope should not be’ renounved. But in designs, which honour does not own, There is no hope that harbours confidence. To those who err in judgment, not in will, Anger is gentle: Lady, such be: thine. ‘The stranger to affliction thus may speak ; But not the wretch who shares the dreadful ill. The time now calls for silence ; on this theme Unless thou wou’dst hold converse with thy son, Who went to’seek his father; he is here. HYLLUS, DEIANIRA, CHORUS. My mother, oh that thou wert now no more ; Or, if alive, that to some other son - Thou wert a mother; or to holier thoughts 2 8 18 The Trachinian Virgins. — 8 27...856 The present temper of thy mind were changed. © pE1A. What have I done that merits this rebuke? HyLL. Know then the dire event: this fatal day Thy husband and my father thou hast slain. pEIA. Ah wretched me! What hast thou said, my son ? HYLL. What cannot be recall’d: the deed once done, Where is the pow’r can render it not done? pra. What may this mean, my son?. By whom inform’d Say’st thou that I have done this hateful deed ? HYLL. I saw my father’s suff’rings, with these:eyes-() I saw them, nor by others was inform’d. pera. Where didst thou see him? where attend him? say. HYLL. If thou wou’dst know it, I must tell thee all. The far-famed town of Eurytus destroy’d, The trophies of his conquest, and the spoils He to Cenzeum brought, a rocky point: High-rising on the Eubcean shore, and wash’d - On each side by the sea; his altars there, _ _ And the green foliage of a grove, he raised. To Jove his father; there my longing eyes With joy first. saw him: but as he prepared _ The various victims, hence his servant came, ’ The herald Lichas, and thy present brought, The fatal vest : with this, for such thy charge, He robed himself, and slew twelve beauteous bulls "Selected from the play; but to the god An hundred various victims he had brought. At first th’ unhappy hero, with a mind Cheerful and joying in his gorgeous robe, -Offer’d his vows; but when the bloody flame L. 845. This was usual on solemn oceasions. Thus Virgil, Spargite humum foliis, inducite fontibus umbras,° Pastores; mandat fieri sibi talia Daphnis. * ' ae . oo yes _ = = “ q 5 “ pe wer ig -857...891 | The Trachinian Virgins. — 219 Blazed from the hallow’d sacrifice, and heat Glow’d from the unctuous firs, close to his sides And to each limb, as by some artist fix’d, The robe abhered; and. through his bones shot fierce Convulsive pains; then as the poisonous gore Of the.detested Hydra rankled deep, He ask’d th’ unhappy Lichas, for thy crime In nothing blamable, by whose base arts He brought this robe: unconscious what he brought Th’ ill-fated herald said, from thee alone It was a present to his charge assign’d, And brought as he received it. At these words, Rack’d as he was with agonizing paius, _ He seized him by the foot above the part Where the joint bends, and dash’d him ’gainst the rock Projecting o’er the waves that wash its sides ; A mingled mass of hair, and brains, and blood Flow’d from his shatter’d head; th’ assembled crouds Lament the hero’s sufferings, and the fate Of Lichas; but of all the train not one Had courage to approach him: to the ground One while he bent convulsed; anon erect He cried aloud ; the promontories round, The rocks of Locris, and Euboea’s heights: Resounded with his cries: but now grown faint, And oft with anguish writhing on the earth, With many a groan he cursed thy nuptial bed, Inhuman as thou art, to his repose So fatal; cursed thy father’s bridal rites, | Whence to his life this pest. Then through the mist, |: That darken’d o’er him, his distorted eyes _ | _ He rais’d, and saw me ’midst the numerous croud, Weeping his fate; he look’d on me, and cried My son, come to me; do not fly my ills, Though with thy dying father thou shou’dst die ; 220 The Trachinian Virgins. 892...924 But bear me hence, and see thou lay me where ~ No mortal may behold me: if thy soul | Is sensible of pity, from this land “Remove me; haste, that here 1 may not die. — Thus as he urged; we placed him in a bark, - And brought him to this shore, no easy task,’ Roaring aloud through anguish; him thou soon Or living wilt behold, or lately dead: . ~ This ’gainst my father have thy arts. devised,» This hast thou done, my mother ; and this deed May rigorous justice on thy head repay, — And the avenging Fury, if my pray’rs ~ Be righteous: they are righteous: thou hast cast All that is righteous from thee, and hast slain - The best, the noblest man the earth could boast : His equal never more shalt thou behold. cuor. Without reply why dost thou haste away? : Silence, be thou assured, confirms the charge. uyLL. Nay, let her go; and may.a favouring gale Swell as she goes, and waft her from my sight. “Why should I cherish with a son’s fond pride The name of mother? Nothing hath she done That shows a mother’s part: let her then go, | And take this farewell with her, May she find Such joys as to my father she hath given. ie CHORUS, es. pda sTRO. |. ‘ See, virgins, see, the doom of old ~ By the prophetic voice foretold |. Advances with impetuous speed, For thus the fates decreed, <0 — “< Twelve times the moon shall bend her silver bow, “ Then rest from toils the son of Jove shall know.” See, th’ event with secret force: Onward holds its destin’d course; | gltn, \ 9251009 58 The Trachinian Virgins. ; 221 _ For-he, who sinks to Pluto’s peaceful shore, Is to toils a slave no more. ANTIS. 1. . For if the Centaur o’er his head wr STRO. 2. Guileful the sanguine cloud has spread ; - If from the venom-tinctured vest He feels the rankling pest * Of death and of the spotted Hydra born, ' How shall he see another orient morn? Ours the héro to deplore Wasted by the Hydra’s gore, ‘As the rough Centaur’s wiles their pangs impart, Burning in his tortured heart. _ But as fear her love alarms, When now the royal dame with dread - Beholdsa rival to her nuptial bed, Confiding in these fatal charms She thoughtless is ensnared with hostile wiles, Whilst hope to win her lord her heart beguiles. Now the ruin she deplores, Now the tear of anguish pours; | For fate advancing all the treachery shows, + Whence this mighty mischief flows. aNTIs. 2...» Forth hath burst the fount of tears. CHOR, . The pest is spread. From all my foes Never on thee, Alcides, fell such woes To rouse dejected pity’s fears. Alas the illustrious hero’s fatal spear, That flamed terrific in the front of war ! : From -Cichalia’s summit hoar This the captive virgin bore: The deed declares Idalia’s sportive queen, Acting silent and unseen. Am I deceived? Or hear I from the house The voice of lamentation newly raised ? wrod 999 MAT. CHOR. MAT, CHOR. MAT. CHOR. MAT. CHOR. MAT. CHOR,. MAT. CHOR, MAT. CHOR, MAT. CHOR. MAT. CHOR. MAT. CHOR. MAT. The Trachinian Virgins. 959. It is the ery of grief distinct and clear : Something beneath this roof bursts forth anew. But mark this aged matron, what a gloom Of more than usual sadness clouds her brow ! She comes, and will inform us what hath chanced. MATRON, CHORUS. Of no light ills, O virgins, hath the gift Sent to Alcides been to us the cause. Say, aged matron, what new ill is this. The last. of ways is Deianira gone, Not by the living trod... ‘ak The way of death? Thou hast heard all. Alas th’ unhappy ations Is she then dead? _ The truth again aad hearest. Ah her untimely fate ! Say how she died. Most wretched, by an harsh and rueful act. Tell us the manner. She destroy’d herself By what disease, or what wild best sabe ? Pierced by the point of the relentless sword.’ But how could she devise, or how alone Accomplish on herself the deathful deed ? By the deep piercing of the pitiless steel. Did thy sad eyes behold the desperate deed ? I saw it all, for near her I-was placed. How was it? how? inform us.» : Her own hand The dreadful et against herself perform’d: This Nymph, this fatal stranger hath giv’n birth, Birth to a Fury dreadful to this house. © «+ 985 Dreadful indeed! But more, hadst thou been near, » ll : - j 986... 1019 The Trachiniun Virgins. 223 Hadst thou, as I, been present to’behold Her conduct, more thy pity had been moved. cHor. Such things how dared a woman’s hand attempt ? — _. Mat. It was a scene of horror: thou with me Wilt thou attest, when thou shalt know the whole. Soon as she entering pass’d the gates alone, And saw her son preparing in the court A cover’d couch with purpose to return And meet. his father, she conceal’d herself _ Where none might. see her; then she wail’d aloud Prostrate before the altar, that her state Was become desolate; and if she touch’d Aught which before her hands had used,’ she wept. Then through th’ apartments as her wand’ring steps She turn’d, some loved domestic if she saw, Affected at the sight she pour’d a flood Of tears; her wretched state she then deplored, And all the riches of her house, no more - With children tobe blest. This had an end. Then to the chamber, where the nuptial bed Of Hercules was placed, with sudden speed I saw her rush; conceal’dasecret eye . I kept on her, and thére beheld her spread With busy care the coverings o’er the couch Of Hercules; this done, she sprung aloft, And seated onthe middle of the bed Gave the warm fount of tears to gush, and said, O thou dear couch, long since my bridal bed, Henceforth farewell ; for never shalt thou more Receive me on thy soft down to repose. She spoke, and with dispatchful hand unloosed The golden clasp, which o’er her swelling breasts Confined her robe; thus was her side laid bare, And her left shoulder. With my utmost speed - 994 Short was the interval; yet when we came, °~ “He knew that ’gainst herself enraged this deed > hw ee The Trachinian Virgins. —1020...1051 — Tran to tell her son what she design’d. = We saw her side deep wounded, to her lehiene .s0M: The sword had pierced : at that sad sight her son ©) Groan’d in the anguish of his soul, for well She had effected, taught too late what ill She on her house had brought, without design, But by the Centaur’s evil arts ensnaredy) | Nor sighs nor tears th’ unhappy youth’ forbore, Nor lamentations : to her cheek he join’d His cheek, and to her bleeding side his side; Thus lying near her many a groan he heaved, That rashly he had charged her with acrime | _ Of base intent; then wept, because ationce Of hers and of his:dather’s life deprived... Such scenes I saw: so that if mortal man Of one day, or of more should make account, His thoughts were vain; to-morrowis not, ere In eabie he has Sai the, ae! we CHORUS. « Which most shall cause my i to flaw ? Which most shall I lament ? Each is a deed of-equal woe, .... ; And dreadful each events... Beneath this roof may one be seen, The other comes with threat’ning mein, The present ill,.th’ impending dread, Alike their gloomy horrors spread... ». Oh, would some fav’ring whirlwind rise, Sweep from this house, and drive me through the air From this dire scene of sorrow far, iy eo And from these miseries spare my aching eyes ! ‘ . 1052... 1080 The Trachinian Virgins. 225 Whilst the son of Jove sustains Fierce and. agonizing pains, _ My trembling soul would sicken with affright, And I should die at such a sight. See, to this royal nansion near Some prodigy of woe they bear: No distant grief excites this mournful strain, Taught like the thrilling Nightingale’s to flow. In solemn silence moves the stranger train, Heedful, as friends, with gentle steps and slow : Nor word nor sound he utters as he lies, And death, or eC hath closed the hero’s eyes. HERCULES wir ATTENDANTS, HYLLUS, CHORUS. Se HYLL. What auenish: O my father, rends my ae To see thee thus! What can I do? Ah me, Unhappy me, what grief is. mine ! ATT. _ My son Be silent, lest thou rouse his cruel pangs, - And torture him to madness; thus reposed He lives; forbear then, and restrain thy cries. HYLL. Say’st thou he lives, old man? ATT. His sense thus lock’d In sleep, thou wilt not rouse him, wilt not move, Or stir the fury of his fierce disease. uyit. His sufferings so immense distract my soul. HERC, Ah, to what region am I come? O Jove, ’Mongst whom of mortals am I laid, thus rack’d With never-ceasing pains? Ah wretched me, How fierce the gnawings of this fell disease ! arr. Happier had been thy silence: from his eyes Thy clamours have dispell’d pain-soothing sleep. HyLL. How could [ at a sight like this refrain ? 2G 226 ~The Trachinian Virgins. “O81... TTA HERG, Ye hallow’d altars, whose firm base is fix’d On high Ceneum, what a recompense i For all my victims to unhappy me Have you repaid? O Jove, with what ebce | pains, Hast thou afflicted me? This dire disease, Whose unextinguish’d rage to madness fires My bursting veins, oh that I had not known! . What potent charm, what skill medicinal | Can mitigate, without the pow’r of J ove, These agonizing pangs? Oh might I see This miracle, though distant ! Let me lie, Ah, let me lie reposed. Why dost thou touch, Why dost thou raise me up? Each touch is death. ‘Thou hast awaken’d pangs that were at rest. >- Again my tortures are inflamed, again They rush upon me. Ah, where are you now, Ye most unjust of all the Grecian race? é With many toils th’ infested seas I clear’d, And all the ruffian-haunted woods ; yer’ now I miserably perish; not a man Will bring or fire or sword to put an end. To my afflictions; not a man will come Willing to rend from me this hated life: att. O thou his son, this task requires a strength Greater than mine; assist him thou, thine eye Quicker than mine sees what may give him aid. nyLu. I touch him, but to mitigate his pains Exceeds my pow’r, and all the healing art Avails not: that must be the work of Jove. 5 ueERC. My son, my son, where art thou? In thy arms | Raise me, support me. O my cruel fate! This fierce, immedicable, wasting pest Attacks, again attacks me; wretched me! O Pallas, it consumes me. O my son, —-1115...1148 The Trachinian Virgins. _ ©CHOR. | HERC. ho iN “i In pity to thy father draw thy sword, And plunge it deep into. my throat ; the deed Will not be impious; heal these torturing pangs Inflicted by thy mother’ s wicked hands: _ Oh might I see her fall’n, thus fall’n, as me Her arts have sunk! Thou monarch of the dead, Brother of Jove, give me a speedy death, | And lay, oh lay a tortured wretch at rest! My friends, chill horror shakes me as I hear The miseries, which th’ illustrious hero bears. What fiery and unutterable pains With rankling venom pierce my hands, my back! Such not the wife of Jove to me assign’d, Nor stern Eurystheus, as this treacherous dame, Daughter of Giineus, whose entangling net, The texture of the furies, burns my limbs, And works me death; close to my sides it sticks, Eats through my skin, and rioting beneath My vitals drains ; already | hath it. drank The fresh streams of my blood, and all my flesh Is wasted, by these gnawing bands consumed. This not the spear on the ensanguined plain _ Uplifted, nor the terrible array Of earth- born giants, nor ‘the furious force Of savage beasts ‘roused from their horrid ali Nor Grecian, nor Barbarian, nor the rag Of ruffian, bands from which I purged the earth, Effected ; but a single woman, form’d By nature weak, a woman to the ground. Without a sword hath brought me. But, my son, Now prove thyself my son, nor. more revere A mother’s name; but bring her from the house, And give her to my hands, that I may know If more my wretched state afflicts thy heart 228 The Trachinian Virgins. 149... Than hers, when thou shalt see her ruin’d form Defaced by my just vengeance. Go, my son,” Dare this; have pity on me; many feel The touch of pity for me, as I weep Like a sick girl lamenting: till this hour No man can say that e’er his eyes beheld : Such weakness in me; but without a groan oils and afflictions always I sustain’d : But now my firmness sinks, and I am found . Amidst my ills a woman., But, my son, Come to me, nearer stand, come all,-observe From what a malady these torturing paitis I suffer; look, I throw my vests aside, Behold this wretched body; what a sight’ To move your pity! Ah, this burning spasm Rends me afresh, it pierces through my sides, No rest this cruel, gnawing pest allows. Receive me, O thou monarth of thé dead’! Strike me, ye bolts of Jove; O king supreme, Roll thy red thunders, hurl them on this os . My father! for it riots now again, yep fam & 1182 Gains strength, grows fiercer.. O my ai, 4 my hands, My back, my breast, my arms! Are. these the nerves In which I gloried once, whose matchless strength Quell’d the Nemzan lion which the blood © Of slaughter’d herds distain’d, whose savage rage None dared approach? Are these the nerves, whose Becta Crush’d the Lernsean Hydra, and subdued The host of monsters to the horse’s strength Joining the human form, a lawless band, ‘ ‘ To outrage train’d, exulting in brute force? The Boar of Erymanthus; the grim Dog — Of hell, three-headed monster, by no arms To be attack’d, from dire Echidna sprung ; a a 1183...1214 The Trachinian Virgins. 229. _ The Dragon, guardian of the golden fruit CHOR. HYLL. HERC. OYLL. HERC. HYLL. HERC. On earth’s remotest verge? These glorious toils, These, and‘a thousand more have I achieved ; But never mortal o’er my glory raised A trophy: nevertheless now this hardy frame Is shatter’d, and beneath this blind disease I waste away; my mother’s virtuous name Avails me not, nor through the starry skies That I am call’d the son of thundering Jove. Yet know you this, though I am nothing now, A weak exhausted nothing, yet e’en thus I will inflict just vengeance on her head: Who brought me to this state; that she may learn, And publish to the world, that it is mine’ In life or death to punish impious deeds. Unhappy Greece, what sorrows will Agha 0! Of his illustrious virtues if béreaved? With leave obtain’d since If may speak to hak Hear me with patient silence;'though in pain;. For I shall ask what justice wills thou grant. Give me thyself, with passion less inflamed s 1) For thus thou canst not know that thy watmowish . - Obtain’d would yield thee aught ‘6f solid joy,» ’ Or that thy rage without a cause is’roused. 0°. Speak what thou wou’dst, but briefly; ’midst these pains I comprehend not hints abstruse and dark. Much of my mother, of her present state, — And her unweeting error I would‘speak. . O thou most base! And canst thou to my ears The murderer of thy father name again?» Such is her state, that silenee in her ‘cause Would ill become me.’ All her former faults’ Might well admit thy plea. 230 The Trachinian Virgins. 1215...1239__ HYLL. So wilt. thou judge anit ol Of this day’s error. 9 Oo, a HERC. _ Speak, but take cand heed No baseness stain thy nature. HYLL. Lisgh She is dead, Recently slain. HERC. By whom? Through ills announced Portentous are thy words. HYLL. » Against her ifaw . Her own bold hand she arm’d. HERC. 7 Oh that from mine She had received her meed !. HYLL. vo: The whole truth known, Soon would thine anger die away. HERC. Thy words To something dreadful are a proem: ay Why such thy nevekt 5 HYLL. squid .-. Unweetingly she err nil Her whole intent was good. | HERC. dd 2lliwe oA thou : so base? Murdering thy father well did she intend ? : HyLL. When. thy new bride within, thy house she saw, , Weening by charms.to win thy love, she err’d. « __ HERC. Whom in these arts so skill’d doth Trachin boast ? HYLL. The Centaur Nessus with his dying breath Beguiled her with such charm t’ inflame thy love. HERC. Then I am lost indeed; unhappy fate! __ I perish, ah, I perish ! Now no more Beams the son’s golden light for me; I know ) 4 My miserable state. But go, myson,._. (Thou hast no more a father) hither bring, Thy brothers, bring them all;, and with thee lead The sorrowing Alemena,.wife of Jove : In vain; that from my lips you yet may, hear. }, wh “j240...1265 The Trachinian Virgins. W311: HYLL. HERC, The last of Oracles. to me announced: Thy mother is not here, but on the banks yak Of Tiryns hath her dwelling ; 3 of thy sons Some there she trains, and some at’Thebes reside : : We, who are near, if aught thou would’st require, Hearing thy mandates will perform the charge. Then hear thou me; for now thou art arrived. At such an age as to the world may show The virtues of the man, and of my son.! To me long since my awful sire declared -That by no living mortal I should die, But by the dead, in the dark realms below By one that hath his mansion: this is he, 0 ~ The Centaur Nessus, by the voice divine Foretold ; though long since dead, me of my life -He hath bereaved. Attend, while yet I pes Of oraeles late utter’d, which accord - With those of former times: When I had reach’d The forest of the Selli, (an hard'race That o’er the mountains roam at large, and rest Couch’d on the ground) these from the vocal’ oak Of Jove I wrote; and thus its voice announced, That when the hours should bring this’ time to life, All my impending toils should find an’ end. I fondly thought of life and happy days, Whilst it denoted nothing but my death ; For the dead rest secure from toils. These truths L. 1242. _Electryon, the father of Alemena, was king of Tiryns. L, 1258. Homer speaks of these priests in an address to Jupiter as presid- ing on Dodona’s vocal hill, Whose groves the Selli, race austere! surround, Their feet unwash’d, their slambers on the ground ; Who hear, from rustling oaks thy dark decrees, | And eateh the fates low-whisper’d in the breeze. Pope. Iliad xvi. 288. 232 . Obedience. toa father’ s will, observe, HYLL... HERC. HYLL. HERC. HYLL. HERG, HYLL. HERC. HYLL. HERC. HYLL. “ERC. HYLL. HERC, The Trachinian Virgins. — --1266.4,1293 Are clear, my son; behoves thee. then to aid Thy father, nor provoke my harsh rebukes; Act of thine own accord, and this great law, Delenng } iE thy \ will shall be obey’ rd. aaa First give me thy right hand, : This pledge of faith Why thus. demanded 3 ? : -Wilt thou give it serait " And not oppose my will ? | I, stretch, it,:see.3.,.15 oe », Nothing duis be refus’d. eo Now by the pads Of Jove my father swear. .., To do what deed ? Speak, and receive my faith, — . ae Swear. to perform r What I command. ve | ' I swear; be witness, J ave! If thou art false, call vengeance on thy head. I fear not vengeance, I will do the deed ;. Yet bei the awful imprecation made. . Know’st thou the highest point of Gita’s mount Sacred to Jove? I know it well, ie oft The victim have I offer’d on that mount. Thither this body it behoves thee now | With thine own hands to bear, and with such friends As thou shalt need; there raise an ample pile, — Much from the deeply-rooted oak, and much From the wild olive hewn; and on it place This body ; waving then the blazing torch, Set it on fire; and let no mark of grief 1293...1319 The Trachinian Virgins. 233 HYLL. HERC. HYLL. HERC. HYLL. HERC. HYLL. HERC, HYLL. HERC. HYLL. HERC. HYLL. HERC, Attend the deed; but, if thou art my son, Do it without a groan, without a tear; Else shall my curse amidst the realms beneath Await thee, and hang heavy on thy heart. | Ah me, my father, what hast thou enjoin’d ! What must be done: if not, some other deem Thy father, and. be call’d my son no more. To what a deed wou’dst thou excite thy son, To kill my father with a murderer’s hand ! Not se: thy lenient hand I only ask » To heal the anguish of my dreadful ills. . How by these flames thy body can I heal? If thy soul shrink from this, perform the rest. These arms shall bear thee, faithful to the task. And wilt thou raise, as charged, the ample pile? So that my hands are guiltless of its flames, And of thy death, thy charge I will obey. With this I will be satisfied : -yet more One grace, a small one, to the greater add. Great though it be, it shall not be refused. The virgin daughter of Cichalia’s king Thou knowest ? lole, if just my thought. Mest just. This charge I give thee, Her, my son, When I am dead (since thou hast shown a will Prompt to be pious) mindful of thine oath Espouse ; and let no man, thy self except, Her, for my bed design’d, presume to touch; L. 1319. Unless the participle xas9civav be taken in this sense, the re- quest of Hercules must be very absurd, and even impious. He had before spoken of [ole as a virgin, +n» Ebgursiay wagSivev; Hylus objects to her as the fatal cause of his mother’s death and his father’s miseries. This Hercules would not hear. Hyllus then with great delicacy hints at his father’s too in- timate connexion with her, on which account his own marriage with her would 2H 234 HYLL. HERC. HYLL. HERC. e2Y LL. HERC,. HYLL. HERC, HYLL. HERC. HYLL. HERC. HYLE. ‘ as cE? gad fate? ee th scl Pawel 4 Te) yee’ + Await thy disobedience‘to! mip wii! «ate ovat f 4 The Trachinidn Virgins. —— -1$20...1846 if But give-hey'thy fond: love} my: sony iniddlge!t/. ‘Thy father’s’ wish / this slight request réfusedyC Things'of high iniport eranted lose/theirgracdsl Anger, -in'pity of hisypains,vsubsides 5.091) tiew A. But such'a wayward fanéy whoreait bear dour i ave Thou wilt not then with ‘ty request’ comply! onan Her, of my mother’s death that was alone’! «il The guilty dause,'that brought thee to this'state) 071" Her, by'the vengeful furies if not urgedy Wil oT Who would receive? ‘Noij\rather'let“the dié,!0 O88 Than dwell with those’whom: most ‘iny soul abhors. This youth it geenisy’a dying’ father’s‘charge 0!) «1171! Reveres tot $bits! cade shall from thé pods! 1) tau Ab, 'to thy body not’¥otifined, T fearje!! tiv ba’. oman Thy reason S60n ‘this ‘malady will reach! © fant oc wave And thou the 'éitise 7-for'thou! ei jt rouse | My pie eb ain! : boilelisa od Hw f eid) ai women of, Sey a whit doubts" 10 Distraet sie ‘soul! je di od Hi dguodt iso) ve Thy: siti} averse’ aides tiguy od Tl oma A father’s Pegi fa jeawond sod'T Shall Pthett be tatighit LYE 9 do an uairins deed } eouo elit Jen; tol .osme ili pwone Tf it delights” 0) mis L nod My 1 hearty not ig ari is'the deed. at Jqecror’ ey ea “Thy son ° wre Dost thou wattle justice to this deed impel?’ I call the gods to witness, it is just. Then Iwill do it, nor oppose thy will, Appealing to the gods that in good. truth | | This is thy work: nor shall I e’er be deem’d _ ie be impious ; Hercules calls the gods to witness that it would not be a deed of impiety, but of justice; on which Hyllus immediately consents. , 1347...1371 The Trachinian Virgins. 235 . Impious, a father’s charge whilst I obey. HERc. Thou hast concluded well: and now, my son, To all thy former add one speedy grace ; Ere fierce convulsions seize me, or the whirl Of madness, lay me on the pyre. Come then, This toil refuse not, raise me, bear me hence ; This is my rest from ills, this my last end. HYLL. Nothing restrains us from this act, thus urged By thy command, my father, thus compell’d. HERC. Now my firm soul, ere this disease return To torture me, with steel, with adamant Close up my lips, let not a cry break forth, For this unpleasing work now gives me joy. HYLL. You, who attend, take up your lord: my part In this sad business justly claims excuse. But in this horrible event the gods, Who gave him being, and are fathers call’d, ~ Yet unconcern’d such sufferings can behold, Show that their minds are ruthless. Mortal man. Sees not the future: we the present feel, Mournful to us, disgraceful to the gods, But most severe to him who bears these ills. skMi. Virgin, go hence: thou hast beheld the deaths. Of the illustrious, and their recent woes; Dreadful events, but all ordain’d by Jove, er, : we SE vee “ho ey ays yh | is ‘i pine aiid, coe ne asian 2 ik ten 28G0Ds 2 paca evra iegnod amt wad, sie aie he shria. lush yee ately alli ase — ous anid gue abd ‘ork an’ Eee Hegepbe. dis aadiah yar AU sasha 2h wag . Joeriaas Hdtv: doataat dizot send pia 6 tod oh : Sou aavin woralo: uscu tore: byok taoy- qu aaet coy antiaks, ine & ese oe +O Pa pie phe er dloue, b' Pe Ishiolt sealants eens : creel iii Gf . ; Ps; i pen Walon i. sie. Ee eT Ee in x % vty 4 44} yaa ; pies bats faind, . ” + rah? Gee fer , ey I 2, p Pe FT, ah at ¢) a ed ad Fe PERSONS OF THE DRAMA. MINERVA ULYSSES sts - AJAX ot et oakley TEOMESSA : TEUCER » yp MENELAUS AGAMEMNON | MESSENGER ©.) CHORUS or Saraminiaw Saitons. ~ et LAA hn ¢ PYETC? alF Gy 1 £79504 reg if y7sqit 4 : y r 3 } fF ey apt >A Se i ae Cree eT sete H : 4 F: tft j ¢ ei 2 ¢ 4 ft - ae: FT TON tit i ; ¥ . t * ' . ‘ ‘ a ‘ : >gv2 rt a ; "y cry : 3 Lifih Fe tek is ; f] (i 907 TELA PEPPY UGE FM SIS Pe O00 Oth) Pay f} rRSa FY i i ; ‘ a vie + ahs ? HO if , | ‘ oa ‘ $E4) f 5 ; . ~£UPE ES EM i , 72k f 3 er er ee ee f ; } ‘ ax y ae VA. 8 { Tus contest forthe arms of Achilles, the decision in favour of Ulysses, ithe ‘indignation, madness, and death of Ajax, are circumstances well known: en these Sophocles formed. the tragedy now before the reader; it: has ever been esteemed as:one of his greatest works: itisse.. 0 (608) 9: io? - t ‘The first scene may be'considered as a ‘prologue: The part which Minerva is made to act in it's, un- der every light in which it may: be viewed, grossly absurd ; it‘'is more worthy of Lucian and his Mo- mus, than of Sophocles and the Goddess of Wis- dom. But such representations of the gods show us how miserably the human mind was darkened amidst the boasted light of nature and reason. We forgive the poet however for the sake of the*fine reflection made by Ulysses at the sight of Ajax in his frenzy, and for the humble piety which Mi- 240 _ nerva inculcates: this indeed is to the purpose, as a contemptuous disregard of the gods was the crime for which Ajax was punished. The subject in itself is all fierceness and horror : this the poet has softened by introducing the mild but unfortnuate Tecmessa. Her first appearance is interesting; her narrative preserves a sober de- corum on a subject of the greatest importance to her, and to the Salaminian sailors, but totally void of dignity and grace. She shows the most ami- able gentleness to her loved and honoured lord. When she endeavours to dissuade him from his dreadful purpose, her arguments are dictated by reason and affection, yet they are warm and im- passioned, and enforced with all the enthusiasm of eloquent grief. Her lamentations over his body, after he has fallen upon his sword, are the genuine effusions of a tender and afflicted heart : the miseries of her own situation, and of her son’s, rise before her in all their horrors; but she: soon loses. sight of them, and dwells with mournfal fondness on the virtues of the dead ; her grief is severe, but modest, affectionate, and pathetic. In Ajax, after he had recovered his senses, we find a sullen melancholy, consciousness of his own worth, implacable resentment, shame, desperation, and an inflexible resolution not to survive his lost glory: every part is animated, noble, and grand; but itisa terrible grandeur. His pretended change. 239 of this resolution, necessary for the accomplish- - ment of his purpose, must have a tine effect in the representation ; it gives his friends hope, and dif- fuses a calm over their minds; but it is the de- ceitful calm previous to a storm, which soon bursts upon them with destructive violence. With the death of Ajax, according to modern ideas, the drama should end; but the injuries of- fered to him, and the afflictions of his friends had not yet anend. We know that to be deprived of . the rites of sepulture was to the ancients more ter- rible than death itself: this occasions a further and a deeper distress. We may be assured that the political enmity of the Athenians to the Spartans and Argives was the cause of this odious represen- tation of Menelaus and Agamemnon; it had this happy effect, it gave the poet an opportunity of introducing the affectionate and high-spirited Teucer, and of enriching the drama with an ani- mated contest, which must have produced the most fatal events, had it not been happily ap- peased by the generous prudence of Ulysses. The scene is before the tent of Ajax, the last in station; so that it has the camp and fleet of the Grecians stretching along the shore to the west, a valley terminated by mount Ida lying to the east, The simplicity of the ancient drama generally con- fined the whole representation to one place, from which the Chorus was not allowed to depart. So- 21 ad iS LY -phocles has ree ventured to vary ¢lie-soeney and . +0 disperse the Chorus, whom he: brings 0 r4 again/in.a wood at the foot of Ida, where Ajax had q fallen'upon his sword, . The’ reader ap Seg rise, with ‘the poet, superior to the alee, oli cism,and dclnowled ge:shatiemenstng eet ngle of Ajax over his — “tye mer eA 2356 fio} +3, “tlisab, ‘od rm | -lo witujatadtijud ; bes § tote aauarth oat PE obi A ‘he ep it ant to enous ul} bos. pid ‘at iter wi a to bavingab acl oF gerd noid av. . AY; 9 tls. lox Jon q TO? STOR ahn 1918 alt OF ah wv 7 ound: ne bo zatin, ais hap map TTL ae ari titee hy ae {42700 0TH od te VERN j087 SED FOns Ym Et 38 % we es puree pe Ee. = Py ee es alan silt. to pavioniivl to 2 ee 2 mr. Mate . Ms won i .uoenp O .lia\ . ae wus >> ry it a rede Dat H res wise. Fatt gayi 7 ir Pee S Ghia i ' es ee x > : thi ae ee TERE S Ee i t ; ; pp, Mie at RE: f ¥ & rf HY MIs ‘ tyr i j : on, pee 3 ; ‘i ; § / 4’ co ; Boe wine se & f é ‘ SE ees, ae 1) fy (Oi 49 | Pie: Tae ecm, seca t oe ee ta om Tit t mat, Re | eth MID SHO TC HGD 03 “MIN vk U ES. otal ER LYSS a." , a % POND Sr & SPETil HW GO} 41 brett “* M316 THO 10 SS MIN. Son of fal off, peat I observed bikes Thy watchful promptness ’gainst; the; fos. an sae Each fit, occasion; and,I see thee now, Ranging: long. time around the, naval tant... Of Ajax, last in, station, thy. keen, eye: Ma . Marking the fresh, impression, of, his. steps,,.....;: ‘That, thou, may’st know. if in the tent he rests... Well hast thou traced. him,, like, the. Spartan, hound Of scent sagacious: in the tent he rests,, Sweat from his. temples streaming, ané his /hands. With slaughter, stain’d; to cast thy searching eye Within these gates.is needless; but. declare , ff 2 L. 5. This is froin Hoiner, Iliad xi. v. 7. It was the post of danger and of honour, therefore assigned to Achilles and Ajax, in whose superior strength: and valour the Grecian army confided, i L, 8. Eschylus has;given the same image, and used the same word, This stranger seems, like the nice-scented hoy Quick in the trace of mrven which she will find. 2 ‘’Agamemn. vy. 1102. i, 2} 242 — Ajax. 13.443 The cause productive of this anxious toil, That by my knowledge thou may’st be inform’d. utys. Ye accents of Minerva, of the gods _ Most friendly to me! Well, O queen, I know : Thy voice, though thou not seen; it strikes my sense Clear as the Tusean trumpet’s brass-tuned notes. Just is thy knowledge that my circling step Traces a foe, Ajax, whose arm sustains The broad circumference of the massy shield ;. Him, and none other, long time have I traced. This night against us he hath done a deed Which reason starts at, if the deed be his, For we know nothing certain, but are lost In doubt: mine therefore is it to sustain This voluntary toil; for all our herds, Prize of our arms, the herdsmen too we find Fresh slaughter’d: by some wasting hand ; to him The general voice this odious deed imputes: And one, who, as he walk’d the ‘nightly round; ~ Descried ‘hiny hounding’ o’er thé ‘fields alone, | | The blood fresh dropping ‘from his sword; to me Disclosed it: instant on his steps I press Tracing their marks, now certain, now pes Lad d.. But opportune thy coming; for thy hand” - Hath been in all my actions past} in all Of future enterprise shall be my guide: mtn. [know it'well; and friendly to thy search Attended thee a guardian on thy way. — utys. Say then, propitious goddess, have my toils Just cause? MIN. They have: those deeds were his. ULYS. What urged His frentic hand ? MLN. Rage, for the glorious arms ULYS. Which once Achilles bore. Tisat 1) | Why on our Herds Fell then his wild assault? | | ‘He deem’d his hand Stain’d et your blood. | Pn oit Was the assault sea d i Against the Grecians ?! | us He had work’d his will, Had not my care been watchful. | With what bold And hacia thought ? With guile ie night alone: He rush’d upon you. Far as he desig’ i Advanced he? — To the two imperial tents. What then restrain’d his hand athirst for blood : ? I check’d him from the savage joy his heart.» Conceived, presenting to his eyes wild'forms Of sick imagination ;, on the herds I turn’d him, and the undivided spoils By herdsmen watch’d; on. these he rush’d, and spread : Wide slaughter ’midst the horned droves, around = Whirling his sword; th’ Atridze now he ween’d Fell by his hand, and now some other Chief, Each after each; his mind with frenzy seized, I urged him on, and drove him into toils Thus wretchedly entangled. When his hand From this wild slaughter ceased, the herds not slain: And all the flocks he seized, in fetters bound, And drove them to his tent, deeming them men, Not horned herds: there now with many a lash He makes his captives feel his frentic rage. But I will show thee his distemperature, 244. Aja. 8 To all the Grecians that thou linty?storeporte iii What thow hast seen. | Call up thy po abe stay, ASU Of ill not apprehensive 3 Twill turns); ao0) io” His eyes: asideito cast no glance on thee! A gra Ho there! To thee, who. on. thy: captives’ hands” | Art fixing chains, to-theec¥ call; come forth; esa) Ajax I call, come forth before: the:tents* ) ino! : uLys. What dosti thou, ee a What is thy in intent > wie Call him not forth!) 11990 OT Vet) jon belt MIN. ~ too Stand, gilt: do not fear. ry aut utys. Nay by the ods! Se 4s it hé-wemiains fist bi! Within the tent: digg dade V¥ VM MIN. Why Hoa he notycome:forthi?: of: ~ Was not the mam before 25 in oh ae ULYS. To mea yl Sod hoongy bd And such het isieedsnowu owl ol} oP \ “iM MIN. bowld tot f ads thete aijoyor mol! jon OTL More awe to tise soul, Mian to dete’ qoodo 1 am Our enemies? etl of ‘enitasesie | ober ULYS. Enough fox'mes Orqueensy iii sie VO That he remains 8 within: odd bos oid Band | Minsside bus ,b dent Dost thdtirthen fits his yé To:see:a madman: Midd off debing i dai obi¥ ULYS, J) fo0w on WOM esbitns ai delisgdigbleaat l aaihid VV I should not me hime wor bie hated ail yd {io MIN. aS yxcott (hed, me present, now 521 Ain) « be shall not seas said evo) | 10 tid bows | ULYS. tes ripe bt with hisseyeseivr ed) He sees. asi usual ?) | woldyuste flow eid? aol _ MIN. wD will: wer is sighibo! 2 fe bed, -utys. Albmay:be done: which: the: immortal: ase nif ; Désiga jie: dtin woe wad) fob Hort IOV) MIN. Stand silent ;. where thow art, remains) oi off ULYS. I shall, though: hence miore willing to retire.) 1044 (93...121 Ajax. 24. AJAX. 5 MIN. Ho, Ajax, ho! to thee again I cally) wi? To thy associate a, no more crespeet MINERVA, ULYSSES, AJAX. AJAX. \Minerva, hail! ‘Hail, progeny of Jove!’ How opportune'thy aid! With: eis ha if Thee for this glorious ¢apture will I crownw: | i MIN. Thy promised iapprove.. But tell me‘this,: : Well hast thou'tinged thy sword with rte aa blood ; ? asax. Dhavermuch:cause to ad ‘nor'the deed) | jae nulinn 296 ose 1 covtl ject ils i’ MIN. of) - And hast thoucraised: the spear: Aili th’ ‘phe sh il} To 9 AJAX. "Never shall wipe! more Dishonoie Aes. (iO yea Yas HEY STG) MIN. aria are deaal ‘ee go wiqars a ae wre ‘import, 'if@ conceive! them-right) © aJAX. Both.dead:' now’ let them’ take my arms: Lae min. Well: but'that’ other from ‘Laertes sprung. ©: _ What fate is his? Hath he escaped thy hand? agsax. Where that accurst inveigler dost thou ask ? min. I of thy rival, of Ulysses speak,‘ 08, 1 agax. With joy!E hold im) ‘goddess; in' my tent '( In chains: A-would not that he yet shoald?die. win. Whatwou'dstthoudo?: Whattiore woirdst thou obtain? asaxy Bound ‘to the ‘pillar whieh’ supports why tent... MIN.. What further vehgeance would thy ragéassign ? AJAX. His! baek the scourge shall gore ;’ then Ict him die. MIN. Nay, thas ‘severély torture rot! the wretch: >: _ asax. In all besides’l yield’*me to thy willy") 6 This'vengeance, and none other, /he shall feél, MIN. '' Since to’do this is: pleasing! to'thee, use Thy hand, and/nothing of thy: purpose spare. I go to do it; but entreat this'grace, ‘246 MIN. ULYS. MIN. Ajax. EMD ee Always, as now, my firm associate a M INERVA, ULYSSES. Thou seest,; Ulysses, what the pow’r of gods. Who was of thought more prudent than this man ? Who, when occasion call’d, in act more brave? I know not any; and I pity him, " Since now unhappy, though to me a foe,” For in the chain of ruin he is bound. 9.«) ) % And this respects his state not more than mine. For all that live, I see, are nothing more Than phantoms form’d of air, and shadows light. Hast thou a sense of this? Against the gods ._ Utter no vaunt profane ;. nor swell with pride, More puissant if thy hand, or thy wealth rise: In ampler stores. All human, things a day ‘In darkness sinks, a day to light restores. . The gods too love the sober, modest. mand, The arrogant and impious they abhor. “CHORUS. O son of Telamon, whose ample sway, Deep-rooted in the sea, that. rolls: around, The strong based shores of Salamis AS When with success.and glory thou art crown’d: My heart. beats high with joy :) but when the hand Of angry Jove afflicts, thee, or thy fame. Greece taints with envious and malignant. blame, I fear, I tremble like the fluttering dove. . Such terrors now around us blackening stand : For slander says. that o’er. the pastured plain! By thee this night. the flocks, the herds. were:slain, Spoils of the ravaged vales, (O deed abboxt’¢ aes Slain by ty flaming sword. Hob ot © -252...184 Ajax. ee 247 Such tales Ulysses with insidious art _. Against thee forms, and whispers in each ear ; His specious fictions all believe who hear, Feeling more joy than cheers th’ inventor’s heart, And with malicious insults mocks thy woes. Who wings his shafts against the great and high, Unerring to the mark beholds them fly : *Gainst me their aim they lose. - Envy crawls on, the potent keen to wound 5 Yet, when the hour brings danger forth, the low _ Without them are a tottering bulwark found ; These in the great their strong protectors know, _ The great by these protected firmly stand. But to th’ insensate wisdom speaks in vain: | Such this tumultuous train, And to repel their insults weak our hand, Weak without thee: for now, escaped thy sight, Like flecks of birds they scream, and vex thevear: Wou’dst thou, O king, appear, With awe they view the lordly vulture’s flight, And all their clamorous cries are hush’d through fear. Thee hath the Virgin Huntress sprung from Jove, Whose altars o’er the Scythian Taurus flame, (O wild report, thou parent of eur shame !) Urged ’mongst the herds with slaughtering rage to rove, To her no honours for some conquest paid ? Didst thou the glorious spoils of war detain? Were her loved hinds beneath thy arrows slain, As fearless o’er some hallow’d vale they stray’d ? Did the stern god, that in th’ ensanguin’d field . Lifts high his blazing shield, In vengeance send, defrauded of his right, The frenzy of the night ? 2 « 248 TECM. » The turbid storm of a distemper’d mind.’ CHOR. Avert this ill report! To blast thy fame 94 ¥) ' Yield not to the disgrace; ) te ¥ . ‘Like fires exposed to winds) now force their way. Ajax. 85. BRE For never, did thy sense its seat’ maintain,» ~ O'son of Telamon, with rage possest) |) jen eo/ _ Wou’dst thou spread carnage o’er the pastured plain. — 7 Heav’n-sent this wild disease hath fired thy ‘breast. . O Pheebus,‘and thou ruler of the sky, 9) 6. If the great kings, and chiefs of. mighty, viene, J. In secret basely forge this calumny; ©. Or he of the accurst Sisyphian race;|y Nor, thine: ‘eye fix’d within i naval tant. The vile report augment.) lo 9) ni od’ Rise, king of Salamis, canary fame: 9. Why to thy seat thus fixed? Thy long delay: Adds to this heav’n-sent mischief fiercer flame. For uncontoll’d the insults of thy!foes, | No bounds the spreading slander: knows';~ From tongue to tongue the a the: mockings roll s And gti Tends! ihe souly: owe ai . TECMESSA,, CHORUS, Ye faithful train, that o’er the billows steer | The bark of Ajax, from’Erectheus sprung ©) A generous race, with sorrow: pierced we mn Who in a foreign land with zeal attend | The house of Telamon: for now the ‘oa The strong, the daring Ajax sinks beneath | ~ What weight of sorrow hath this night produced Changing the fortune of the former day,» Daughter of Phrygian Teuthras, tell thy friends; For since his spear achieved thee as his prize, The ardent’ Ajax gave thee all his love; 217..+.250 Aidt . 249 Thow then, asione not ill inforni’d;, canst, vag TECM. Howcan I speak unutterable ills? 9)... This will fall on thee with a weight: like ah Such thou wilt feel.it.:; for with frenzy seized ;\ This night th’ illustrious Chief hath done a deed Destructive to his fame::; within the tent, |. .:° Thou may’st behold the victims 'of his sword, : Weltering in gore, and slaughter’d by his hand. | cuor. What hast thou said of one; that in the works: » Of war flamed foremost! We can. neither bear: _ The infamy, nor shun, it... By the Chiefs, Already it)is whisper’d, and anon wh) Wide through jthe. Grecian camp it will ue spread, Ah me!) I)fear th’ advancing, ills 5. the man , By, the same,hand, by frenzy arm’d, will digs:7) Na Amidst; the; darkness, of the night, which, whirl’ d pene His sword; and with the herdsmen slew the herds. vEcM. Ah, what oe grief! ! Thenee, thence he came, and led The herds as captives ; some within the tent. He slew, and:on the ground, some mangled 1 lie. Two rams of snow- -white. fleece he seized ; from one He rent away the tongue, smote off the head,. And threw it from him ; toa pillar high fa se The other bound, then snatch’d his, chariot- -reins,. vn And scourges it with many, a, sounding, stroke, * Reviling it with loud and shameful taunts, — .. dukod LHe dictates of some Fury, not of legge cHor. Time is. it then) we veil our heads, and, steak With secret, foot AWAY or mount our, iat ' Ik PAS The s sons of EAtrens:, who Enna our rast. Denounce against us: erush’d with stones, [ fear, ‘> We too shall feel their. vengeance, with our Jord w 250 Ayan. 251...28% Now struggling in the bonds of ruthless fate. rEcM. Not struggling now, for, as the boisterous South | That rose without the lightening’s flashing fires, His rage subsides. But to his sense return’d A new affliction grieves him; for to view Ills all our own, where no associate shares + | The deed, with keenest anguish racks the heart. cHor. But we are happy if his sense returns; The ifl now ceased, less anxious are our fears. tEcM. Hadst thou thy choice, wou’dst thou with grief afflict Thy friends, that unshared pleasure might be thine ; Or bear in mutual grief a mutual part ? cHor. The double, lady, is-the greater ill. TEcM. We, the disease not sharing, feel its pains. cHor. Why this? I know not what thy words import. tEcM. When his disease raged highest, in the ills, Which round encompass’d him, he felt a joy, To us, whose sense was perfect, causing grief. Now he is calm, and from his wild disease Breathes free, with anguish all his soul is rack’d, Nor less is our affliction than before. ‘ From single is not this a double ill? cHon. To thee my heart assents; and much I fear — Some fatal stroke impending from a god : Else why, his mind now calm, no more of joy Feels he, than ’midst the storm of his disease? TEcM. Be thou assured that things have reach’d this aucaer cuor. But tell us how this sudden #ll began; For we too melt in sympathy of woe. rEcM. Thou shalt know all, as one that shares the grief. The night was far advanced, the evening lamps dl L. 252. The Scholiast informs us that those, wlio are acquainted with the \ nature of the winds, have observed that when the South rises not attende?: 3 with lightening, its violence soon ceases. 282...312 Ajax. 251 No longer blazed, when grasping in his hand | His dreadful sword, he bent his eager steps. Towards the passes from all haunt now clear ; I gently chide him, What thy purpose now?. = — Why, Ajax, when no summons, nor the voice » ‘Of herald calls thee, nor the trumpet’s sound, Why thus rush forth? Now all the army sleeps. Few were his words, the tune of every tongue, “* To women silence gives their proper grace.” I stood rebuked, he issued forth alone. What then befel I know not: he return’d » Driving in bonds the bulls, the herdsmen’s dogs, And lowing herds; some by his sword was slain, And hewn in pieces; some like captives bound, Raging against the flocks, he scourged.as men. _ At length he issued from the tent, and-held Long converse with some shadow; of the sons... Of Atreus much, and of Ulysses much _He spoke, and laugh’d aloud, how their base deeds He in this sally amply had revenged,. Entering the tent. again his sense at length Slow he regain’d; but when he saw the ground With carnage cover’d thus, he smote his head, | And raised a mournful cry; then prostrate lay . Stretch’d ’midst the havoc of the slaughter’d flocks, Rending with violence his hair. Long time He lay, nor utter’d word; with rigorous threats Then bade me tell him every circumstance Of what had pass’d, and whence the carnage ask’d That lay around him: struck with fear, my friends, Distinct I told him all that had been done, ; L. 290. This is from Callistratus, “* As leaves are an ornament to trees, ** their fleeces to sheep, their manes to horses, the beard to men, so silence is ** an ornament to women.”? Schol. 252 Aja. 318...94) Far as I knew its’ strait with mournful ‘cries! o 4 Loud he lameéiited ;' such from him before!) oil) I never heard ;’ for wailings he disdain’ deinswol As marks of base aiid abject’ minds, nor gave 9 I His gtiefs a voice, bat‘like a murniuring’ bull!” Groan’d inwardly: and now. in’ this'ill it ; Refusing’ tobe cheer’d’ with food 6riwine, yi!’ Grovelling ‘amidst the slaughter’d’ ‘herds he’ sits | In gloomy silence, forming’ i in his mindiow o- * Some ill intent’; this his imperfect words 90°" " And griefs dante: But. 'O''my' friends,’ (this eause Impell’ d-me forth to seek you) go'to him Give him your aid, if aught avails your! pow’r;”: _Oft on such minds the words of frietids “prevail. cuor. Daughter of Teuthras; dreadful to our ears!’ Thy words, that Ajax groans —_ such ills. AJAX. Ah me; unhappy’ Me tories ive aetoveos Beal (within. tecM. To greater height it soon will rise, I fearj)/. ~ Did you not hear his loud ‘and mournful irl asax. Ah me, unhappy me bey part y ad inghceiee j cHor. He seéms disorder’d now; or keen‘remorse’: For what is past with ee stings his soul” agax. My'son; my son!) id) Di978> om aertis © [within recM. Ah me! Eurysaces; for thee he calls." ean “What now impels’ him? Where art: ibd my child ? § asax. Teucer! Where art thou, Teucer? In’ the prey [wethin. For ever active? whilstiT perish Heresy .7si os! cHor. His sense seems perféct’: open wide the doors : Regard for us pérchance may ealm his mind. > TEcM. Behold J open ‘them *’ thou! may’st low view | His deeds, and ‘all the’ misery of his statel’-\! AJAX, TECMESSA, CHORUS. ajax. My friends, who with me mount the stately bark, 342.373 = ee. 253 CHOR. AJAX. CHOR. AJAX. Alone, of all my friends, to faith’s firm law Alone adhering;‘from the raging storm) »vo. © Behold what bloody waves around me swell: - Thy words toostrongly bore the stamp of truth: [40 Teemessa How’high his ‘frenzy rosé these deeds pean.) My brave associates in‘each naval art, Who grasp the’ strong oar, and impel the bark Light bounding o’er the billows, you alone With kind regard are present to my aid; Draw all your‘swords, and end this hated life. Do not to ills itl medicines apply, Nor a severer anguish add to grief. ' | Thou seest the bold; the brave, the mighty Chie, Intrepid i in the shock’of hostile arms,) ! | Now dreadful’midst the herds secure of hart - How to derision and reproach exposed} 7 ¥\ rrecm. Not thus, my lord, loved Ajax, speak: not-thus. AJAX. CHOR. AJAX, AJAX. © Wilt thou not hence, wilt thou not hence | retire ? ? O wretch, wretch, wretch !'s} tao oi Us ba ! Now, by the gous, be alm: Let reason reassume its Sober rule; (¢ loo" Unhappy me, who let those’ fiends acetitsed / Escape my hands, and falling: with wild rage. “On the fair herds’ distain’d: ‘my sword with blood ! CHORY ‘Why for deeds past shou’dst thow ‘afflict thy mind ? Immutably they must be what they are.) Thou ever lurking spy, thou ready toot © 4 Always of every Hof all the host -o"! |» The basest, foulest, most insidious wretch, - : Son of Laertes, how wilt thott rejoice, |! IES HOR AJAX. And laugh, and revel at my miseries 1" ' ‘Each, as the god assigns, or lauglis or weeps. Oh might I see him, though thus crush’d with ills! Ah miserable me! 254 CHOR. Proud menaces ill suit thy hapless state. -aJAx. O Jove, thou father of my ancestors, TECM. AJAX. TECM. AJAX. First let me crush this wily juggling foe, And the two Chiefs that with imperial pow’r Command the Grecian host, then let me die! If such thy wish, wish too that I may die: For what is life to me, if thou art dead ? O darkness, now my light! Ye dreary shades: Of Erebus, to me sole brightness now, * Receive, receive your habitant; receive ° * A wretch no longer worthy to behold The race of gods, or mortal men | Me now They nought avail: for me the potent queen, Daughter of Jove, with vengeful hand afflicts E’en to destruction. Whither can I fly? Or where remain? My former fame, my friends, Is lost; and these last deeds have sunk me down With infamy amidst these foolish spoils ; And all the host takes arms against my life. : What grief is mine that so renown’d a Chief Should speak a language till this hour unheard ! Ye streams that roll into the sea, ye caves. Deep in the rocks that wind along the shore, Thou grove on Ida’s brow, long time, long time Have you round Troy detain’d me; but no more Shall you detain me breathing vital air: This let each man, that hath his reason, know. And thou, Scamander, flowing near these tents, Benignant to the Grecians, shalt no more Behold this man (thus proudly I will speak) Such as ’mongst all the host, that o’er her plains March’d from the realms of Greece, Troy hath not seen : L. 375. Telamon, the father of Ajax, was the son of Zacus, AZacus was . ~ s . ° f the son of Jupiter; Sic ab Jove tertius Ajax. SS ne ee ar OE IEE ARTES SS RR CHOR. AJAX. — «ANG ...439 Ajax. 255 Now, all his glory sunk, thus low ‘he lies. I have not pow’r, "midst these affticting ills, Or to repress, or to allow thy words. Ah me! what heart could e’er conceive the thought That Misery and Ajax should be found | | So near allied! My very name conveys The sound of woe, connected with such ills. My father, ’midst the martial host of Greece First in renown, and for his noble deeds Graced with the prize of honour, to his house Bore from this land of Ida all that arms Could give of glorious boast. But I, his son, To the same fields of Troy with no less strength Advancing, deeds as noble by my hands Achieved, dishonour’d, by the Argives lie, And perish thus. Yet well am I assured — If now Achilles lived t’ adjudge his arms The prize of valour and exalted worth, No. man, would take them from me: but the sons Of Atreus, slighting my illustrious deeds, Assign them to a wretch expert in wiles. Had not my cheated eye, had not my sense _ Perverted led me from my purpose wide, Such judgment never had they giv’n again. But now the daantless goddess sprung from Jove, Bearing the terrors of her gorgon shield, E’en when my hand was raised against them, spread Illusion round me, and sisense disturb’d With frenzy, that amidst the herds I stain’d My hands with blood ;, whilst they, against my will Escaped, deride me. | If th’ immortal gods Oppose him, e’en the dastard shall escape The brave man’s vengéance. Me what now behoves ? - *Gainst me the hatred of the gods is shown, 2L % 256 CHOR. TECM. Ajax. 440,..473 The Grecian camp abhors me, and all Troy Is hostile to me, and these fields around. Shall I then quit this naval station, leave The sons of Atreus, and my homeward course Steer o’er th’ AEgean sea? But with what eye — Shall I behold my father? how present Myself before him? Will he bear my sight Thus naked, with no martial honours graced, Whose ample crown of glory he obtain’d? It is not to be borne. What if I rush © Against the Trojan rampires, and alone — Their pow’rs assaulting, after noble deeds Perform’d, find there an honourable death ? Thus I should cause the sons of Atreus joy. This must not be: some means must be emprised - To show my aged father that his son - Glows with the spirit of his high-born race. For base his mind, who wishes length of life, When ills, that hope no change, enclose him round. What pleasure brings the day, which only adds A day to life, for such a little space peed Removing death? Him lightly I esteem, Who with vain hopes deludes his glowing heart. To live with glory, or with glory die, — | This is the brave man’s part. You have my thoughts, — | No man will ever say these words are false ; They are the genuine dictates of thy heart. Yet be thou soften’d; let thy friends prevail; Appease thy mind, nor harbour aes: like these. My lord, loved Ajax, no severer ill, Than the necessity of fate, can fall «4 On man’s unhappy race. TI was born site My father ’mongst the Phrygians of high pow’r, And ample wealth; but now I am a slave; / A74...505 Ajax. 257 Such was the pleasure of the gods, and such Thy puissant hand. Led from that hour to share Thy bed, to thee benevolent [ deem Thy welfare mine; and by Ephestian Jove, By the dear tie that binds my fate to thine, _ I now implore thee, leave me not exposed _ To the offensive insults of thy foes, : Ah, leave me not to other lords a slave! For, shou’dst thou die, abandon’d and bereaved - Of thee that very day, be thou assured, I, with thy son, by some proud Argive seized By force abhorr’d, shall eat the wretched food Of slavery; and ‘some lord with bitter taunt Shall cut me to the soul, and say, Behold ‘The wife of Ajax, of the Grecian host — Once the most potent, from.that envied height — Sunk to this abject state of servitude : Thus shall he taunt me, by ill:fate depress’d, With words to thee disgraceful, and thy race. - But, ah! respect thy father, left to waste In grief the cheerless hours of age; respect Thy mother, to the weight of many years Consign’d; with pray’rs she oft invokes the gods To see thee in her house with life return’d. Pity thy son, O king; of thee bereaved, Who shall instruct and form his infant mind, Left to unfriendly guardians? Shou’dst thou die, What ill to him and me dost. thou bequeath ?. Nothing remains for me, to which mine eye Looks up, save thee. Beneath thy conquering spear My ruin’d country, and my mother sunk ; L. 477. Ephestian Jupiter presided over the NWearth shared in common by all who dwelled in the same house. TECM. AJAX. TECM. AJAX. TECM. AJAX. TECM. AJAX. TECM. AJAX. Ajax. - 506:..598 Fate snatch’d my father to the realms below, ‘And both my parents have their mansion there. - What country will console me for thy. loss, ott What wealth? On thee my all of safety rests. | Then hold me in thy memory: it Becnigies A man, if aught delightful to his soul. He hath received, to bear a grateful. nied Kindness gives birth to kindness; in the heart » When grateful memory holds its seat ho, more," The man to every generous sense is lost. - | . Oh that thy bosom, Ajax, felt, like mine, The touch of pity! Thou wou’dst praise her words. . . Great praise indeed from. me she will obtain, 10) My mandates firmly if she dare perform, SHede All, my loved Ajax, all I will iia ve Obedient to thy will. . i Bring then my. $0Dy That [may see him. ifeae By my fears alarm’d. Hence I removed him. igi In these recent ills? r Or what thy fears? | ot Lest the adhe child By meeting thee should die. -_ With my il fate That had accorded. Anxious, was, my, care Secure to keep him. te Prudent was the act 5 I thank thee for the caution. What. hesides |; Grateful fo thee can I perform ? My son, | 629...554 Ajax. 259 Let me speak to hini ; let, ne see, wana TECM. Hier walt dooiora of Lvidolsklence:: | Not, far thy menial, train, ‘ion their charge... _ asax. Why then to come before me this delay ? TEcM. My son, thy father ealls,thee; im his hands. _,.. Whoe’er now holds: him, hither let, hiny haste!» ' _ avax. Comes he thus’ call’d, or hears:he not: thy veice? /-recm. Advancing near th’ attendant with him comes. \BKURY¥SAC ES brought iin. _ asax. Bring him, nay bring him forward ; for the sight Of the fresh: blood, which from this carnage streams, Will not.afiright him, if he be my son. | Thus early in his father’s rugged lore ~. | He shou’d be train’d, and taught to cateh the flame That glows within this bosom. ©: my son, Be happier than thy father:' in all else Be like, him: so thou never canst be base. In this|I deem thee blest, that to these ills ‘Thow art insensible ; the sweetest life | Consists in feeling nothing ; but by time — Thow will be taught to:grieve and to rejoice, When thow hast reach’d thatiage, behoves thee. show Among thy father’s foes that thow art sprung Brave from the brave; meanwhile may gentle gales, Around thee breathe, and cherish thy young mind To joy: thy mother’s soul. 'Phis. well I know, Thab not a Grecian with disgraceful wrongs Will dare oppose thee, though of me bereaved ; L. 546. The original here is rendered unintelligible bythe Yusertion of this unhappy line, Td wy Qoovsiv yee, neuer’ caveaduvoy MMKOYS which Brutck rejects as spurious, TECM. AJAX.« TECM. AJAX. wapags BBB. BBR Ol So firm a guardian o’er thee’ shall I leave In Teucer, watchful to protect thy youth, Though chasing now in distant fields the foe.» But now, my brave associates, train’d to lift The shield in war, and sweep the surging main, I charge you all (refuse me not this grace) ~~ Announce my mandate to him, let him lead » This child to Salamis, and show him there To 'Telamon, and her that shares his bed, My mother Eriboea, that theirage © 9 He always may support, till they descend To the dark mansions of the king below. Nor ’midst contending Chiefs shall umpires sit — My arms the prize of glory to adjudge, © \ Nor he, my baleful pest : but thou, my son, Retain my ample shield, its seven strong plates Unpierced by hostile spear; my other arms — Be buried with me. Take thou now the boy, And instant lead him hence; nor in the tent — Weep or lament; to wailings nature prompts A woman’s melting soul; compose thy mind: When ulcer’d wounds the cutting steel require, No mystic charm the skilful leach applies. 1 tremble as I hear thy earnest charge : Unpleasing to me are thy pointed words. — My lord, loved Ajax, what intends thy thought? Ask not, make no inquiries; teach thy mind A calm composure ; it becomes thee well. Despair hangs heavy on me: by the gods, And by thy son, thy pity I implore, Ah, leave us not abandon’d and undone! Thou dost offend me highly: kuow’st thou not That henceforth nothing to the gods T owe. 588...608 Ajax. | 261 TECM. Beak words of happier import. AJAX. Vain thy cries. TEcM, Hear me, fe) Wes me ! TAX I have heard too much. _tecm. O king, I tremble. AJAX. _ Instant bear her hence. _ TECM. Oh, by the gods, relent! | PAJAX. . £at What folly this, If thou canst think my nature now to form ! sol tudtocn -Y RORUS, stro. 1. Illustrious Salamis, around whose shores The sea with all its wild waves roars, Conspicuous rise thy cliffs sublime, And guard, loved isle, thy happy plains. Whilst me an irksome length of time In Ida’s marshy vales detains: Unheeded here a wretched life I lead, Amidst the flocks that graze the meed ; Year after year rolls slow away, On me hope beams no cheerful ray ; From misery doom’d no pause to know ay in the dark and dreary realms below. antis. |. The noble Ajax now with frenzy fired __, (Some god the glowing rage inspired) Immedicable ills sustains ; uel And with fresh pangs my heart is rent L. 587. Nothing impious is here intended : the words of Ajax have the same signification as those of Aineas over the dead body of Pallas, Nos juvenem exanimum, et nil jam ceelestibus ullis Debentem, vano mesti comitamur honore. On which Rueus says, Vivi subditi sunt superis diis, mortui inferis. Tecmessa understands them in this sense, and deprecates the omen.—Camerarius, % ee Ajetes O08 ABB By thee ainidst embattled plains) © >). To conquest and to glory sent. | With grief th’ illustrious hero we survey ‘To gloomy madness now a prey ; And all his mighty deeds in war, Deeds which the highest worth declare, Are lost, unwelcome to th’ unkind, While folly swells the proud Atridz’s si STRO. 2 Hoary in her locks of age : And worn with many a rolling year, With what affliction will his mother hear - Her frentic son’s distemper’d rage ! Not in soft notes will she asian, Like Philomela’s pity-moving strain ; But she will give loud griefs to rise, Lamenting with heart-piercing cries ; And in the anguish of despair ~ Beat her sad breast, and rend her silver hair. antis. 2:'° In the silent shades below Far better were thy doom to rest, Than thus to breathe the vital air, opprest — With dire disease and. hopeless woe 5 Thy train of kind affections lost, And all thy soul in frenzy’s whirlwind tost, ° Thou high-born Chief, in martial fame Surpassing all of Grecian name. These ills how will thy ‘sire deplore, — Ills to his noble race ne’er known before ! AJAX, TECMESSA, CHORUS. agax. Time in the length of its unbounded course Draws things obscure to light, and sinks in shades The most conspicuous: no event befals, 640...672 aa 203, But what; might, be-expeeted 5, solemn oan a} Yield to assaults;. and. the. abdurate. m. nind. .. aee | And I, who late like,temper’d abesataniais bch My firmness, by this;woman have.been. taught, A softeritone.». I pity, her sad state... )..5, ‘Left ?mongst lier foes:a, widow, spans, SOR An orphan.) To:the, margin ofthe, seary ‘diencé, then I go, and inthe cleansing: wave. Wash. off these stains, if so: I may,appease. The anger of the goddess...";| Where I find, _., _ A-place unmark’d by; human-foot, this sword, The most abhorr’d of. weapons, in, the ground, ; Deep-buried, I will hide, where never eye ....,/\// ' Shall see it more, let, night, and, hell’s dark king Keep it; {for from the) hour when Ireceiyed, ,/") From Hector’s hostile hand this gift, from Greece No grateful meed, no’ honour have I shared. Well was it said, The gifts of hostile\hands iy Are ever hostile, and: with: mischiefs! fraught. Henceforth then, tothe, gods we know to, yield, And learn the:sons.of Atréus to teveres | They are our. Chiefs, ; ibehoves us; to, obey : Why not ? thie, harshest, and-the: strongest things Yield to their higher sovereigns: for this cause The, Winters stiff. with. all, their snows, give place To:suiminér-gléwing with its-heauteous-fruits ; Andsthe dark dircle of the Night,retires 1. That the fair: Day may flame with, orient light. A soft gale breathes, and the tempestuous sea, “Groaning beneath impetuous winds, is calm. E’en all-subduing Sleep unbinds his chain, _ And sets his captives free. Why should not I. Know gentler thoughts? This wisdom.I have learn’d, age aenni’> 264 Ajax. 673...698 That him, who is my foe, I so: may hates) tu< As one perchance to be my friend agains) |)» + And so far wish to aid my friend, as one ©. / That may know change: for friendship is _— In which our bark not always rides secure. | But these things shall be well. . Within the’ tent Retire, Tecmessa ; with incessant vows Implore the favouring gods that they would grant My heart’s warm wish. And you, my friends, with her Thus honour me. To Teucer, when he comes Give this my charge, that mine he make his care, And be to you benevolent. I go | Where 1 must go: do you what'I command. Though wretched now, you soon'perchance may know That Ajax nore sad thiseries is relieved. ~ CHORUS. STRO. This, Joy, is thy emit hours I feel thy fierce tumultuous pow’r. © ©. Pan, Ié Pan, wild wanderer o’er each strand,. From Cyllene’s craggy brow ‘Cover’d with perpetual snow,” 9» gee Amidst the gods thou leader of the band. ' Pan, I6 Pan, O king advance, | And share thine own invented ‘dance; “Such Gnossus sees, and Nysa’s height; Such tiéasures now my bounding foot delight. - Hast’ning o’er th’ Icarian main, | diss ‘ _— et 5 L. 673. Negabat (Scipio) ullam yocem -m inimiciorem amicitiz potuisse repe- riri, quam ejws, qui dixisset, ita amare oportere, ut si aliquando esset osurus ; nec vero se adduci posse, ut hoc, quemadmodum putaretur, a Biante esse dictum crederet, quisapiens habitus esset unus e septem, sed impuri cujusdam, aut ainbitiosi, aut omnia ad suam potentiam revocantis esse sententiam, &c. Cicero de Amicitia, 16, ge SOS SS Oe: Fe ee Se dic - 699...780 Ajax. 265 Royal Phoebus, Delian king, Midst. my joy thy presence deign, © And with thee all thy grace benignant bring ! ANTIS. | Now all our’dark’ning sorrow flies, And the war brightens to our eyes: | - Now all is transport; now the welcome day Drives the sickly gloom of night; F MOHD Now, O Jove, the glorious light Our ships revisits with its cheering ray : For Ajax now no more retains A sense of his distracting pains ; Again his pious thoughts assign Just honours ‘to the gods, and rites divine. Strong, O Time; thy withering pow’r: Bright thou bring’st Hope’s gladsome hour ! ~~ Our lord no more with anger burns, ©» And to the royal Chiefs his soul returns, MESSENGER; CHORUS. _megss. My friends and fellow soldiers, what hath pass’d I wish to tell you. | From the Mysian heights Teucer is now arrived : soon asthe camp He enter’d, all the Argive troops:at once . - i Reviled him ; while yet distant they perceived t His steps advancing, the tumultuous croud | L Gathers arround him, and frony every side. J Insults him with reproaches; not a man Check’d his rude tongue ; the brother this, they cry, Of him; whose frentic treachery to the host Hath done foul wrong ;. yet shall not all thy pow’r Protect him from our vengeance. To such height The tumult rose, that. they unsheath’d and shook Their threatening swords; till some age-honour’d Chiefs The swelling rage with soothing words appeased. psa —_ PEE KI 266 CHOR. MESS, CHOR. MESS. CHOR. MESS. CHOR. MESS. Ajax. - 731,..76% But where is Ajax?) I would tell him this : For all things to our lords we ought to show. He'is not. in the tent; he late went forth,!... ’ His measures prudent, and his pene ‘calm. OITA Alas, too late then hither was I sent, | é Or were my steps, false to my charge, too alow ? What then is: wanted, that required thy speed ? Teucer gave charge that, till his presence here, Ajax be not allow’d to quit the tent... , . He is gone forth ;. but with, more. sober thought, Seeking to calm the anger of the gods. ‘These words are full of folly, if the Seer, Zealous to save him, aught of truth presage. ; What presage ? Of this subject. know’st thou aught ? ‘Thus much I know ; :for I, as it befel,,. Was present.. From th’ assembled kings apart, Alone, and distant from th’ imperial 'Chiefs, , Calchas retired, and with a friend’s warm zeal Grasping the hand ‘of Teucer gave him charge By all the arts could be ‘devised 'this'day, fu That now shines o’er us,'in his tent'réstrain’d |. From pow’r of roving Ajax to sécurey! «i yn | If e’er he wish’d alive to see him ‘more: #0 oll For through this day alone against ‘him flames.’ The vengeance of Mimerva: this the Seeri+ 211) Pronounced,’ that useless and unwieldly: strength, Crush’d by th’ offended gods, in: ruin: sinks,|,, «| ' When man of mortal birth with pride aspires.) Beyond a mortal. From his house inarms/ 4) When marching, thus presumptuous he:was found ; ‘My son, his father well advised, iniwar,’ Be conquest thy high aim, but with the gods.) | Always to conquer : He with daring vaunt; » | Madly replied, The feeble, with the gods: His weakness aiding, conquest may obtains |.) . , ,, I, e’en without ‘the gods, amiconfident).;.,.. 0 ..,, To snatch that glory... Such his’ haughty, boast’: Nor once alone ;; but when Minerva’s voice, , A “ Incited him against the foes to turn 43.0) .)") » His slaughtering hand,, with uunbeseeming;, secs Bierce he replied; Thy favour, goddess, yield...» To other Argives; through, my, post.in!arms ;.)» The war shall) never; break. With: such, proud speech Himself beyond, the state, of mortal man’, Exalting,-he to ruthless anger roused .; .,, 3 The martial queen.’; But through this sects day If the impending Hanger, he-escapes:)) 44) worst I Our care may soon avert, his fate, the god... .1/ No more ‘opposing. » Thus the prophet spoke ; And Teucer instant from th’ imperial tenty 45:87. Sent me to, thee, with this high mandate; charged, To guard him, .. If we fail, he is no more,,,, 1," If Calchas in th’ events of fate be skill’d. ....,, » cHor. O thow-poor sufferer, wretched in thy. fate,: ...5; 1 Come forth, | Teemessa, hear. these words of woe ; For this cuts,deep, and rains.all thy joy... ...,/"7 AOR rt al "'TECMESSA, ‘CHORUS. TEcM. Why have you ‘roused me from my seat, ‘where late I found short respite, from oppressing ills ee cHor. Hear thou this man ; the, charge. he bears respects The fate of Ajax, and excites my, grief. . 0 TECM. Speak, man ; what say’st thou? Are,we then undone ? _ MEss. Of thy fate I know nothing; but my hopes, If Ajax from the tent be gone, are lost. tecM. He is; I therefore dread to hear thy charge. MEss. This mandate Teucer gave, within the tent To guard him, not allow’d to rove alone. _, 268 Ajax. : 7971...880 tEcM. And where is Teucer?) Why this mandate giv’n? muss. He lately is return’d; ‘but fears th’ event > .' Fatal to Ajax, if he roves abroads | recm. Ah wretched’ me, who taught him thus to fear? mEss. The fate-fortelling Calchas on this day,’ 9)" For this to Ajax brings or life ordeath. 6 11 TEcM. Save him, my friends, oh save him ; hate prevent This harsh necessity of fates fly some: To Teucer, let him come with swiftest’ speed = dP Along the winding shores'some to the west, Some to the orient sun direct your search, And find th’ ill-omen’d wand’ri ngs of your: lord. I know he hath deceived me; I am'sunk, = * Ah me! an outcast from his former’ praée. ©! What shall I do, my son’? Not linger here,:! ¥ But go as far as af have strength toigone hs Let us then go, my friends ;' yes, let us fly i} This no time to sit, if we could save A man that rushes with such speed to die. cHor. I for the search am ready; nor shall words’) ©) © v0" Alone, but zealous speed my promptness show. asax. There stands the slaughtering sword, and bears its point In readiness to wound, as one would judge At leisure viewing it. This was the gift Of Hector; never stranger to my soul Like him was hateful, never to my eyes Was one so odious. In the hostile ground « — Of Troy fix’d firm it rears its sharpen’d point. I fix’d it deep, that friendly it might give A speedy death: this'well I have prepared. — And now thy grace, O Jove, I first implore, (So right requires) I shall-not ask the grant Of ample honours ; send some messenger, — Fraught With thée'mour “i tidings of my death, To Teucer; that he first. may bear :meshence, Fallen ‘on this sword fresh-dropping with my! blood ; Nor let me ‘by my foes first seen be cast... Fo birds obscene and hungry dogs a prey: |. This] implore! of thee, O' Jove. co eg 7. Hermes, thou guide to the infernal realms, |. Thee I invoke ; he no fierce eared baie mine |. Of lingering and convulsive agonies; ). But lead me gently to. the shades hélow, Soon as this sword: shall pierce my side, ;, And you, For ever virgins, and ‘for ever prompt) ../! © i To aid, for ever viewing all the ills 2... 4 | Of suffering mortals,.in pursuit untired, On you, ye awful goddesses, I calls. Mark how I perish,. wretched. in. my ike 110) 4 Crush’d by the sons of Atreus ; their base’l eats May basest miseries rend ;. as they destroy, :. . Be they destroy’d my blood as they :behold::; By mine own hand ‘thus shed, be their blood shed With rageremorseless by the hands of those. | Whom with parental love they hold most dear: Go then, ye swift-avenging Furies, go). _ Lap their vile blood; of-all the Grecian: on if Spare not a man.. And thou, O:Sun,!who:rollest > Through yon ethereal: height thy radiant car, My country when thou:seest, thy golden rein Draw back, and to my aged father tell, Tell. the unhappy: nace that gave me birth, 7 L. 837. Cassandra inthe Agamemnon of Aschylus, makesthe s same prayer, And further I adjure these gates of hell, We ell may the blow be aim’d, ‘that whilst my blood — Plows ia a copious stream, IT may not feel The fierce convulsive agonies of death: But gently sink, and close my eyes in peace. 270 My ‘miseries and»my/death: the! criesiof grief, ) : »OWhen she’shall hear these! tidings, she:willa‘aise Through all the:city) Butclamenting:strains) ” Have hear no place’: the deed: must. now be dared. O Death, O Death, advance; behold me how; Soon in‘thy mansions shall! I dwell, and there)! ! Hold‘ converse with thee. » To:the:golden! beanis Of this bright day; to thee, resplendent, Sun) Rolling, on‘high, make! my last-addressy:0! }1{! « Henceforth I never’shall address anaes aN 192 O light of heav’n; ‘and O ‘thou saered it Of Salamis, my country;:O-ye gods, That guard'my ‘hearth; thou, Athens,’ high in “et And you, her Sons, withowhom! my youthiwas:train’d ; Ye fountains here, ye rivers, andsye ‘fields +4. '/ Of Troy, by you:T long have: beensustaini?;: You I address,:to you: bbid farewell ;)-s29:) yx 1/ Ajax to-you speaks his dast words: henceforth’ _o My converse’ will be in the réalms ‘beneath. » * SEMI. SEMI. SEMI. SEMI. SEMI. SEMI. SEMI. SEMI. Toil brings increase of toil; for where;vah whiere Have L-not ranged.to seek /him?. Yet nq;place Knows to:inform me.:4=Hist I hear, aisound. } Our mates,-who with! esi miei the'gallant bark. * What: gies > Whol.” cise ston — «To the'west aldtig the ships ity My'y weary’ ster here traced: odw vitavo yi {lot ved s Andhast: etn found Enough of toil, but ‘eeltheg more in sight. || Nor to the east as I pursued my way To me did any trace of him appear. ~ What pow’r, ah me! what pow’r of those that rule, Delighted with the task, the ocean-waves, Holding his sleepless seat; what god enthroned CHOR,. TECM. CHOR, TECM. CHOR. TECM. CHOR. TECM. €HOR. TECM. CHOR. TECM. TECM. , $90...918 Ajux. 271 On high Olympus; or what conscious stream That rolls his flood into the Bosphorus, | If he hath seen the stern unyielding Chief, Will tell me where he. wanders ?,, Hard for me After long toils to sink in blank despair, Nor find where from my sight: conceal’d. he lies. Ah me! Ah mel... ,, : [inthe grove. What voice of mourning from the grove resounds ? O thou unhappy |», , I see th’ ill-fated captive of his spear Tecmessa, bending ‘as oppress’d with woe. Woe, ruin, desolation close me round. What hath befallen . ‘ si Behold, behold, my friends, yet warm in death: Where Ajax lies, roll’d on his deep-plunged sword. Alas for my return ! Ah, thou hast slain . . With thee, O king; thy comrade in the bark. O wretched me! O thou afflicted dame! I at this sight have cause indeed for grief. Whose hand employ’d he in this deed of death ? Doubtless his own: fix’d in the ground the sword, On which he fell, of this gives eertaia proof. Thy loss to me is ruin. - Thou in blood Hast fall’n alone, and nigh thee not a friend To guard thee. I was witless, void of sense, Thus to neglect thee. Where lies Ajax, where Lies the indignant, stern, ill-fated Chief ? It is.a sight of horror: 1 will wrap. This robe around him, with its ample folds Covering his corse: for none, that was his friend, Can bear to see him from his nostrils breathe The purple gore, and from the blackening wound L. 890. The Chorus here speaks of Mount Ida and the’ sea before him under Grecian names: tliere is another instance of this in the Philoctetes, ‘2N 1 ARR. 2 919...949 By his own hand inflicted. Wretched me, hed What can I do? What friend will bear him hence ? Where now is Teucer? Hither should he bend | His steps, how opportunely would he come The corse of his fallen brother to compose ! O hapless Ajax, what heroic’ worth | Was thine! What art thou now? Such, that thy ‘al Would pity thee, and o’er thee drop a tear. cHor. Fix’d was thy purpose, yes, ill-fated Chief, ' TECM. CHOR. TECM. CHOR. TECM, CHOR, TECM. CHOR. TECM. CHOR, TECM. Inflexibly thy heart was fix’d to seize Fit time t? accomplish this disastrous end Of thy unbounded griefs : such were thy groans By night, by day; such thy relentless hate, ' With passions breathing ruin, ’gainst the sons © Of Atreus. The deep cause of all thy ills’ ~ Rose from the contest for the glorious meed To valour due, the arms Achilles wore. Ah wretched me! , ’ This strong affliction pierces to thy heart. Ah wretched, wretched me ! sys I marvel not at thy repeated groans, Lamenting the dear loss of such a friend. ' Thou canst but think so, while I feel it de, as My thoughts assent to thine. iB Alas my son, What yokes of slavery go we now to bear |" = What eyes shall o’er us keep malignant watch! ’Midst these thy sorrows the unfeeling hearts ="! Of the Atride, and their ruthless deeds» My Thou wailest: but the gods avert such ills” These things had not been thus, but by the gods. They sink thee with an heavy weight of woes. The dreadful goddess, Pallas, sprung from Jove, To grace Ulysses, gave these evils birth. 960}..979% Ajax. — ; 273 SHOR. YTECM. With insolence this deep-designing Chief ~ Swells his dark mind; and at these ills, which sprung From frenzy, jeers with many a bitter mock ; | With him, (O grief!) these tidings heard, will join The sons of Atreus, our imperial ‘Chiefs. And let them mock, in his calamities Let them exult: the time perchance may come, |» Though whilst he lived they lightly prized his worth, . - They may lament him dead with many a groan, And want him in the dreadful shock of war. The impotent of mind, whilst in their hands They hold a treasure, know not how to prize Its worth, till from them it be snatch’d away. To me his death brings sorrow, joy to them; To him it was most pleasing so to die, It was the consummation of his wish. _ Have they then cause to triumph in his death ? | WEUC. CHOR. TEUC. CHOR. - TEUC. _ CHOR,. TEUC. CHOR. No: by the gods he died, and not by them. Then let Ulysses swell with pride, none now Opposing. . Ajax lives for them no more, But in his death to. me leaves woes and groans, Ah miserable me!, [not in sight. Be silent; for methinks I hear the voice Of Teucer, mournful for this ill its notes, TEUCER, TECMESSA, CHORUS. | O Ajax, O my brother, to my soul . Most dear, hast thou, as loudly fame reports, With all thy virtues purchased this reward | O Teucer, thou must know it; he is dead. Ah, what a weight of misery is mine ! Afflictions great as these...... Oh wretched me ! Give ample cause for grief. 274 Ajax. | ” If he disdain’d our pow’r, we will at least Command him dead, nor ask thy leave, but force “Shall ratify our will; for whilst he lived My mandates never would his pride obey. ° It is the mark of a malignant mind, When one, not raised above thé common’rank, Scorns to ‘obey his rulers. ‘Win'a ‘state lo wal ot Never can laws be well enforced, where fear Supports not their appointment; and an host In arms o’erleaps thé modest bounds of rule, By féar and reverence to their Chiefs unawed. ‘ ‘And it behoves a man, though large his limbs And vast! his strength, to think that he may fall E’en by a petty ill.’ But know thou this, ° Where modesty and fear unite, they bring | Protection; but licentious arrogance, © — That gives full sail to its intemperate will, Shall sink the state, though proudly for awhile * She rides before a fair and favouring gale. Fear then should know its place: nor let us think That as our wild wills urge us if we act, We shall not suffer just returns of ill: These have their course alternate. In times past — H i insolence flamed high; I triumph now, And charge thee not to inter him, lest perchance Entombing him thou sink into the tomb. j 278 TEUC. Ajax. 1097)...1430 Do not, O king of Sparta, from thy lips ‘ Whilst wisdom ‘speaks its. dictates, wrong the dead. No more, my friends, if one of low-born race, Acts basely, ‘shall I marvel, since the great, Who glory in their high-traced ancestry, - Thus merit censure for dishonest speech, © GHOR, MEN. Didst thou not tune thy proem with, these words, (Speak them again). that thou didst. bring this man To Troy, receivéd as an ally to Greece? Did:he not.plough the deep, and join the war. . Lord of himself? Where then thy pow’r o’er him ? What right hast. thou as sovereign to. command The warlike troops he led,.and was:their. Chief? Thou camest the king of. Sparta, not our, lord.) The law of martial rule gave no command... To thee o’er him, more. than, to him. o’er thee. Subjection to superior pow’r is here Thy duty, not to lead ‘th’ associate force. Of Greece, that thou o’er Ajax, shou’dst bear sway. Rule thy own vassals,.and with high-swoln vaunts Keep them in awe.’ Forbid. it, thou, or he The other chieftain, . him with hallow’d rites. - I will entomb, nor fear thy empty threats. . Not for thy wife did Ajax join’ thewar, His was no. mercenary spear; his:oath. He held in reverence high, not thee, nor deign’d To grace. the worthless. . Take. then. my resolve, Bring all thy. heralds, bring th’ imperial Chief 3 Not for thy clamours. will I turn aside From my intent. 1 know thee what thou art. Such, words, around us.whilst afflictions. press,, Have not: my approbation: they are harsh, ; And, though to reason highly just, wound deep. This archer bears, it seems, a lofty mind, ~ 1131...1148 Ajax. rEuc. Mine is no vulgar art. MEN How wou’dst Jos vaunt, If thou cou’dst bear a shield ? TEUC. Thy force in arms Thus naked I defy. MEN Thy tongue is bold, With pride o’erflowing. | TEUC. When the cause is just, An honest pride may be indulged. MEN. How just, To honour him that slew me? TEUC. Slew thee! Strange, ; That dead thou yet shou’dst live. MEN. The gods preserved My life; he else had kill’d me. TEUC. _ By their grace Preserved, dishonour not the gods. MEN. Their laws | What shows me prone to violate ? TEUC. Thy charge Not to entomb the dead. MEN. They were my foes. My honour thus requires. TEUC. ’Gainst thee a foe Did Ajax ever lead ? MEN. I hated him, He hated me: thou know’st this. TEVE. In the votes Thou wast found false and fraudulent. MEN. That blame Be theirs, who from the urns drew forth the lots, Not mine. TEUC. By stealth, and basely canst thou do Many base deeds. ye 279 280 MEN. TEUC. MEN. TEUE. MEN. TEUC. MEN. TEUC. CHOR. TEUC. Ajax. 1149... 1180 Those words shall cost heé dear. Not more perchance than we shall well an In brief I say he shall not be entomb’d. Hear thou my answer, He shall be entomb’d. Erewhile I saw a man of doughty tongue aust Rating the mariners to hoist their sails, While a storm threaten’d : but when danger rose, Howling amidst the tempest, not a word From that bold tongue was heard; wrapt in his cloke He lay, and suffer’d every sailor’s foot | At will to trample:on him. So the force Of an impetuous tempest bursting black From a small cloud may in a moment check Thee, and thy boisterous tongue, and all thy noise. And I once saw a man, with folly fraught Insulting those around him when oppress’d With ills. A man resembling ‘me, and warm | With my free spirit, saw him, and rebuked With words like these, Vain mortal to the dead Offer no wrong ; else, be assured, that wrong Shall be repaid with vengeance: ‘Thus he warn’d The futile wretch. Methinks I see him: thou Art he, no other. Speak Triddles now? + ; Ill it becomes me to rebuke with words One whom my pow’r can force. I leave thee now. Go, get thee hence : to me it were a shame To listen to a slight man’s senseless words. TEUCER, CHORUS. | To outrage soon will this contention rise. a ae But haste thee, ‘Teucer, with the utmost speed ._ i Mark some edi place, within whose hallow’d mould ; A monument to future ages, raise. oa And in meet time his son and wife band _-MS1...1209 . Ajax. 281. To deck the tomb of the penehpy dead. -'TECMESSA, ‘EURYSACES, TEUCER, CHORUS. TEUC,. Come hither, child, igs near, with suppliant hands Touch him that gaye thee birth: now take thy seat ‘Lowly beside his knees, and in thy hands sTRo, |. ANTIS. Hold thou my hair, and hers, and thine, the last Sad gift of mourning suppliants. From the camp — By force should any drag thee from the dead, May the wretch find a wretched death, and lie In a strange land unburied, all his race Cut off, as I cut off these locks, My child, Take them, and keep them: let no rufhan force Remove thee hence, but closely clasp the dead. And stand not you like women, round the corse, But guard it well like; men, | ‘till I return, | And bear him to the tomb, whoe’ er oppose. “"TECMESSA, EURYSACES, CHORUS. CHORUS. When will the last revolving year Of all this numerous train _ Slow wandering in its course pape *Midst ills I here sustain ? Toils rise on toils, and woes on woes, The wasteful war around us glows, And misery haunts this place. The hateful walls of ‘Troy, around, Unhappy Greece, what hast thou found, But ruin and disgrace ? I. Oh had he first. been swept away Through air-by wild winds tost ; Or sunk from, heav’n’s ethereal ray ; ‘To Pluto’s dreary coast ; sTRO. 2. ANTIS. 2. Ajax. 1210...1248 Who train’d the Grecians to the field, Taught them the sword, the spear to wield, And steel’d the gentle mind ! Hence toil gives birth to toil again, Hence carnage stains th’ ensanguin’d Vasey For he destroy’d mankind. Nor the brow with chaplets bound Breathing balmy odours round, Nor the social glow of soul Kindling o’er the generous bowl, Nor the dulcet strain that rings Jocond from the sounding strings, Nor endearing love’s delight That with rapture fills the night, Me will he permit to prove ; He, alas! hath murder’d love. But neglected here I lie m Open to th’ inclement sky ; And my rough and matted hair Drinks the dews of night’s moist air, Memorials sad of Troy ! Yet, till now, when pale affright Roll’d her hideous form through night, Great in arms, his shield t’ oppose, Ajax as my rampire rose, And my terror was no more. Now the hero I deplore To the gloomy god consign’d; Now what joy can touch my mind ? Oh that on the pine-clad brow Dark’ning o’er the sea below, Where the cliffs of Sunium rise, Rocky bulwarks, to the skies, I were placed; with sweet address | 1244..,1273 Ajax. 283 Sacred Athens would I bless, : And feel a social joy ! _ TEUCER, TECMESSA, EURYSACES, CHORUS. -reuc. I saw th’ imperial Chief with haughty step Advancing, therefore hasten’d my return. Expect a torrent of opprobrious words. ‘ AGAMEMNON, TEUCER, &c. AGAM. Thee to burst forth in rude contemptuous speech Against us, by our vengeance not chastised, Thee doth this-daring insolence become, Sprung from a slave the captive of the spear ? Had she, who gave thee birth, been high in rank, How proudly wou’dst thou vaunt, and rear thy crest, Since, nothing as thou art, for one who now Is nothing, thou hast dared to scorn our rule, Asserting that we came not o’er the host Or fleet of Greece commanders, nor o’er thee ; And Ajax, such thy descant, plough’d the sea Lord of himself. How shameful from a slave To hear such arrogance?) And what was he, For whom these haughty clamours thou hast raised? Whither did he advance, where fix his foot, Where mine I fix’d not ? In the Grecian camp Was no man brave but he? Unpleasant fruit The contest’ for the hero’s arms proposed Affords us, if by Teucer in each place Proclaim’d unjust ; and canker’d envy still Basely repines to yield the honours due To higher merit, where the general voice Adjudged them ; and with rude licentious tongue You load me with reproaches, or with guile, Your vain ambition frustrate, stab at me. 284 Agate, 1274...:1807 Were Fabolts like these indulged, no law could stand On a firm basis, if the right adjudged |’ We should reject, and in the highest rank Place those to whom the lowest i is assign’d. But these things must be check’d! The hai whit batt The massy-structured limb, the hardy nerve Yield not protection: but the prudent mind The conquest every where obtains, The ox, Though vast his bulk, is taught the path prescribed . By a small whip: this discipline, I'see, Will soon reach thee, some prudence if By mind Acquire not, for a man that is no more, — : But now a shade, thus daring to insult, i | a ” And pour the torrent of opprobious cad ' Wilt thou ne’er feel the curb of modesty ? Ne’er know the baseness of thy birth, and bring Some one of generous blood to speak for thee ? ‘e No meaning to my ears thy words convey ; es I understand not thy barbaric speech. cuor. Oh that your minds to gentler thoughts were calm’d ! My soul can form no better wish for each. reuc. Ah me, how soon the memory of the dean Fades from the faithless mind, and is effaced, ; Thee, Ajax, in his favour, e’en in things To him of little import, since this man No longer holds ! Yet oft hast thou exposed Thy life for him with toil in bloody fields.” But all these things are vanish’d, and have left — No trace behind. Thy tongue abounds with words, Vain-talker ! but is all remembrance lost ? Can’st thou forget, within your works enclosed, When all was rout, confusion, and dismay, Alone he came, he saved you? When the flames Blazed on your lofty decks, when o’er the trench 1308...1338 Ajax. ' 285 Hector had leap’d, and on-your navy roll’d The thunder of the war, who check’d his force? » Was not the glorious action his, who ne’er, ‘Thou say’st, advanced his foot? Did not for you His valour these heroic deeds achieve? Nay more, ’gainst Hector shield to shield opposed He stood in dreadful fight, by choice, not chance ; No coward lot into the ’midst he threw, No clod of moisten’d earth ; but with light bound What from the crested helmet first would leap. These were his noble deeds: with him I stood, This slave, from a barbaric mother born. What was thy view in this unhappy taunt? Thy father’s father,’ Pelops of old times, ' Was a barbaric Phrygian : know’st thou this? Know’st thou that Atreus was thy’sire, of men Most impious, to his brother ata feast. Who served up his own sons. From Crete her birth Thy mother drew; and when thy father found His bed polluted with adulterous lust, He cast her to the monsters of the main.. From such art thou descended; and my: birth Darest thou revile, from Telamon ‘derived, My father) whose illustrious ‘deeds in arms | Shone with the brightest’ splendor, and obtain’d My mother to his bed, of royal blood, The daughter of Laomedon, the prize Of highest honour by Alcides giv’n? >)” Thus noble, and from noble parents sprung,” Should I dishonour those whose blood I ‘share, Whoim thou, thus miserably fall’n, wou’dst cast L. 1327, See the Electra of Euripides, l. 2786. L, 1334. Hesione, sister of Priam. oF ge6 Ajax. 1339...1369_ Unbuitel forth? Nor dost thou blush, this threat Denouncing. But of this be thou assured, Him if your violence cast forth, us three Shall it cast forth together with him laid. - To me more glorious ’midst this honest toil I deem it in a brother’s cause to die, Than for thy wife, or for thy brother’s. Go, Of me regardless, yet regard thyself: Me if thou wrong, thou shalt have cause to wish That coward fear had check’d thy daring pride. ULYSSES, AGAMEMNON, TEUCER, TECMESSA, EURYSACES, CHORUS. — cHor. In happy hour, Ulysses, art thou come, If not to heighten, but allay this strife. uLys. Soldiers, what strife? for our imperial chief Loud o’er this brave man’s corse I heard from far. AGAM. E’en now, O king Ulysses, from this man | The basest language of reproach I heard. uLys. Reproach! I blame not him who, when reviled, Retorts indignant the ungracious words. aGAM. Him I rebuked for his base deeds to me. uLys. What hath he done to merit such rebuke? AGAM. He will not suffer, he declares, this corse To lie unhonour’d with sepulchral rites, But will entomb it, and defies my pow’r. utys. Is then a friend allow’d to speak the truth, The former bond of concord yet preserved ? AGAM. Speak; I were else unwise: for thee I deem _ | Of all the Grecians most my faithful friend. utys. Then hear me. By the gods, remorseless thus Form not the thought to cast this body forth Unburied; nor let violence transport Thy soul so far to hate, as under foot 9370...1394 Apax. To trample justice. »-Once he,was to me Of all the camp most hostile, from the time { triumph’d in the contest for the arms... Of lost Achilles: yet; though such his mind To me averse, I would not-wrong his’ worth, Refusing to his valour this just praise, That him, of all the Grecian chiefs who saateitd To Troy, I saw the bravest in the field, ’ Except Achilles. Such a man by thee Unjustly were dishonour’d: not to him, ~ But to the gods, and to their sacred laws “Se _ This were offence. -A brave man, when no more, ,, AGAM,. ULYS. AGAM. ULYS. AGAM. ULYS. AGAM. ULYS. AGAM\. ULYS. ” AGAM. Though hated once, it is unjust, to,wrong. Dost thou, Ulysses, striving in bas cause, Oppose my will? | | : Ldo. I hated hin, Whilst hepour bade me hate him. O’er his corse Shou’dst si not nn ete drried 05 | In ungenerous joys Exult net, son of Atreus. ot ied’ po Not with ease Is a king pious. He Pay bale phige.! in honowm eiBIG ig | Regal pow’r A rale it man » should shent rid a5 x0 .fneb dud; TRorhearayfdr thine): The conquest, when thou yieldest: to thy. frienils. Remember what a. man it is thy wish To honour thus. . He was fora my foe, But once midst brave. weLtts I =| i Well-advising friends | MARE What woud’st thou ? pied this zeal, 2p WS 288 Ayton ®:. 1395.1414 This revérence "Or the hated dead? ULYS. ca Rois | With | me | O’er hatred virtue triumphs. AGAM. -* By mankind - Such are deem’d spiritless. ULYS. ; Our friends we find Oft sigue to bitter foes. ar. AGAM. To gain such fciemté 0 : Wouldst thou feel pleasure? | A Sysaao ULYS. | : > The obdurate ini Gives me no pleasure. AGAM. MW Us Vhs the thow ike show Our souls'subdued by fear.. | ort ULYS. BD No: .to all Greece » . I show your justice. v af | AGAM. Wou’dst thou that I grant Wa This corse to. be entomb’d >> so" iy ULYS. | Such is my wish : For to the tomb I must descend.:0 0 2) on AGAM. , Allact Or . That for themselves like grace they may receive. utys. Who than myself hath juster right to gain Advantage from my toils? | | AGAM. This shall be call Thy deed, not mine. © — 19H ULYS. But thine shall be the praise. aGaM. To thee, be thou assured, a greater grace. With pleasure I would yield ; but him, or cast Unburied forth, or in the earth entomb’d, My hatred ever will pursue. Dovthouy: 9) 0) ao, Thou hast my leave, what most thy ‘soul approves. ULYSSES, TEUCER, TECMESSA, EURYSACES, CHORUS. cHor. Whoe’er, Ulysses, holds thy wisdom cheap, ’ ul 1496 ...1447 | Ajax. 289 i Such since! thy generous spirit, is unwise. . uLys. Now, Teucer; hear me speak: my honest thoughts. I was thy foe: henceforth I am thy friend ; And with thee wish to entomb the dead, t’ share. | Thy toils, and ‘every solemn rite provide - °° From mortals due to grace the noblest dead. reuc. Thy words, Ulysses,‘claim my praise, my thanks ; They show a noble nature, far beyond My expectation. | In-the Grecian camp None was, like thee, his foe; yet thou alone Hast spirit to protect him, and oppose With high disdain all insult to the dead ; ‘Whilst with wild outrage frentic came the Chief, He and his brother, with malignant will . To cast ‘him out unhonour’d with a tomb.) | For this may the almighty sire enthroned - On this Olympus, may Erinnys still Mindful of wrongs, and Justice that effects, Though late, her solemn purpose, on their heads Inflict disgraceful vengeance, as they wish’d To cast him out, unworthily disgraced, Deprived of sepulture. Thy offer’d aid, Son of Laertes, in these funeral rites I fear, the dead revering, to accept, Lest it offend his shade. In all besides Assist us. From the camp if thou wilt send Others to grace the dead, it.will not grieve My mind. These obsequies let me prepare ; And know thy goodness hath my warm applause. utys. It was my wish to aid thee in these rites ; But since not pleasing to thy heart my aid, I leave thee, and thy pious plea approve. ruc. Enough: already hath too much of time cee Aja? lca E Been wasted: Some prepare the hollow’d earth ; » Some for the pure ablutions o’er the flames vol ey) Place the’ tall tripod ; let one social band; ..» | . Bring from the tent the hero’s radiant arms.,;/, And thou, my child, with filial, reverence touch |) | Thy father;:‘raise thou with what strength thow hast, - With me, his sides, for from his veins. yet warm ou Spouts the black blood; let each man, present here, Who feels the glow: of friendship,;,rouse-his zeal, Attend and toilin honour of the dead,... .....¥ Once great ‘in every virtue ; whilst. he lived,. eH No mortal with superior lustre shone...) /) cHor. « Mortals fromy what they see their knowledge gain ; But ere he’sees, no prophet’s piercing mind. .;: The dark events of future fate can knows... vs ii i> qarviO aid? eO a . J et Hy ? {tk a oe huod | s i 4 : A iJsT, fouiai > i* IPS PES ‘ tr a ay Te 2 J f f MIO? SAT .tB9t t ey ‘ +, 3 OO dt Ip nf s — Fe * : “ afi : yet tt 2 fF - ‘ z : +? - : RELL ELS 7 << p ‘ 1 Vit We hyird :, fs 7 » Rb “, #5 ait i vay ~ f re miile pie ; iad Hf 5 , LP: iy f Te tgry “” anf - x » 9 + fast miei ss Pray 3 % Pa im P phe °y i: * i . * am te me De shee GPEC BR ice ie : R ro % b| Ee if eit 4 { Nj ~ oh — aa we - a ai st. bie: densi: PA i ned, she Gerge ita i Bin Wroir me: Ce Ries an rn REIS ET RT NE RE IT ai LS wan Sideniinis ife igi ne Seriliced: A yee wring penne i Lite GH. we dorgrrss; . ie al ot pin used Maa tan ate Ang = NES: fu Tsai, ye Se ee 1z weir a Brn ? y Aho esr! Wl, 4 nh: spe eh pas wea) . % aed Bey shee tee jer, — i MEE sg soi shes wi td aael vii: Bho) Dios bbe the CUT Gs Sti wack Mackie Bark arias ait Aycheas priventeerd tier ” be Tere we oH G iis wil b teiuth Foe of pe was ; i aes +) Vat ac an dhe reoe nt fase: fs gine Lived geod ws be nebo: ss 2 434 Py betes CSTR ET ORES PPR #t ea, cs POL ay ‘ Capen we aE ee ee \ a / ae dee a) fe, f » aa Re, Pe Nt Ne ah set 5 « ¢ ; . aL re = We ¢ oi eee ak ai ; + - \ ry e > : ‘ i < ‘ ; : 5 ; PHILOCTETES. — BPunrocrarss, the friend and companion of Her- | cules, to. whom that hero at his death consigned his invincible bow and arrows, joined the Grecian _ armamentagainst Troy with seven ships. In their | passage the fleet anchored at Chryse, alittle island _ im the HEgean sea ; as Philoctetes was there search- ing for am Altar on which Hercules, in his expe- dition against Troy, had sacrificed, he was wound- ed im the foot by the envenomed bite of a serpent; _ the consequence of which was a putrid and incur- able ulcer; this became very offensive, and its an- guish forced from the unhappy sufferer cries and _ amprecations which disturbed their sacrifices. ‘The fleet proceeded to Lemnos ; on that wild and unin- habited coast Ulysses and Diomede, by the com- ‘mand of Agamemnon and Menelaus, barbarously exposed him while he slept, and continued there ‘course without him. ‘There he supported his mi- -serable life till the tenth year of the war ; Helenus then announced the decrees of fate to the Grecian Chiefs, that Troy could not be subdued till Philec- 294 : tetes should appear before it with the bow and arrows of Hercules. Ulysses voluntarily engaged to bring the exposed warrior and his fatal arms to _ - the Grecian camp, and took Neoptolemus with him as his associate in this expedition. «The drama — opens with their arrival at Lemnos; and their at- tempts to carry Philoctetes to Troy constitute its — action. From this simplicity of subject the genius -of Sophocles has formed the most beautiful, the most tender, and the most interesting scenes; there is notamore pleasing drama amongall the remains of the Athenian theatre, nor one that touches the | heart with purer sensibility. Thecharacterof Ulys- ‘ses is finely supported’; alwaysicalled forth where superior wisdom is required, he is prudent, ‘calm, and versatile; he maintains the dignity of the hero, even while he descends to artifice and fraud; for — his own private interest :is:never the object of his -attention, but he always exerts himself with unre: mitting vigour in obedience to his commanders, and-in the service of his country. In contrast with this cool unfeeling) veteran stands the young, the © -generous, the amiable Neoptolemus, ambitious of _thehero’s glory; but averse tothe stateman’s fraud; — this very desire of glory suffers him for a moment — to be drawnvaside from justice, contrary tothedic- — -tates of hismoble nature; but he melts with pity,at — -the sight of distress, is incapable of availing/him- _ self of his artifice even when it liad attained itspur- pose ; he repents, and gives his geuerosity its free | 295 course, regardless of danger whilst honour directs his actions. Between these different characters stands the unhappy Philoctetes, the object of our pity and our wonder. An outcast from human converse, left for ten years in a desolate cave, un- provided with the necessaries of life, and tortured with his wound, we expect that his mind had con- tracted a ferociousness correspondent to the wild- ness of his figure. Amidst all his miseries he re- ceives the strangers with courtesy ; no misanthropy has soured his temper ; once more to see the Gre- cian dress, once more to hear the language of his country, was highly pleasing to him; but to find himself addressed by the son of Achilles filled his soul with a transport of joy ; sincere, warm, and unsuspecting, he falls into the snares laid for him: as soon as he perceives this, he breaks forth into the fiercest passions ; then, sensible of his helpless condition, he becomes a suppliant ; conscious of his worth, and indignant at the wrongs which he had received, he again pours forth the torrent of his rage ; unmoved by the generosity of Neoptole-. mus, and deaf to his persuasions, bis mind, though a little softened, remains inexorable. The scene on this wild and rocky shore has such: a connexion with the distresses of Philoctetes, and is so finely described in. many parts of the drama, that any observations.here on so singular a beauty would be ill-placed and improper. 2Q es OES Se lou talidy Tagnah loas bsingan ae ‘ en — 1 oF - 4) : ee ih MEET. 2 inh eS 1 : RTS SAIBAS TRAIT. sesh y > pa§ ‘BOT Say i . F q te Shp Tee Paes ped py eek band, ee es “FEELS TG POECT OP Set 2 VOT OCH id a7, sacle in “adi dha (egHeT:- mon FeSO A teabiow THO bas. au “tf ovny Stelosoh ear e1GSY tt oF tot Hat oF to 2P1ReR9959 OA ‘thiw be ; OT | “#09 Ded batar eld iedt se qz3 ow banow airl ‘thiw rt how advo: fishes eeot DOSER # Dotan yh dasitastia BPRS ia ‘ Roi eid 0 p29 Barb SF EKST (a. ¢ iu6o di a a5 asta eavig "PERSONS OF THE. (DRAMA ro0e end JREOBE Sat Tod ors STONE S510 291d «sig nal ot Youd y nee sseenSta! Viton onan ty usta PO } ABS ore ill bases bbs ifseeni vf Taare ase Ciara Wy me iit ronw [4745 rat ha MogedsH a dice loos — MY “y Ba bd Mek Faia Wes Tae, HILOCTETES stoi pan Hooganeni : Se fF ee Bao Ol ol0o7 ETEROULES¥i9d30q sd oe #1008 BG fgil ATTEND ANTS atibte 2hq teens sult ANOS Tahiti eR ee moege, 94 soitibaog * : te Y 9) mM NE S.30%et jha y hi 7 i biribodt | CHORUS or bat vets dow ait | Or SUP TOTO) iow Aihen et cbavisgy bs a fry¥egy: PS CAVE ae Bp ue Lovontna fe ORR i ait ; , +. 5S GP Se ita eat wie 7 doo bee teh if i. 2 am O08 ath “sf . re Abbe HoiZ 211000 Pog T Ta a! if vy | odityes ib ‘Yond, 08's sham BSieerls oz ad oe ste Nierern [o-,as ted Got (Ot big, besa! fff i od Dino veg PHILOCTETES. 1—17 ULYSSES, NEOPTOLEMUS. wrys. Tuts is the shore of Lemnos, sea-girt isle ; No human footstep marks the ground: no hut, . Which man inhabits, rises to the eye : Here, Neoptolemus, thou noble son Of the most valiant: of the Grecian Chiefs, The Melian Philoctetes I exposed. . In times long past, commanded by the kings To do this deed ; for.from his wounded foot A rankling ulcer oozed, and undisturb’d. Nor victim nor libation could our hands Present; through all the camp his dismal groans And horrid cries resounded. But these things Why should I now relate? This is no time For long discourse, lest, my arrival known, I frustrate all my subtle trains, in which I think to take him-soon. Thine now the task To act as I direct thee, and observe 298 Philoctetes. = 48...39° If here the pierced rock to the winter’s sun Presents on either side a cheerful seat ; But in the summer through the pervious cleft — The gently-passing gale leads sleep along. : A little lower, on the left, perchance A fountain thou may’st see, of whose pure stream, If living yet, he drinks: with silent step : Advance, and tell: me in, that place if still He holds his habitation, or elsewhere. - Further instructions then thou may’st receive, And I may give them: mutual be our toil. nEop. Not distant, king Ulysses, lies this task ; at I think Isee. the cave by thee described. uLys. Above this place, or lower down? My eye Discerns it, not.. . NEOP. Above ; and many a a trace Ol nea steno 20nd to fe aslt ai on T ULYS.. dvs . Obsetye if srcto 7 in ste - Haply i Ye Petia eee dot NEOP. roe ohdb wiquits RS ras .owh 3 And. not an Me habitant-is there. crt ols 40) uLys. Contains it nothing which: cil Useny oft : Requires ? ! NEOP. 'o) (An heap of banda that bear the ans Of one who lodges on thems) 995). 9.5) | ULYS. . Nothing more, - Save this rude bed, beneath the rocky roof ?. L. 32. Kat pa yy abdsis eUaros; V. 29, Legi elim 0 aby, tis, et vestigii non una nota, sed plurimea—Apud Heathium. . As this cave had been the resi- dence of Philoctetes for many years, it cannot be supposed that no mark of his footsteps was to be seen near it. At verse 48 Neoptolemus says, puad- teres ovibes: again at v.164. he says, Sei€ovéypsitr réyde.. Hertce the read- ing of Mr. Heath’s learned friend is well supported, MGI _ Philoctetes. 299 -nEop. A cup of wood by some tude artist wrought ; | 7 And * these, the sparks of sleeping fire to.wake. uxys. His treasures, and to him of moment these. | NEOP. And drying here some noisome rags are laid, 1 Alas, alas, how full of putrid gore ! -utys. These’mark his habitation in this place ; Nor distant he; th’ immedicable wound © Long rankling in his foot forbids him far To roam; in search of food, or of some leaf, He is gone forth; he knows perchance-some herb Lenient of pain. Be this attendant then _— . Sent to observe his‘steps, lest unawares He light on me; for more than all the sons Of Greece he wislies me ‘within his pow’r. | | nEop. He goes; the path ‘shall well be watch’d. Now say, : Resuming: oe discoursé, what wou’dst thou more? urys. Son 6f Achillés, in th’ important cause, .* Which brought thee hither, it behoves thee much Thy vigour to exert; nor that alone, But if aught new, if aught unheard before : Thou héar,; assist : for therefore art thou. come. _ NEOP. What sims our ase thou command me? _ULys. fe oitce Do allure | With senda words the unsuspecting heart: Of Philoctetes: when he asks'thee wha. And whence thou art, ‘tell him thou art theson . Of great Achilles; fraud were useless here ; “To Scyros say thy vessel ploughs the main, And bears thee from th’ associate Chiefs of Greece, Indignant at thy wrongs; for when their pray’rs Won thee to join their naval force (that hope To storm the tow’rs of ‘Troy alone remain’d) * Asixrixngs. 300 | : Philoctetes. . ak aaa To thy request, though highly just, withiscorn . The armour of Achilles they denied, And gave it to Ulysses: then of me... Say. what. thou wilt, the vilest of vile things, I heed it not.. This task if thou decline, Each Argive heart with sorrow thou wilt wound. For should these fated.arrows not be gain’d .. It is not thine to waste the Dardan realms. By me no converse with him can be held, _, To thee it has no danger; it was thine — k To join their arms, by oath to none engaged, Nor through necessity, nor with the first _ That stretch’d their sails: all this in me offends. My ruin then, if whilst-he holds this bow. He find me, is most certain; and on-thee My presence will draw ruin: this requires .< Deep-thoughted stratagem, and artful trains, By. stealth to bear th’ unconquer’d arms away, . ye I know thy noble nature; it disdains, .,.. To speak,a falsehood, or contrive a, fraud But high the transport to obtain the prize... | Of conquest: dare th” attempt: we will be just Hereafter: some small portion of this day Forget. to blush, and, give:thyself to.me:, ..,) Thenceforth be deem’d the holiest, of mankind. nEoP. What. but:to:hear is painful,to my soul, . Son: of Laertes, I abhor, to,acte (0) uy My. nature was not. form’d for treacherous a: vil } a CES: L. 81. This oath, i related at large by. Euripides, Thcen, at Aulis, I, 55. All, who engag ed in this war under the obligation of this oath, or com- pelled by the confederate princes, that’ is, all, who at first embarked, with Agamemnon and: ‘Menelaus, were considered by’ Philoctetes as his enemies, in a conspiracy to expose him on that desert island. Neoptolemus was not of that number; he therefore had not offended the deserted Chief, | eh ete at ie alla ee. - a "ohadene | 99...123 Philoctetes. 301 Nor his who gave me birth; so fame reports. Thou seest me prompt to seize this man by force,., . But not by fraud: nor will his might avail, Proiapt on one foot, against our vigorous strength. L Sent thy assistant, I disdain the name Of a betrayer. I have a joy, O king, In honest actions, though their efforts, fail; ,... More than in victory by baseness gain’d. - utys. Thou noble son of an illustrious sire, olf When I was young I bade my tongue be still, And my hands active; now by certain proof From long experience in the world I find Thy tongue, not actiong, rules th’ affairs of men. nEoP. What then wou’dst thou command, SO that my tongue Speak no untruth? © oo. ULYS. . tell thee that fe al ne must take Philoctetes. | NEOP. . vere | Why by fraud,.; .. > : Rather than fair persuasion, should I hence | | Assay to lead him ? | ‘ULYs. zit } To persuasion’s voice ; He would be deaf, nor will thy force ala To seize him. - > ; NEOP. What hath he of power so vast, So terrible ? ULYS. Unerring arrows eer eon With certain death. NEOP. Bold then must be tl’ ation E’en to accost him. ULYs. (“3 Not if seized by fraud ' As T advise. | NEOP. ' Dost thou not deem it base To utter falsehoods ? ULYS. Not if falsehood leads 302 NEOP. ULYS. NEOP. ULYS. NEOP. ULYS. NEOP. NEOP. ULYS. NEOP. ULYS. NEOP. ULYS,. To oabsteny éboe + did’ oi Gatos seal 10 Be sure of that, since 2 assent to thictii _ And the attendant, who observes his steps; 9” Philoctetes. 18d 4 1d How must that-man look, who dares. ? To Bits seh ila busi wd » When much Ls be oa ome niceness | sera bei waved. jccizians wi: a » To-me wa gains, iO Should he to 0 Troy s sil with us? f al oO his sats Alone i is "Troy subdued. az sldoa zp yo . Did y you not say. j My arms should) raze her, tow’rs 2%, ay: ver be Not. withoat dese, Nor these Baillied i ks AMSio!! erent yA'F ‘it hig. not te AML It be decreed, these arrows must be: WOR oe Win them, a double hoon? is thine. . . ‘otoolid _ What meed.? This known, * ‘more c may refuse to act. As wise and brave to hear thyself renown: rf Go: I will do it, and all shame defy. 4)... /) Are my instructions in'thy mind well fix’d > Abide thou here expecting his return». / I now mist leave thee, to: avoid his ae Will order to the bark. If your delay west Exceeds my expectation, I willsend The sameé'man back in such Habiliments: As to appear the master of some bark, That he may¥'come not know#i in such a Sas : Artful and various thou wilt find his words ; , But gather from theni tothe present! cause What is of highest import: fo the!ship ), I go, these things ‘committing to thy charge. -150.,,181 -_ Philoctetes. 303 May Hermes, god of wiles, who led us forth, Be now our guide, and the, victorious queen, Pallas, protectress,of the rampired town, Who always shields me with her Suardian ¢ care ! NEOPTOLEMUS, CHORUS. cHor. In a strange land. a stranger, potent, eee What truths;must I conceal, what may I speak; When to our sight this man) presents: himself ? Instruct me, for in knowledge he excels All others,.and in prudence, who from J ove Receives the sacred sceptre; all this pow’r To thee,. my son, is from anoble line: |. Of ancestors derived. Inform me, then rf: | What service from | my hand is now. required. ; _NEoP. Now, if thou. hast a wish to see the place. | Through all its deep recesses where he lies, With freedom view it; but)when he returns, The painful traveller, quit these cayes,y be near My hand, prepared to aet as need requires. _cHor. That was my purpose, with attentive heed On thine, O king, to fix my eye. Now show Amidst what cayes he lodges, and what place Inhabits : this to know is net unmeet, Lest haply he surprise me in. some part.:.; “Where not expected.. Show me then. his. cave, Show me his residence ;. his footsteps. mark, . Homeward impress’d, or pointed from the cave. -wEop. Thou seest his habitation in this cave, Where the cleft rock a double entrance yields.:: _ cHor. Where absent is the wretched dweller now}, _yeEop. The want of food hath doubtless drawn him forth : To toil with painful step, not distant far, For he sustains his miserable life, ZR 304 CHOR. NEOP. Philocteteés. et 182...215 By miserably piercing with his shafts : The beasts that haunt these wilds; nox for his wound Finds he a cure, or to his pains relief. His"s : I pity him, no mortal’s lenient aid * | Tending around him, and no social friend | Near him to sooth his solitary hours. , Alone, and with the anguish of his wound For ever tortured, while each cheerless want Daily scowls round him, how supports he life? } Alas, to what hard toils are mortal men = Reduced, whose lives, unhappy sufferers, want , What to sustain them! So this man, perchance Yn noble blood and high- traced ancestry | Rank’d with the greatest, destitute of all : That life requires, alone ’midst shaggy beasts And birds of various wing his lodging finds ; Hse: And pierced with pain and hunger here endures ; Immedicable anguish, whilst aroun The rock’s rude Echo with unceasing voice In sullen notes returns his dismal groans. — a My wonder this excites not; for heav’n-sent These sufferings seized him, if aright I judge, Derived from baleful Chryse ; and the toils Which now afflict him, where no friend is near To mitigate his ills, are by the gods Assign’d, who would not their unconquer’d shafts He wing against the Trojans, ere the time’ Arrive, when by them Troy must be subdued. » . Silence, my son; I hear a sound; it seems The voice of one acquainted long with pain.’ . From what part comes the sound? I hear it now: 0°" > This is indeed the voice of one that sets — i His steps with pain: though distant, yet distinct Is this heart-wasting voice, for loud his groans. 216...246 Philoctetes. 305 CHOR. Now summon all thy prudence, for his ‘steps PHIL. PHIL. Approach, are near; no charm of tuneful pipe ‘ ... -He brings like rural shepherd, but loud cries Far distant heard, through anguish when his foot _. The rugged path annoys; or as he sees. . Our vessel in th’ inhospitable port : For dreadful are his cries before him sent. PHILOCTETES, NEOPTOLEMUS, CHORUS. Strangers, who are you that have steer’d your bark | To this. rude coast, which knows not friendly port, Nor habitation? What your country say; . Of what race may I speak you? for your garb. Presents the modes of Greece, to me most dear. I wish to hear your voice. *Nay, do not look With fear and horror at this savage form, But pity me, a poor forsaken wretch, Alone, and friendless, and oppress’d with ills. | Speak to me, if you come as friends, O speak ; This I should not refuse ; 3 refuse not you... Stranger; be first, inform’d of this, for this; :,-- Was thy first wish to know, : we are of Greece. O welcome accents! What a joy to hear That language, to its sound sO long disused ! Who brought thee hither ? What necessity, What strong desire impell’d. thy sails, what wind To me most dear?; Speak to me, tell: me all, That who thou art undoubting I may know. . My birth I draw from Scyros, sea-girt isle, Thither my bark now steers its homeward course ; And Neoptolemus men call my name, Son of Achilles. I have told thee all, Son of a father to my soul most dear, 306 NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL, L. 248. Lycomedes, king of Scyros, was father of Deidamia the mother, of Neoptolemus. See the Achilleid of Statius, Philoctetes. > ae Thou native of a land I love, thou j bait ipnersites A ae Of aged Lycomedes, to these shores : On what achievement bound ? Whence sail’d thy bark? From Ilium now I steer my willing course. | What say’st thou? Not with us didst thou’ embark, — When first ’gainst Hium sail’d our warlike host. Hadst thou too in that martial toil a'share? Know’st thou not me, my son, whom now thou seest ?~ How should I know a man not seen before? | Hath not my name, hath not the'bruit of ills © By which I perish, ever reach’d thine’ear?) |” Nothing of these’ thy questions do I know. ©” Oh what a wretch am I, and to'the gods How hateful, that no tidings of iny woes | Have reach’d my house, nor any realm ‘of Greece ! : While they whose impious arts exposed ” mé ‘here, Deride me, and conceal the barbarous deed, My wound still rankling, and’ my pains more fierce. Know then, thou son of an illustrious sire, A te Son of Achilles, Iam he, ‘whose name‘ © “© Widely divulged perchance hath teach’d thine ears,’ Lord of ‘the arms of Hercules, the son Of Peeas, ’ Philoctetes ; whom the Chiefs, And Cephallene’ s king, here basely left An outcast, and alone, with dite disease’ Consuméd, and tortured with this gnawing’ wound By‘the fell sérpent’s venom’d tooth impress’d. In this ill plight they left me here ‘alone, * From Chryse when on this wild coast we ‘touch’d. As wearied with the tossing of the waves ~ They saw me sleeping on the shore, beneath | a. | Philoctetes. 307 - This rock’s rude covering, with malignant joy They left me, and sail’d hence, a few meat)’ ‘Tags, <> Meet for a wretch like me, beside me laid, And food, a ‘scanty pittance; such be theirs} Think from’ that’sleep, my son, how I awoke When they were gone; think on my tears, my proans, Such ills lathenting;' when I ‘saw my ships, ‘With which'I hither sail’d, all out at sea, And steeting hence; no mortal in the Lap ES Not one ‘to succour me, not one to lend © His lenient hand to mitigate my wound. On every’ side I'toll’d my eyes, and saw Nothing but wretchedness 3 of that enough." Time after time roll’d: on; this natrow cave I made my mansion, ‘and “He: hands ‘alone’ Supplied my wants ;’ my bow procuréd me food, Piercing the doves on wing; beneath ‘my shafts Whene’ er they fell, I trail’d my foot along n anguish ; ; so when thirst compell’d me ‘forth, ie, the inclement winter’s piercmg: frost ‘To break a few dry sticks, out crawl’d this’ wretch Devising ‘shifts :fite was not’here ; ‘T'struck’ | Flint’ against flint; and raised ‘the latent sparks | _ With pain: hus ¢hetish’d life hath been preserved. “This sheltering mansion, with such’ cheering’ fire, _ Hath furnish’d me With‘ all things, but a cure ee vs my disease. Now learn from ‘me the’ state | Of this’ ‘tude isle : no mariner thtough choice Adveritures on this coast 5 for no safe! port, ' Receives his bark, nd mart’ is open here“ For traffic, and no hospitable door To give him welcome; to these shores his course *'' No wise man steers; some in a length of time, Which rolls along events surpassing thought, 308 _ Philoctetes. | 312. AA : Hage been driv’n hither; these, my son, when:here, In words, have pitied me: nay, they have giv’n, Touch’d with compassion, some small share of food, Some raiment; but entreaties all were vain, 7 Not one, though oft I urged the fond request, Would bear me to my household gods, and save This life; the tenth sad year now rolls its course, Since here with wretchedness and famine pierced I waste away, and feed my rankling wound. — These wrongs from the Atride I sustain, And from Ulysses, whose unfeeling heart Ne’er knew the touch of pity: on their heads .. May the just .gods pour miseries great as mine} cHor. Like others, who have visited this isle, - I too, O son of Poeas, pity thee. NEoP. I can bear witness to thy words, by proof I know them true: Ulysses I have found Unfeeling, and the sons of Atreus base. PHIL, Fast thou ne suffer’d from them ? i thy rage. 7 CListy? nEoP. Oh that my hand had pow’ r Y avenge my orange! re Then, should. -Mycenz: and proud Sparta know. . ; And feel that Scyros.to the brave gives birth... : PHIL.,.,his shows a noble spirit : but, my son, - 4 What mighty wrongs to Lemnos. urged thy : sails ? nzop. I will inform thee, if my soul can bear ~ To speak my wrongs; for sinee Achilles ied. asses pHi, Ah, let me check thy speech : of,this event ‘ ; First tell me. Is the son of Peleus dead? _. NEoP. And by no mortal hand, but by the bow Of Phebus, such the voice of fame, subdued. PHIL. Illustrious he that slew, and he that fell! But what behoves me now? Should I first ask What thou. hast suffer’d, or lament his fate? > | 6...879 Philoctetes. a ae NEoP. Griefs of thy own, I think iiss hast’ enough, — - Unhappy man, unmix’d with foreign ills. PHIL. ‘Thy words are wise: return then to thy tale,’ My son, and say what wrongs thou hast received. NEOP. ‘In a tall bark with all her sails unfurl’d The great Ulysses, and the sage who train’d — May father’s youth, came to me, and declared © ‘(The truth yet doubtful) that, my father dead, No arm but mine could raze the tow’rs of Troy. I heard them, nor detain’d them long, but soon Mounted the bark for ardent my desire To gee the dead, whom I had never seen, Ere in the earth ‘entomb’d: their plea’ besides Had honour in it, that the tow’rs of Troy | Should, if I join’d them, fall beneath my arm. One day our vessel plough’d the foaming’ main, “And on the second with a favouring gale I reach’d Sigzeum, scene of bitter woe. | ; oon ‘as I landed, all the afiny round — hited Ee fgets meé with salutations greet, <9) ©” And swear they see Achilles, now no more; '” Living again; but he was stretch’d in death. O’er him in all the anguish of my grief I shed the pious tears ; nor mourn’d him long, But hasted to th’ Atride, as my friends, For such I deem’d them, and my father’s arms Demanded, and besides whate’er was his. In words that pierced my heart they thus replied, Son of Achilles, thine be all the stores, The treasures of thy father, save his arms ; Of these another now is lord, the son Of old Laertes. Strait the swelling tear Burst from my eye; and roused to ardent rage Indignant I replied, Have you then dared, 310 Philoctetes. 380...407 Injurious men, to give my,arms aways, 4. jp) oy My leave not, ask’d? Ulysses, who was nigh, Address’d me thus, To me, young man, these arms. ..... With. justice they have, giv’n, for from. the foe» » I saved them, and their. slaughter’d. lord. Incepsed: 17g I pour’d.a torrent of repreachful, words... .") = _ Against hina, should, he bear my. arms, away-. Stung with my words, though train’ ‘d to,curb, his rage, Thus far to rising passion he gaye, way,) ..~.. Thou wast not where we were, but distant. far, ; From danger and from, glory: ‘but these.arms; / Since in so high,a strain thy tongs, brass jage, To Scyros sailing never shalt thou bear.) 7 5! ' Thus slighted, thus, insulted, of my right; j.,.°; Robb’d by the vile Ulysses, of a race, »; dituodl2 As vile descended, 1) to. Seyros steer., My homeward ‘course ;. yet. less, with roy pact Than with, the-potent kings; for every state, .. ; And every army from their Chiefs are form’d,, » And they, who mock: at honour’s dictates, lea ‘Their baseness from their,lords.. Thou hast hea But know, whoe’er the sons’ of Atreus hates, .- Must be to me, and to the gods, most dear..,°<) cHorR. Thou all-sustaining parent, mighty queen,,.). | Delighting in the, mountain’s wood-crown’d: height, Mother of Jove, who.feed’st the golden/stream) Of rich Pactolus, pow’r revered,.to thee...) 4 all: My vows.J then address’d, meron all these, wrongs erty if ay iMiboA lo sod L. 384. Me miserum, quanto cogor meminisse eablore at-odT Temporis illius, quo Graiim’ murus Achilles 1a : Procubuit! Nec’ me lachryme, luctusve, timorve, . Tardarunt, quin corpus humo sublime fetértenL? #4 . ‘His humeris, his,‘inquam, humeris ego dorpas Achilles, Et simul arma tuli;,..Ovid. Mets lib. xili, 00.0) _ 408...488 Philoctetes. Jil _ Burst from the sons of Atreus, when they gave His father’s arms (O thou, whose car sublime, Blest as thou art, bull-rending lions draw !) Be To grace Ulysses, an illustrious prize. pu. With marks of grief imprinted deep, I ween, | ge Strangers, to me you steer’d your course, with mine Your voice according ; for, with me, the sons us Of Atreus, and Ulysses you have felt : These are their deeds: 1 know him well; his tongue To subtile blandishment and wicked guile Is always smooth’d, whence nothing just was e’er Brought to effect. I marvel not at this, But much, if this the greater Ajax saw, How his high soul such deeds of baseness brook’d. 4 nEop. He, stranger, was no more; for had he lived, I had not of my arms been plunder’d thus, pHit. Dead, say’st thou? Is the noble Ajax dead ? ) wneor. No more he views the sun’s ethereal light. | mourn his fate. But tell me lives the son 'Tydeus ? Lives that wretch, who ere his birth By Sisyphus was to Laertes sold ? | Are not they dead ? Such wretches should not live. _nEop. No: be thou well assured of that: they live, And flourish now amidst the Argive host. | PHIL. Where is my honour’d good, and aged friend, The Pylian Nestor ? Well his sage advice The baseness of their actions might have curb’d. | NEOP. He lives indeed, but sinks beneath his grief, Mourning Antilochus, his loved, lost son. puHin. Twice have thy words with sorrow pierced my heart, | To hear, what least I wish’d to hear, the death, . % L. 497. This dark scandal is differently related. Laertes is said to have carried off Antielea the wife of Sisyphus when she was pregnant with Ulysses, and to have made compensation to the injured husband with large treasures, 2s 312 NEOP. PHIL. NEHOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. 4 Philoctetes. | (489...472 1 Of two brave friends. Ah, what must be our thought, — When such men perish, and Ulysses'livés, 7 Whose death, instead of theirs, should be announced !_ He is a wary combatant; but craft’ oT; Is oft entangled in the nets it spreads. — Now, by the gods inform me where was then’ — Patroclus, to thy father once most dear?!” He too was dead. In‘one brief sentence hear This truth, that never willingly doth war” Cut off the base, and never spares the brave. To show thee that my thoughts accord with tine, Now let me ask’ thee! of a'worthless mab, a But passing shrewd, and voluble of tongue. ) Of other than’ Ulysses dost thou speak ? I meant not him: ‘but in the Grecian camp’ Was one Thersites; who wish’d ‘oft to speak ” What no man would hear once : is he alive ? I saw him‘not, but heard’ that yet he lives. | eit Yes, he will live; for never have T known” © “a That the base perish ; such the gods protect, +4 Delighting from the realms of death to snatch — - The’ crafty and the guilefal; but the just ~~ = And generous they in ruin always sink.’ How for these things shall we account, or how Approve them? When I find the gods unjust,’ ” How can f praise their heavenly governance ? Son of CEtzan Peas, I will guard | My future life from Ilium distant far, Far from the sons of Atreus. O’er the brave Where the vile lords it, and illustrious worth : Is doom’d to perish by oppressive pow’r, I with such men will never live a friend. But me the rocks of Scyros shall henceforth Content, not undelighted with my home. | 473.4505 Philoctetes. ee Now to my bark I go: farewell, thou son * Of Poeas 5, be each blessing thine, farewell ; May the gods heal thy wound! We must go hence, » That when the gale’springs favouring we may sail. ‘PHIL. Would youbs now exper your sails, my son ? ; i NEOP. re (OME ) The’ time Now calls ti us near the ach to watch the gale. | pait. Now by thy father’s honour’d shade, my son, | And by thy mother, by whate’er thy house. ” » Holds dear to thee, thy suppliant I implore Thy pity, do not leave me thus alone, Abandon’d in these ills, which now thou. seest, And with which thou hast heard I long have had My dwelling here... Receive me in thy bark, Allow me there a place ; this freight, I know, : Will be offensive ; yet disdain it not. Whate’er is base the noble mind abhors, _ Bat glories in the kind. and generous deed. Not to perform this kindness ‘were reproach : te thee, and shame ; but granting my. request, High honour waits thee. - If L reach alive land of Citta, I shall burden thee Not one whole day; refuse not my request; Throw me where’er thou wilt, into the hold;, The prow, the stern, where least: I, may, annoy’ : The mariners ; assent, my son, by, Jove Protector of the suppliant, grant my pray’. Infirm, and lame, and wretched ‘as I. am, Low at thy knees I fall; forsake me not | Far from the haunt of men abandon’d thus ; : But save me, bear me to thy friendly coe Or to Chaleodon’s ports that deep indent Euboea; thence the passage is. not long, To Gita, and to Trachin’s rocky heights, 314 CHOR. NEOP. CHOR. Attending mortals, prosperous now, anon ; Philocteies. : 506...539 | And to Sperchius, beauteous-rolling stream. Show me to my loved father; yet long since _ The tomb, I fear, received him ; for to those, — Who reach’d this coast, I oft gave charge, and oft Sent my request that he would speed a bark To bear me hence in safety to my home. But he is dead, or they perchance, (for this’ » Might be expected) on whose promised aid I built my hopes, of my disastrous state | Made small account, and steer’d their onward course | To their own ports. But now I come to thee : To bear my message, nay, to bear me hence. Save me, have pity on me; for thou seest The dangers, and the horrible events : In misery sunk. Behoves it then the man, 4 ea ee ee ee 1s A stranger now to ill, on ills to come Forward to look ; then most when fortune smiles, To have a sense of man’s uncertain state, Lest ruin steal upon him, and he fall Have pity on him, king; for he hath told Of hard encounters with severest toils Beyond man’s sufferance : ne’er may one I loye Endure the like ! And if, O king, thou hate 4 The stern Atride, I would turn their ill . To his great good ; and since his wish is urged So strongly, in my swift well-furnish’d bark Convey him to his mansion, and avoid The righteous vengeance of th’ offended gods. Take heed lest now too gentle be thy mind, But when, embark’d together, his disease Long time annoys thee, other be thy thoughts. Never, oh never: nor shalt thou have cause To charge my stedfast mind wtth such reproach. = | §40...565 Philoctetes. 9 315 | PHIL. Nay, I should blush indeed, should I appear Less prompt than thou with generous toil to aid In his distress a stranger. We will sail, If such thy judgment: let him come with’speed ; My bark shall bear him lence, nor shall he find Denial: may the gods direct our course» Safe to the shore on which we wish to land! O welcome day! Most courteous thou of men ! _ And you, ye friendly mariners, what thanks _ Can I return you? With what words express CHOR. The gratitude that glows within my heart? But let us go, my son, and pay within A farewell greeting to this cheerless cave, Dwelling unmeet for man; that thou may’st know Where I have lived, and what I have sustain’d With a’firm heart : the sight alone, b think, Horror on others must impress; but me’ Necessity hath taught to love e’en this. ‘Restrain your steps awhile: two men advance, One to thy bark belongs, a stranger one. irst hear their tidings; visit then the cave. MERCHANT, MARINER, NEOPTOLEMUS, PHILOCTETES, CHORUS. merc. Son of Achilles, to this mariner, Who with two others guarded thy tall bark, I made request that le would show me where Thou might’st be found; since thus I light on thee Where least expected, driv’n by chance to land L. 546. There is a designed ambiguity here, as well.as in the speech of the Chorus at 1.533. Neoptolemus means no other than the Sigezan shore. L, 559. This stranger, this pretended Merchant of Peparethus, is the at- tendant whom Ulysses had promised to send back habited as the master of some bark, 1, 143. His tale is artful indeed. 316 - NEOP. MERC. NEOP. MERC. NEOP. MERC. NEOP. MERC. NEOP. MERC. NEOP. MERC. ’ NEOP. Philoctetes. — — BBGd8N8 - On the same shore; for I, as master, steer’dys cour My little galley homeward from the coast: s) _ Of Troy to Péparethus cloth’diwith vines #1) -Rich-with the purple grape... But when’ I heard That all thy naval train was waiting here,” I deem’d. it: meet in silence not:to! sail,, : {gino But first to tell thee things perchance to thee” Unknown, and much importing'thee to know ;' What late resolves the Grecian Chiefs have forin’d - Against thee; not-resolves alone, but acts! | With vigour and without delay enforced.» 4 In grateful memory, stranger, I shall hold | Thy kind concern for me, else I were bases What thou hast hinted speak at large, ’gainst me The councils by the Grécians lately form’d... // The sons of ‘Theseus, and the aged Chief, «+ Phoenix, pursue ;thee witha well-arm’d fleeti:, |’ By force to lead: me back, or suasive words 2» I know not: what I heard I eame to speak..9 son) sae Doth Phoenix this, and they who: with: ss sil Obsequious to th’ Atridse’s royal will? Be thou assured they speed without the 3 Whence is it that Ulysses came not, prompt — To sail with them? Hath fear restrain’d his zeal ? He and the son of Tydeus, when I sail’d, 9 90 >) 4 Against some other plough’d the foaming main. On what adventure was Ulysses bound ? There was a man... ...But téll me, who is‘ this > I would first know :' but speak it not aloud.) This, friend, is Philoctetes the renown’d. Bs Nay then no further question: with all speed Hoist every sail, and hie thee from this land. «,_. What says this merchant? What design, my sons.» L. 568. Peparethus is a little island not far from Lemnos. q 599.630 - Philoctetes. 317 ’Gainst' me conveys that whisper to thy ear? nEop. What he would say I know not; let him speak Clear and aloud to thee, and me, and these. MERC. Son of Achilles, to the Grecian host Betray me not, as’ what I should conceal Disclosing ; ‘many favours at their hands Have'D received for services by me - To thém perform’d, such as a poor man may. nEoP. I hate the sons of Atreus; and this man, "© ’ Because he hates them, is my dearest friend. ‘©. Behoves thee, since to-me thou comest a friend, Nought; which :a friend can tell us, to conceal. MERC. See what thou dost. | ‘NEOP. J That long hath been my care. meRC. On thee I charge the La fers NEOP. Salat ~ Charge it; but apeatet MERC. Then I will speak: Abaihst this.man the son Of Tydeus, and the stern Ulysses speed Their sails; their purpose ratified by oath By ‘soft persuasion or compulsive force. Tobring him back: this all the Grecians heard fee. speak aloud; for bolder hope foe 13 - Was this, and firm assurance of'success.. GY? nEop. After such length of time what cause: hath moved The sons of Atreus to such anxious care For‘one, an outcast, whom so long’ they left >: Whience’ this desire? Or have the gods by force Impell’d them, thus avenging impious deeds? merc. Of this I will inform thee, things perchance By thee not heard. There was a noble Seer, The son of Priam, Helenus his name; . Him this dark plotter cursed by every tongue, As in the night he prowling roved alone, Ulysses seized, and brought his glorious prize 318 PHIL. MERC, ~ Philoctetes. 63)...656 Bound to the Grecians: all the dark decrees Of fate he open’d to them, and declared That never should they raze the tow’rs of Troy, Till by persuasion they should lead this man From his lone dwelling in this rocky isle. This when Ulysses heard the seer declare, Instant he pledged his faith to lead him hence, And show him to the Grecian camp’: his hopes + a! Are warm to win his willing mind; if not, He will. recur to force; and for success Hath pledged his head. Thou hast heard all: now baide, Thou and whoe’er is dear to thee: be warn’d, What, hath this vile accurs’d deceiver sworn To show me to the Grecians? Were I dead, Then might persuasion bring me from the realms Of Pluto, like his father, back to light. I know not that. My bark demands me now. May the best blessings of the gods be yours. PHILOCTETES, NEOPTOLEMUS, CHORUS. PHIL. Is not this strange? What, dares Ulysses ho With soothing words to win me to embark — With him, and trail me through the Grecian: camp A spectacle! No: rather would [hear : The serpent, from whose venem’d tooth my foot Received this wound. ~ But he dares speak and act Whate’er is base.’ I know that. he will come; Let us then hence; with all its broad expanse L. 646. Sisyphus, when dying, charged his; wife not to bury him; the lady obcyed his commands. In the infernal regions, he accused her to Pluto as denying him funeral rites, and requésted permission to return to life for one day to punish her for this impiety : the monarch of the dead was persuaded to grant his request. He returned te life, but; perfidiously- refused to descend again to the realms beneath, Scholiast, : Ale 657 ...690 - Philocietes. — 7 319 NEOP. PHIL. _NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. -NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. Let the sea roll between his bark: and us. Let us begone: for well-timed speed (the toil » Surmounted) brings the calm of sweet repose. When from the shore the favouring gales arise, Our sails ‘shall catch them: they are adverse now. Fair is each gale that wafts the bark from ills. No: but to them the gale is adverse too. To daring pirates adverse is no wind, With ruffian force when they can seize their spoil. Well; instant let us sail: but from thy cave First bear what thou may’st need, or wish to take. There is, though small my stores, what I shall need. What is there which my bark can not supply ? There is an herb, with which I oft assuage — My wound, and wholly mitigate its pain. ‘Bring it. Aught else hast thou a wish to take? If of these shafts one carelessly be dropt, I would: not leave it to a casual lord. Is this the bow so famous through the world ?- It is: my hands no other deign to hold. pany thou indulge me with a nearer view, y hold, to kiss it as a thing divine? This, and what élse is mine, to thee, my son, To gratify thy wish shall be allow’d. I wish it, so far wish it as thy will Assents; if not; my wish shall be suppress’d. Thy words are pious ; thou hast my consent, Thou, who alone hast giv’n me to behold The sun’s bright beams, to see th’ Otzan land, «My aged father, my loved friends; when sunk Beneath my foes, to rise and triumph. » Yes, Thou hast my leave to touch it, to my ‘hands Againto give it, and to make thy boast That for thy virtue thou of'all mankind 20 320 - Philoctetes. - 691...721 Alone hast handled it: for friendly deeds It was my prize; nor envy I my friend © To see, to touch it. He, whose grateful heart Knows to requite a favour, is a friend Of higher value than rich treasured stores. ngop. The cave now enter. ~ PHIL. I will lead thee on. For my disease thy aiding hand desires. — sTRO.. 1. ANTIS. l. CHORUS. Such miseries never did mine eyes behold ;. But fame.records from times of old ‘That when Ixion. with ambitious love - Assay’d to stain the bed of Jove, Seized by the Thunderer, on the whirling wheel Enchain’d, such tortures he was doom’d to feel.. Else not the grief-assaulted ear, Nor eye inured to scenes of woe, Have known a fate like his severe: Yet justice aims no vengeful blow; His hands no deed of baseness stains, And fraud his virtuous soul disdains: Alone, exposed on this wild shore, Hearing the. billows round him roar, I marvel how. his' mournful life he bore. _ In cheerless solitude these rocks among With pain he dragg’d his steps along; No social friend, no partner in his pains Attentive hears while he complains, From mutual anguish makes his mutual moan, Re-echoes sigh for sigh, and groan for groan ; None, when his fierce envenom’d wound Bursts ope, and spouts the boiling gore, To. cull the lenient herb is found Pr750 Philoctetes. 32] From bounteous nature’s balmy store. But (as a child, its nurse away, With tottering foot attempts to stray) Where best his food he may provide . ~ His feebly-rolling steps are tried, Oft as his soul-consuming pains subside. STRO. 2. Him not the earth’s rich fruits sustain, Which from her sacred bounty rise ; IH Nor, food of men, the golden grain, Which toil’s inventive care supplies ; Nor aught, save birds that wing th’ ethereal height, If haply his swift shafts arrest their flight. For ten long years no sparkling bowl Cheer’d with the grape’s rich juice his soul ; But where th’ unruffled fount he saw, . ‘He hasted from the joyless stream to draw. | ANTIS. 2. A noble youth he now hath found, Who with his father’s virtues glows ; By fortune now his patience crown’d, He rises greater from his woes. | The bark shall waft him, after these sad AiGes, To thy loved banks, Sperchius, where their bow’rs The Melian Nymphs delight to twine ; ‘Where Osta blazed with flames divine,’ Whence glorious to the blest abodes... ; - The hero rose a god among the gods. : NEOPTOLEMUS, PHILOCTETES, returning from the cave ; CHORUS. ‘ nEop. Why this delay? Move onward. What the cause , Of this thy silence? Whence this deep dismay? Philoctetes groans. nEoP. What ill afflicts thee? ae PHIL. Nothing great: goon, PHIL. NEOP., PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. ‘NEOP. i Philoctetes. a eater . Wou’dst thou suppress the pain of thy disease ? Oh, no; I now feel lighter.——O ye gods! . Why with such groans dost thou invoke the gods? To save us with their kind and guardian pow’r. _ He groans repeatedly. . What may this be? Wilt thow not ‘speak? Thus long Why art thou silent? Piercing seems thy pain. Oh, this exceeds the pow’r of man to bear ! Nor from you longer can I hide my ill. Oh, I am pierced, pierced through! Unhappy me! I cannot bear these agonizing pains, Repeated and violent groans. Hast thou a sword, my son? Cut off my foot, Quick, hew it off, nor spare this wretched life. What are these new and sudden ills, that cause Such dreadful cries, and loud-lamenting groans ? Know’st thou, my son... Know what? . Know’st thou, my son... What wou’dst thou ask ? I know not, ys How not know: a Philoctetes groans again. How dreadful the attack of thy disease ! Dreadful indeed: words cannot speak its force. But pity me. What wou’dst thou I should do? Be not astonish’d, nor abandon me. At intervals, like ruffians keen to seize Their prey, its cruel inroads it will make’ Till it be sated. O unhappy man, In all thy toils unhappy! Shall my hand). Support thee ? 275 ,..808 Philoctetes. PHIL. .» | No: I would not that: but take The bow, which lately thou didst wish to touch I - And, till the pains, which pierce me now, abate, Hold it, and guard it well; for when the force Of this disease begins to be allay’d,, ‘Sleep seizes me; till then I have no pause From gnawing pain; permit me then to lie. ; In undisturb’d repose; and, should they come, Mean while, I beg thee by th’ immortal,gods, ) Let not persuasion, force, or all their arts... . Work thee to yield it to them; for thyself». And me thy suppliant else thou wilt destroy. NEOP. In my attentive care confide; to none, Save to thy hands and mine, shall it. be giv’n. ‘ Consign it to me: happy,be the trust ! pHiIL. Take it, my.son; and be thy, vows address’d_ NEop. Grant this, ye gods! And may a favouring gale _ Arise, and safely bear us to the land ~ Sought by our sails, and by the gods assign’d ! PHIL. To Envy, that to thee it cause not. toils, Such as to me, and to its former lord. These vows, my son, I fear thou hast address’d Without effect; for the black blood again. Spouts from the bottom of my wound; I dread Anguish unknown before. Unhappy me, What torture this! It thrills, it darts along ; It is not to be borne. You see my state; But fly not; leave me not abandon’d here. Thou Cephallenian savage, might this pain 323 Pierce thro ugh thy breast, quite through ! Ye brother kings, Leaders of Greece, for such a length of.time, - For me such anguish how had you sustain’d ? O death, O death, each day so oft invoked, Canst thou ne’er come? My son, thou generous youth, ~*~ 304 Philoctetes. 809.1836 Oh take me, burn me in these whirling flames Of Lemnos; which sad office for the son Of Jove these hands refused not to perform, These arms receiving as my meed. Myson, — Why art thou silent?) What employs thy thoughts ? nrop. Long have I griev’d, and mourn’d thy painful ills. PHIL. Let not that shake thy firmness; for these pains Oft come thus keen, and soon are gone agai. | But, I entreat thee, leave me not alone. nxor. Be confident; for thee we here will stay.’ pHiL. And will you stay? - . NEOP. Be thou assured we will. _ PHIL. Ill it becomes me to require thy oath. — NEOP. To go without thee were an impious deed. PHIL. Give me thy hand to ratify thy faith. | NEOP, I give it as a pledge that I will stay. PHIL. There, let me there...... . NEOP. What say’st thou? PHIL. , There on high... NEop. This is distraction. Wherefore are thine eyes wy Fix’d on that orb above ? , PHIL. - Off, let me go. NEoP. Why should I let thee go? PHIL, Unhand me, off. NEOP. I cannot quit thee in this hapless state. PHIL. You kill me if you touch me. NEOP. To thyself I leave thee.......Are thy spirits now more calm ? PHIL. O earth, receive me dying as I lie ; My ills will never let me rise again. NEoP, Sleep soon will steal upon him: see, his head Already he reclines ; and all his limbs Are bath’d with sweat; the black distended vein Is burst, and from his foot out-wells the gore. 837...868 Philoctetes. 325 CHOR. ~ - Let us allow him then, my friends, to rest In quiet, goon as sleep shall close his eyes. O sleep, that know’st not care, that know’st not pain, Come gently-breathing, sorrow-charming king : Veil from his eyes this light, whose glaring beams _ Unshaded now are spread: come, healing pow’r !— . NEOP. The hour, my son, requires deliberate thought, Thy purpose fix’d or changed: this is the hour To charge us with thy mandates. What avails Longer delay? Occasion hath a pow’r Surpassing all the counsels of the wise. True, he-hears nothing: but these arms in vain We make.our prize, without him if we sail; . _ For his the crown; he must be borne to Troy ; So will’d the god. How base to boast of deeds, Which e’en with falsehood could not be achieved ! cHor. These things, my son, the god will make his care. But when to me thy mandates thou shalt give, Low be thy voice ; for sleep in the diseased Is ever on the watch, nor seals the eyes. ow hat now is in thy pow’r with caution act, And silence: if with his thy thoughts accord, Thou know’st of whom I speak, thou seest his state, Let prudence judge, unable to resist. The gale, my son, the fav’ring gale now breathes ; _He sees not, helpless as in night’s dark hour », ‘He lies, and sleep, which all his senses locks, Aids the design; nor hand nor foot discharge Their functions ;; but like:one, for whom the tomb Is open’d, see him stretched : this hath a voice That calls us to the deed ; to seize him now Were easy; be the task to me assign’d: * L. 858. Ulysses is here meant; butthe Chorus, distrusting the imperfeet sleep of the sick man, speaks only in dark hiuts ; this obscurity is intended. 326 Philoctetes. 869.902. Best is that toil on which no danger waits. - NEOP. Be silent;] command thee; of such thoughts’ ‘No more: he moves his eyes, and lifts his head. . PHIL. O light; whose cheerful beam my waking eyes: Revisits, much beyond my thought, my hope, Thou show’st’ me with what faithful care my sleep These’ strangers guarded... Never, O: my son, — Could my fond wish conceive that thou wou’dst bear With: such soft pity to attend my ills, : And give me aid. Not so our worthy Chiefs, ». The sons of Atreus; they disdain’d to bear Sotenderly: but all these things, my son, . (For noble ‘is thy nature, and thy veins’ Are rich with noble bleod) my cries, the stench Of my foul wound, thou hast esteem’d as nought. Now, in this pause, this respite from my pain, Let thy hand help me, raise me from the ground ; That when this weakness leaves me, to the bark Together we may go, nor stay thy sails. NEoP. With joy I see thee thus beyond my hope Viewing the light, and breathing vital air, ; Free from thy pains; for, added to those ills, . Thou hadst:the semblance of a man that breathes No more. -Now rise; or these (if such thy will) Shall: bear thee; not repining at the'toil, ©» > Since they perceive it is thy. will and mine. PHIL. This claims my thanks: Now raise me, since thy mind Prompts thee to give me aid. Let these stand off; . Nor'be annoy’d with this ‘offensive smell — Ere need requires ; enough will they endure, — In the ‘same bark with: me when they abide. + - nEop. Of that no more’; but raise’ thee, erasp-my hand. put. Fear not: long use hath taught me how to raise My limbs. Bibcirony 0: 4 oie of 908,..933 | Philecteies. 327 NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. -NEOP, PHIL. NEOP. Now, O my soul, how wilt thou now Resolve to act ! What mean these words, my son? Doubt and perplexity distract, my mind. Doubt and perplexity! Oh, speak not thus, All their oppressing weight lies on me now. Doth then the horror of my noisome wound Forbid thee to admit me to thy bark ? All must be horror, when the generous heart Forsakes its nature for unworthy deeds. Nor word nor deed unworthy thy high birth, When thou givest suffering virtue aid, is thine. To be deem’d base——this long hath grieved my soul. Not base thy deeds ; thy words excite my fears. Direct me, king of heav’n! I shall be found Base, doubly base ; concealing what good faith Would not conceal, and speaking vile untruths. This man, if I conjecture right, will sail, And basely leave me helpless and betray’d. - I will not leave thee: but to bear thee hence So as may wound thy heart, that gives me pain. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL, NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. What is thy purpose? Tell me, ease my doubts. I will hide nothing from thee. ‘Thou must sail To Troy, to the Atridz, and their camp. Ah me, what say’st thou ? Sigh not ere thou hear. What should I hear? What wilt thou do with me? | First from these miseries save thee; then advance With thee, and waste the hated fields of Troy. Is this indeed the purpose of thy soul ? It is, by strong necessity impell’d : Nor, hearing this, be thou inflamed with rage. Iam undone, betray’d. Why, stranger, why Hast thou thus wrong’d me? Give me back my bow. 20 328 pik Philoctetes. ‘93.067. nEop. That cannot be; the kings must be obey’d ; So justice and the public good require. PHIL. Thou wasting fire, thou every thing to sense Most hideous, thou detested instrument Of horrid villainy, what hast thou dome? — 3 How hast thou wrong’d me? How deceived me? Wretch, Dost thou not blush to see me at thy knees A suppliant ?Thou hast robb’d me of my men Taking my bow. _ I pray thee give it back, Restore it, I implore thee, O my son; © Ah, take not, by the gods that: guard thy hearth, Take not what yields my life support, away! ; Unhappy me! He speaks not yet, but looks ~ As he would never part with it again. * Ye ports, ye cliffs projecting o’er the ‘waves, Ye herds of meuntain-beasts, ye craggy rocks, To you (none other have I to‘address) — To you, who oft have heard me, I complain © Of these my wrongs. He swore to me, this cnc Son of Achilles, swore to bear me home ; To Troy he bears me: pledging his right: rend He took the sacred bow of Hercules, And now detains it. To the Grecian host Vaunting his prowess, as some manly might He had subdued, he drags me hence by force; Nor knows he that his conquest is obtain’d O’er one long dead, the shadow of a’ smoke, A-flitting phantom. Had these nerves the strength Which once they had; he would not triumph now ; Nor but by fraud this conquest hath he gain’d. : With falsehoods, wretched me! I am betray’d ; -<” - What can I do?...But give me back my bow ; Be thou again thyself. What dost thou say ?. Still art thou silent? Ah, f am undone! 968...997 ~ Philoctetes. Str 329 Thou double opening of my rock, again L enter thee, but of my arms deprived, The means of my subsistence, in thy ‘cave To waste away alone, nor winged bird - Nor mountain-beast with these my shafts to pierce, But ’midst my woes to die, to he a feast To those on whom I feasted, and a prey To those on whom I prey’d, and recompense Slaughter with slaughter: thus am I betray’d By one, whose heart, I thought, ne’er harbour’d ill. I will not curse thee yet, till I shall learn If honour once more may thy purpose change : If not, may ruin seize thee and base death ! cHor. What thy commands? It now is thine, O king, "To speed thy sails, assenting. to his’ words. nEop. I am not now first moved ;\my heart long since Hath melted with compassion at his woes. PHIL. Oh pity me, | beg thee by the gods,. Nor let thy fame be blacken’d with. reproach, That me with basest fraud thou hast deceived: ° nEoP. How shall] act? Would I had never sail’d From Scyros! This employment'rends my heart. PHIL. Thou art not. base, but by base men impell’d To shameful actions hither art thou come. On them (such recompense is just) return. . Their arts, and sail; but give me back my arms. nEop. What shall we do, my friends? ‘ULYSSES, NEOPTOLEMUS, ee ee CHORUS... ULYS. | What. wou’dst thou do,,, Basest of men? Give me the bow; away. PHIL. Ha! Who is this? Ulysses do I hear ? uLys. Ay; and in me Ulysses dost thou see. 330 PHIL. ULYS. PHIL. ULYS. PHIL. { LYSs PHIL. ULYS. PHIL. ULYS. PHIL. ULYS. PHIL. ULYS. PHIL. ULYS. PHIL. Philoctetes. 998...1023 Oh, I am sold, undone! This then was he, Whose arts beguiled, and robb’d me of my arms. It was my deed, I own it, mine alone. My son, restore them; give me back my arms. That, were he willing, he shall never do; But with them thou must go; or these silk force Shall hie thee hence. : Bear me, audacious wretch, Thou basest of base men, me shall they bear By force ? If willingly thou dost not go. Thou land of Lemnos, ye all-conquering flames By Vulcan kindled, must I bear these wrongs ? And shall he drag me from your coasts by force ? Know thou that Jove, dread sovereign of this isle, Jove thus ordains : I execute his will. Thou wretch abhorr’d, what hast thou now devised, Making the gods thy plea? Are the gods false ? No; they are true, and point thee out this = I will not go. Thou must, thou shalt obey. Unhappy me! What, am J then a slave ? No; but a prince ’midst princes; and with such - Thy arms must conquer Troy, and raze her walls. No, though I hear must suffer every ill, Never, whilst I have pow’r to’climb this rock. What wou’dst thou do ? | Strait throw me from its height, And with my blood distain the rocks beneath. utys. Lay hold on him, nor let him have that pow’r. L. 1008. The Volcanos of the island gave birth to this fable. It should have been observed before on |. 809. that the translation follows the cor- rection of Brunck, who for évaxmAoruivyy, which distresses all the commenta- tors, reads dvaxuxdAovpetvy, 1024...1057 Philoctetes. - 331 PHIL. Alas, ye hands, deprived of your loved bow, | What vile indignity do you sustain ! O thou, whese soul ne’er harbour’d generous thought, Or upright purpose, how hast thou beguiled, With what base arts ensnared me in thy toils, Skulking behind this youth to me unknown, Not meriting to share thy fraudful guilt, But worthy of my love! He nothing knew, ‘He but performs his orders: see his brow — Clouded with grief for what he has misdone, And I have suffer’d. But thy treacherous soul, For ever peeping from its lurking-place, Hath taught his noble nature ’*gainst jhis will To be expert in mischief ; and, thou wretch, My hands thus bound, thy purpose is declared To drag me from this shore, on which long since Thou didst expose me with unpitying heart Friendless, abandon’d, out-cast, whilst alive 3 Rank’d with the dead. Perdition seize thee! Oft Have I made this my pray’r; but to my pray’rs The gods grant nothing ‘that delights my soul. To live is thine, and to exult ; with grief My heart is rent, that ’midst.my various ills I am by thee derided, and the Chiefs The sons of Atreus, who command these things, And thou art to. their lordly will a slave. Yet didst thou join their arms compell’d by force, Thy wiles detected. Me, unhappy me, The willing leader of sev’n gallant ships, They with disgrace cast out ; the guilty deed Thou.on their baseness chargest, they on thine. Why lead:me now away? Why drag me hence ? What cause impels you? I am nothing now, — To you for ten long years I have been dead. 332 Philoctetes. 1058)... 1091. Base and detested wretch, is not my foot: Now lame? Is not its stench offensive now? How, if 1 mount the bark, will youpresent»” Your victims, your libations to the gods ?) This was thy plea to leave me:on these rocks / An out-cast. May the vengeance of the gods’ Pour ruin on you all who wrong’d this! wretch, “ If justice rules their thoughts ; it does, it does, — I know it well; for never had your sails °: Stretch’d o’er the ocean for a wretch like me, | But that remorse, heav’n-sent, hath pierced your hearts. But, O my country, O ye gods who view . These things, avenge, avenge me on:them $i And pity me! Your pity I deserve.:o9 Might I but see them perish, 1 should think This burning wound would never pain me more. cuor. Fierce is his passion and his words-are fierce; ” ULYS. He hath a soul that yields not to his woes... I could say much in answer to his speech, |)/ Were this fit time: one word is now enough. Such where the general cause of Greece requires, Such I am found; but where the cause demands The just and good, than me thou wilt not tind A man more pious. Nature prompts my ia Always to be victorious, save o’er' thee: * © To thee I freely yield... Unbind his hands,’ Touch him no more, permit ‘him‘here toistay. We shall not want thee, since these arms are ours. Teucer is with us, in this art well skill’d 5) | Nor in this science will I yield to thee; My hands can bend the bow, and aim the shaft : What need of thee? Farewell, and tread'the roeks Of Lemnos: we must go. this prize. eal Will give to me the glory thou shou’dst: gain. » WO92...1123 Philoctetes. 333 PHIL. What can I do? Ah helpless wretch! Shalt thou _ Amidst the Grecians glory in my arms ? uLys. No more reply: I hasten to the bark. PAIL. Son of Achilles, wilt thou no more deign To speak to me, but wilt thou leave me thus ? uLtys. Thou art too generous, look on him no more; Away, lest all our fortune thou o’erthrow. pHit. And will you, friendly strangers, thus depart ; Will you! forsake me, and not: pity me ? cHor. He is our lord, our galley he commands; To thee whate’er he says, the same we say. NEOP, I shall be censured as too apt to melt... With pity: nature so hath framed my heart. “Yet stay with him, if such his wish, stay here Till all things are embark’d, and to the gods We make our vows. Meantime perchance his mind May take a softer temper. We two go; .' And you with speed attend us at our call. PHILOCTETES, CHORUS. . PHIL. Thou rocky cave, now warm with summer suns, . Now cold with winter’s frosts, I shall. not leave, No, I shall never leave thee ; .e’en in death,, Thou shalt be still my mansion. . Poor.abode, Thou. witness of my woes, what day by day — Will now betide me ?,, Whence shall I derive; ; My food, or whence my soul-supporting hope ? Oh, might the whirlwinds through the howling air Bear me aloft; their force were welcome now ! cuor. These woes, ill-fated.man, these woes by choice Hast thou drawn on thee; by no other hand, No foreign force art thou involved in ills. A better fortune in thy reach was placed, Hadst thou been wise: thou hast preferred the worse. 334 ' -Dhéloctetesi- ws PHIL. Iam a wretch, a wretch, oppress’d with woes; And never, never from this hour with man Shall have my dwelling, but shall perish here. My food no more shall I procure, no more Bend my strong bow, and pierce the flying birds; For dark and treacherous words, that ever smooth The tongue of fraud, have robbed me of my arms. Oh, might I see the base betrayer rack’d For such a length of time with pains like mine ! cuor. This is the fate assign’d thee by the gods; This is their work, not fraud by us devised. Thy dire and hateful imprecations spare, Spare them : to thee benevolent my: heart ; Reject not thou our friendship with disdain. PHIL. Now on the margin of the hoary deep Laughing he sits, and poizes in his hands My life’s support, which none hath ever borne. O my dear bow, from these unhappy hands Wrested by force, if thou hast sense, how grieved Dost thou behold the toils of Hercules No more employ thee ! Changed thy noble lord, Thou seest a vile deceiver guide thy shafts ; Thou seest his hateful and detested arts Hostile to me, and all the thousand wiles Which to ensnare me he hath basely forged. cuor, What in a man is virtuous, justice wills L..1117. If by UWrwxdtes here the Harpies are meant, a passage in Homer will explain the word: speaking of the daughters of Pandarus he says, xotpas avtaovra Siena: this he afterwards expresses by xotgas "Agarusas avnouinpavro, See Odyss. xx. V. 66. et. 77. ‘and the note to Fenton’s trans- lation. The same idea occurs in thé Trachin. v. 970. L. 1149. Obedience to the commands of their Chief is the, character which the Chorus supports through this draina. They know that he was engaged, under the direction of Ulysses, in an expedition of the highest importance to the army: they are faithful to their prince and their country. They ~ -1450...1176 Philoctetes. 335 ’ We speak; nor while we speak it should thy tongue A torrent of malignant envy pour. | Call’d forth from all the Chiefs of Greece our lord, Guided’ by his wise councils, hath achieved | A charge of highest import to his friends. PHIL. Ye winged birds, ye tribes of tawny beasts, That o’er these rugged mountains roam, no niore, When from your coverts you come near me, fly: These hands no more the forceful arrows bear, (Such now is my ill fortune) but this place Is now no more destructive, and by you No longer to be fear’d; an happy change a For you ‘come, in your turn your hunger glut, And gorge my ‘spotted flesh; I soon shall leave: : My life; for whence shall food be now supplied ? : | Who lives on air, deprived of strength’ning food, | Whate’er the life-sustaining earth affords ? | -cHory Now by the gods, if strangers thou revere, Meet us with all:benevolence; we come Benevolent to thee: and know, know well Thow hast the pow’r to fly this wretched state: But to feed grief, to force a thousand woes To dwell with us, denotes a mind unwise. pHi. Again, again hast thou recall’d the sense Of my old: grief, thou kindest of all those That ever: visited this drear-abode. Do not torment me, do not wound my heart... commmiserate the sufferings of Philoctetes, and wish to relieve them by taking him from his miserable abode in the desolate rock; his refusal to go with them they consider, as malignant obstinacy; when he execrates the arts of Ulysses, they answer in his vindication, but instantly turn their praise to the patriotic virtue of their ewn Chief, and Ulysses is mentioned only incident- ally, 7008’ itg¢nuocive, by his wise councils; this is perfectly in character. We are sometimes offended at their duplicity and want of delicacy ; but they . could act no other part: the drama isso much the worse for if. 2X PHIL. CHOR. PHIL. CHOR. PHIL. CHOR. PHIL. CHOR. PHIL. CHOR. PHIL., CHOR, PHIL. Philoctetes. To.lead me. to the: hated. land of Troy... . Why, wilt thou talk,thus)? . or salgoge rei wt an, ope. . That I esteem thy best and, wisest sere | AZZ... 1205. No more.of this; away,-and Jeave me. heres,’ And.willingly obey it.,.,.Let us go.’ As we are order’d,, to our vessel. go. . This thy command) with pleasure I receives, reiyat rt >t ae By. Jove, that hears’the supphiants do not ah eet f Learn moderation, 6. i Wwe - By. the aah " bees Stay, cane Stay. . > «Why yn ‘amar cries} Ah me, sf ys my. fate! Al wretchedie me! . ‘O. misery, misery‘ How shall 1 sustain ; Henceforth the anguish of:my wound, and live: Come back, O: ‘strangers; come.to me again.! / What wou’dst thou;now;?) Already. hast ton showm Hy The settled purpose of a wayward; mind. Forgive a wretch that’ sinks:beneath a: storm: Of raging anguish, whichodistracts:his)senseo: | Go with us now: let oun advice prevail.) © isd Oh never, never: know my fix’d resolves) 0+ Not if the thundererfronathe flaming skyiisy/. .1118 Hurl his red hghtenings on«me. » Perish Troy,’ And all that sit beneath its walls in arms, (4° All, ;whose hard hearts .an/ outcast left: me: here. But, generous strangers, grant, me one request, And what is thy request? Give mea vacibit ne An axe, or any weapon of keen aie What deed wou’dst thou attempt ? I would hew off My head, and all these wretched limbs. My. pee -1206)..1227! -Philoctetes. — 337 Calls me, it calls aloud. CHOR. oe) > Calls thee to ssi ¥ PHIL. ‘To seek my father. CHOR, . Seek thy father | Where ? PHIL. In the dark realms below; for he no more’ - Views heav’n’s fair light. How, O my country, how: O city of my fathers, could I bear To show you, wretched as I am, these ills, Who left your sacred streams to aid the arms Of hated Greece! Ah, I am nothing now. cHoR. Hence to our bark we all long since had gone, - But that I saw’ Ulysses and our lord This way advancing to us; they are nigh. 1 © Philoctetes retires into the cave. j ULYSSES, NEOPTOLEMUS, CHORUS. uLys. Wilt thou not tell me why with eager pace. | Thy steps'so soon returning tread this path ? NEoP. To make atonement for sie former deed | Of baseness.. . ULYS. At thy. words’ 7 stand: jainazed|y What was this deed of baseness ? NEOP, . What with thee | Complying, and th? united lost of ipaiiinia I have effected. a ULYS. What, that ill ssa es Thy rikciel hast thou done? NEOP. iw 104K, deed of fraud, | And base deceit. ULYS. *Gainst whom? Ah, ‘hast Rai: form’ d Some new design ? | ; NEOP. » Not new;. but to the son Of Pceas 3 ULYS. What thy purpose ? How thy words a" ‘ a 338 NEOP. Ube: NEOP. ULYS. NEOP. ULYS. NEOP. ULYS. NEOP. ULYS. NEOP. ULYS. NEOP. ULYS. NEOP. ULYS. NEOP. Philoctetes. 1228,..1245 Alarm my fears } The bow from him re" To him again O Jove, what wilt thou say ? Thou wouldst not give it back? . It was obtain’d By baseness and injustice. Thou speak’st this. But in a sportive mood. Rha If to speak trath Be sportive. What means ‘hie What hast thou ad Son of Achilles? Hast thou then a ih That twice I dpi these words ? Thad no wish - To hear them once. . Knew then my purpose now: Thou hast heard all. | | There is, be had — There is who will prevent thy purpose. 3 What ! Who shall prevent me? . The united host Of Greece, and with them I. Wise though’ didn art, Thy words no wisdom show. Nor wise mn words, Nor would thy deeds be wise. © > | 2 If they are just, | They have an excellence beyond the wise. - Where is the justice to return the arms Won by my counsels? I have done a deed © = _— 1246...1273 Philoctetes. 339 Of baseness, and will expiate the guilt. Thus acting, fear’st thou not the troops of Career’ : ? , By justice guided thy suggested fears I scorn; nor shall thy hand my actions rule. | No more *gainst Troy, but thee, our arms are! turn pid, . Let come what will come. See my hand, it grasps iB sword. See mine, my sword as prompt to grasp. . I now forbear thee: to the host of Greece This will I tell; their vengeance thou shalt feel. . Thou hast shown wisdom: always be thus wise,’ And tears perchance may not bedew thy path. Ho! son of Poeas! Philoctetes, ho! Come forth, and quit thy cavern in the rock. PHILOCTETES, NEOPTOLEMUS, CHORUS. PHIL. ‘NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. What means this clamorous uproar at my cave ? Why-call‘you me ?: What would you? Ah; Tfear Some further mischief. Come you to augment My woes, and add to ill some greater ill ?.., Be confident, and calmly hear my words.!.. Already I have heard them; they were fair : I trusted them, and basely was’ deceived. Canst thou forgive? I-blush at what is’ past. So didst thou speak, so win my easy faith, , Veiling the treacherous: fraud that stole: my,bow.) 211: But not so now. This I would hear from: thee :/, Is thy heart fix’d in this drear cave to stay,’ 3.0 Jsins Or wilt thou sail with us? loa UE 40m Forbear 3; no more; Mitt For all, which thou..canst urge, will be in, vain.’ / « Is this thy firm resolve? Be thou canting 340 NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. - NEOP. Philoctetes.. 1274!,,. 130! It is, more firm than language ¢an express) | _It-was my wish my words might have prevail’d : If they offend thee, I will say no more. Thy plea were vain.:' ‘nor wilt thou find my heart- Feeling for thee one favourable thought. Thou hast deprived me of the means of life’ ho And now with thy monitioris art thou come, — Thou hated son of an illustrious sire ! - rowe YM Perdition seize ‘you all, th’ eee ne Ulysses next, then theé;'! ©) : 990) iseciot won LT .erau 9914 Forbear thy curse, ©" And from my hand receive thy bow again. 0 © What, am I then a second time decéived By the high awe of holy Jove T swearl? 9-0): These words, if'true, with transport fill my souk ’ The deed shall prove them true, Stretch forth thy band, And of thy sacred arms again be lord. ! [VF oti Ho ULYSSES, NEOPTOLEMUS,. PHILOCTERES, ULYS. PHIL. ULYS. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. , CHORUS piscina ome That for th’ Atride and the Grecian host,” ¢ ~ (Ye gods*bear witness to me) I forbid.” RYGs- 99 Whose voice is this? Ulysses do I hear? (00. =the Be thou assured of that, and seest him nigh 7 Who to the plains of Troy will bear thee henee/ “LORN By force, and in defiance of this Youth. HEY But not with joy, if well! this shaft be aim’d. : Ah no; discharge not, ‘by the gods; the Sagi wet Nay, by the gods, my son;: Tet my hand. I must not let it go. 2°" | fine sont dtw a 0 Why wou’dst thou check My vengeance on a foe, an’ hated foe? © 1 > That were to thee dishonour, and to me. | But know thou this; these Grecian Chiefs, SO orbjaet PHIL, 308..:1327 | Plaloctetes, 341 With studied falsehoods to betray, in fight’ Are dastards, but tight valiant with their tongues. NEOP. Well, let:that pass: thou hast thy bow; no cause Hast thou of: anger, or to blame me more. ©: [ own it ; thou hast shown thy generous blood Nobly descended, not from Sisyphus - But from Achilles, of illustrious fame When living, and illustrious ’mongst the dead. NEoP. The praise thou givest my father and ee [<= Is grateful to me: but what } desire™: | From thee t’ obtain, now hear. “The ing) on men Inflicted by the gods, they must sustain : But miseries on themselves by choice derived, And self-will’d:waywardness, have no just claim To pardon, or'to:pity.:: All thy thoughts | ¢o.) Are wild and fierce’; thy soul disdains advieery-- And when with warm benevolence a friend) 0“! Glows to direct thee’ iat 9 batted —— Aigalest esses Jove ei attest siibashitaiT 3 Hear thou my words; and write'them aegis Heart. The anguish of this. wound:was' by.thé gods! |: Assign’d thee, when thy foot too near ‘approach’d The. fatal places where lay:conceal’d fromm view! The serpenty: ceed of th?/uncover’d: shrine! | iy 4 bhi IGT Gu We rit ra EL ip toy Bb! J ek MOLL GIO L. 1327. The dry and eos cavities, in: old tombs, and. persis hiss af- pple a ee, shelter to serpents ; such, as were e found there Were su- cys ed upon ae reverence. Cn soon availed itself of so peculiar a circum- stance: the portentous dragon amidst the altars, at Aulis.was sent by Jupiter: and the learned Virgil, having described one of. these animals at the tomb of Anchises with all the vivid glow of poetic colouring, says, Obstupuit, visu fEneas— Incertus geniumne loci, famulumne parentis Esse putet. . See Iliad ti. v..305. and Aineid v. v. 84. 342 Philoctetes. —-1828../1855 At Chryse. From this fierce disease no pause, . Be:thout assured, is thine, whilst in the east © Yon sun shall rise, and: rolling its bright:course’ .«ouv Sink inthe west; till it-beholds thee tread’ With williug steps the plains-of Ihum: there. The sons of AEsculapius shalt thou find, » And of thy wound, be,heal’d:: then: shall thy bow, Join’d by my arms; lay waste the,Phrygian state, How! L-know, this, attend, and thou,shalt,hear.! Amidst the Grecian camp there,is amatyiery + . From Troy, @ captive, Helenus,'a:seer, if Of high renown the fates, he thus deelaeed: fh Adding that ere the present, summer yields To, autunin its dominion, ‘Troy must fallis: wif That this is, true he’ sets his life ategagesiinc o Assured of this, let! thy reluctance cease,' Embark with us...’ What honour to be rank’d: / First,;mongst the Grecian heroes, bythe sons.) Of Pzean to be-heal’d, to storm the tow’rs Of Troy lamenting with deep groans: her falls) / And, grasp the highest meed that; glory gives ! pHit. Oh hated life, ,why;in the light of heavy’: : Dost, thou detain me)?! Why not’ sink’ me down To-the dark! mansions of the dead? Ah me,»:' | To, his monitions: shall Tostill be deaf? | They flow from generous friendship. Should I yield, . ’ How in the face of day could I appear? ‘With whom hold converse? How, ye eyes that view L:.1355. It is one province of Notes, of such-at least as we often find on this author, to add perplexity and confusion to difheulty. This passage is by no iteans clear; it is thus explained ; it may mean either the revolutions of time—or the orbs of the sun, and perhaps of the moon too—or the eyes of Philoctetes himself—or the eyes of those that behold him.. In this last sense the translator understands it; the reader will judge for himself. » NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. * A short passage, which in all the editions disgraces Sophocles 1856...1986 ; Philoctetes. 343 - All things around me, would ye bear these things?’ How bear to see me friendly with the sons — Of Atreus, authors of these cruel wrongs? How with Ulysses, that destructive pest ? Yet not the just resentment of past griefs Pierces so deep as that presaging sense 4 Of what I yet must suffer: for the mind, That to base deeds gives birth, assiduous trains, Like an ill parent, other deeds as base. At thee indeed I marvel much; to Troy Thou never shou’dst steer back thy course, and me Thou shou’dst: keep far ftom those, who basely wrong’d, And robb’d thee of thy father’s glorious arms *. Yet wilt thou: go,’ confederate in the war With these, compelling me. to join ‘their arms. Not so, my son; me to my country send, L have thy oath, do thou at: Seyros stay, And let them vilely perish in return For their vile deeds ; a, double. grace to me, ) And to thy father; to the base afford , , No aid, but show thou art not base like them. What thou hast said has reason: yet I wish That to, the gods obedient, and my words, With me thy friend from Lemnos thou wou'dst sail. What, to Sigeeum, and the hated son Of Atreus, with the anguish of this wound ? To those, whose skill shall stanch this putrid gore, Heal thy disease, and free thee from thy pains. Why this inglorious measure dost thou urge? Wou’dst thou comply, thy glory, I foresee, It would advance, and mine. , is here omitted. Brunck rejects it as spurious with great indignation, Color ipse adsuti centonis mangonem prodit. 2 ¥ 344 PHIL, NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL, NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. NEOP. PHIL. Philoctetes. . 1387...1411 While thus thou speak’st, Dost.thou not blush in reverence of the gods? Why should kind office raise a blush > To me, Or to th’ Atride kind? | To thee a friend — I speak the ici of friendship. To my foes Would friendship yield me? Learn amidst “ ills More gentle thoughts. I know thee; thy soft words Would sooth me into ruin. : Far from me Be such design: thou dost not know I know The sons of Atreus left me on these rocks.. But (think on this) they wish to save thee now. Not to see Troy: my soul abhors the thought. What can I do, since all that I can urge ee Moves not thy mind? An easier part remains, To urge.my plea no more, but let thee live, As now thou livest, thy disease unheal’d. Yes, let me suffer what my fate requires I suffer. But; remember, thou hast pledged Thy hand to bear me to my household gods: Perform it; haste; and think of Troy no more: Troy hath already caused me groans enough. Well; if it be thy pleasure, let us go. That generous word with transport fills my soul. Assay thy steps. With all the strength I have. Th’ avenging Grecians how shall I escape? Regard them not. 1412...1441 Philoctetes. 345 NEOP. Should they my country waste ? PHIL. I will be present. NEOP. What thy potent aid? PHIL. These shafts of Hercules shall check their march ; No hostile pow’r thy country shall approach. NEoPp. Wilt thou do this? Then come, embark with me, And to the rocks of Lemnos bid farewell. _ HERCULES, PHILOCTETES, NEOPTOLEMUS, | CHORUS. wERC. Not yet, O son of Poeas: to my words - First be attentive. Know thou hear’st the voice Of Hercules, thine eyes behold his form. Leaving the heav’nly mansions for thy sake I come, announcing the decrees of Jove, And charge thee not to steer thy purposed course, Do thou with fix’d attention mark my words. My fortunes to thy memory I recal, What dangers I subdued, what toils achieved, By virtue made immortal, as thine eyes Behold. And know, thou too must suffer thus, And by such toils a life of glory gain. Go with this leader to the walls of Troy ; There first thy fell disease shall be relieved : There ’midst the host of Greece in valour rank’d The noblest of her heroes, with thy bow Paris, the guilty cause of all these ills, Thou shalt deprive of life, lay waste the state Of Troy, and send triumphant to thy house, To Gta, to thy father, the rich spoils, Selected by the host, thy glorious prize. But bear thou to my funeral pyre these spoils, The trophies of my bow.—My mandates now, Son of Achilles, I to thee address ; . For without him thou hast not pow’r to waste 346 PHIL. NEOP. HERC,. PMT CHOR. Philoctetes. 1442;..1475 | The fields of Troy; nor he without thy arms ; But, like two lions that together range, dln 3 Guard each the other. , Eto Troy will send — Sage Aisculapius ; he shall heal thy wound ; For lium, by my shafts, again must fall. f).00 oO, But ’midst the ravages of conquest spare, {} )/)), With reverence spare things sacred, to the gods. This holy awe is pleasing to high Jove : For. piety with mortals doth not die; chi JOH Live they or die, that never perishes. With joy once more beyond my hopes‘ I hear That voice, with joy that long lost’ form aa Thy mandates uireluctant I -obey. soto A I too with reverence bow to tliy commands... Delay not then: the favouring gales arise,» Inviting toa prosperous. course your isailge..) bx / Well, I now sgo'; but first addressthis land.) © Farewell thou mansion; guardian of my life! . Ye Nymphs, that o’er th’ intiguous. vales: preside, Farewell, and thou loud roar of dashing moines Oft hath your foam. within! this cavern’d rock,|- Driv’n by the stormy South;! bedew’d my ae And thou, Hermein mountain, who. my groans } Hast oft re-echoed in my: storms of woe!) 4.) 1 Now, O ye fountains; and: ye duleét streams,.5//") I leave you, now I leave you: thisimy thoughts} Never presaged.... Farewell, thou wive-wash’d, shore Of Lemnos; speed my .cotrse, and send; me safe Whither my glorious destiny. nowealls, yi The counsels of my friends; and. that high pow’r Whose sovereign will'these great events osdain’d | Let us now go, together let us go, And to the ocean-nymphs present:our vows « With guardian: care to speed our wish’d return. © » ‘ ake oe as | ingen pn ar mie tar ‘ Sa a : 3 - f i aa ve t pe oe $e 4 ki ri Pa slp Sree ' ibikity ea Jats wate paaed, aust bi pre. guia. La. Retain. aileges ‘Hd we "7 Ad. Ai the Daigmniines pen ee. 44 Ree a test reustord pin aiissthic eye be ELECTRA. Tue Choephoree of Aischylus, and the Electra of Euripides have already been presented to the English reader. Of the necessity which obliged Orestes to execute this revenge on the murderers of his father, and of the fierce and determined character of Electra, enough has been said in the translator’s prefaces to those tragedies: a short -view of the management of the subject by the three great poets may not be unpleasing here. Euripides yielding to the bold and exalted genius of Aschylus, pursued a plan more adapted to the exquisite sensibility of his own mind, and by pre- senting his Electra in a rustic cottage, and pa- tiently engaged in the laborious offices of her humble station, he renders her amiable before he displays the noble elevation of her mind: he always knew the way to touch the heart. Sophocles has _ dared to dispute the palm with Achylus even on 350 _ his own ground ; but he was too prudent to meet him at the tomb of Agamemnon: the first Choral Ode of the Choephore, the oblations and vows of Electra, her discovery of Orestes there, and their united invocations of their father’s shade, are so sublime, so solemn, and so awful, that a succeed- ing poet had little to hope from a similar attempt. Sophocles therefore presents his Electra before the gates of the palace, and has called forth all the magic powers of his poetry in her soliloquy ; this, and her first conference with the Chorus, are to an high degree affecting ; she appears with all the dignity of grief ca virtuous resentment: but in Aischylas: this derives: an. awful grandeur ifrom the solemnity of. the. scene.; ‘Sophocles was sensi- ble of: this, and unwilling. to lose a grace, which however: he could not reach. AEschylus had te-— presented. Clytemmnestra, as. terrified with dreains and. visions, and sending Electra with oblations to the tomb of Agamemnon : her fears are, de- scribed in. that poet's boldest manner 3.65) 94!) She fpricied she had giy’n a oF pgibtaty | vag “This new-born dfagon, like an infant kegs “aie ‘Laid in the cradle seem’d in Want of food ;. And in her dream she held it to her breast— + , : The milk he drew was mix’d with clotted blood.— + + ” . She oe out in her sleep with rien afrighye Oto Ciliias } ¢ 7% : xi3 : Sophocles also represents her as $0 tervified: with dreanis and visions, and sending Chrysothemis in likeomanner to the tomb ; 301 This is the voice of rumour, that she saw Thine and my father to the light return’d Once more her husband; in the earth he fix’d The sceptre of his ancestors, which once He.bore, but now Agisthus ;. from its top Sprouted a vigorous branch, and spread its shade Wide o’er Mycene and its ample realms. These visions characterize the different genius of the two poets: the ideas of Aischylus are vast, exalted, and daring ; Sophocles is rich, splendid, aud judicious; Aischylus had _ siezed the highest excellence of composition, the true sublime, and in this he shines with unrivalled lustre ; but in the judicious accommodation, of these, _conceptions to the conduct of the drama, i in the richness, union _and harmony of its parts, 'Sophdctes was never equalled. From the departure of »Chrysothemis to the tomb he draws from, his.own stores. The interview of Electra with her mother is a wonder- ful scene; the narrative of the death of Orestes is. ~ well imagined ; and the antroduction of the urn, said to contain his ashes, shows the finest judg- ment, not only as it pr oduces circumstances which tend to exalt the character of Electra, but as it renders the discovery of Orestes peculiarly tender and interesting, and facilitates the dreadful catas-. trophy. PERSONS or tHe DRAMA. ORESTES PYLADES, Mura Paxsowa GISTHUS : CLYTEMNESTRA ELECTRA CHRYSOTHEMIS. , OLD ATTENDANT on ORESTES pil ee CHORUS or Mycenman VinGINS. | : ATT. ELECTRA. i—17 ORESTES, PYLADES, ATTENDANT. ‘Tou son of Agamemnon, who ’gainst Troy Once led the pow’rs of Greece, now may thine eyes Behold what long hath raised thy ardent wish. This is the ancient Argos; this the grove Of 16, stung with frenzy o’er the earth To wander ; the Lyczan forum this Of the Lycaan Phoebus; on the left Glorious through Greece that stately temple stands Sacred to Juno. Now we are advanced Whence thou may’st see Mycenz rich in gold ; And this the house of the Pelopidee With frequent slaughters stain’d: in times long past, Beneath his murderers when thy father fell, I took thee from thy sister’s pious hand, I bore thee hence, I saved thee, to this age I train’d thee to avenge thy father’s blood. This hour; Orestes, and thou faithful friend, (354 Electra. 18.450. Loved Pylades, demands your firm resolves: This hour determine; for the early songs Of birds call forth the sun’s resplendent beams, And the stars vanish from the dusky night. Now, ere the foot of man from forth the gates Shall tread the streets, consult: for from this hour Th’ important time to instant action calls. onEs. O thou most loved of servants, strong the proofs Thou givest me of thy goodness and firm faith : For as the generous steed e’en in old age - Of his high courage in the fierce alarm Abates not, but with pride sustains the charge, So dost thou urge me forward, and advance E’en in the front of danger : for this cause Twill unfold ny! counsels $- “fo my: words’ | Give thou attentive heed, and. where I judge , miss, thy riper prudence be. my guide. When to. the fate- -foretelling, shrine I came " Of Pytho, and inquired by, what best way. I on his impious murderers might : avenge a : . —. My father’s Dlood, ‘this. answer Phoebus gave, eit arms. advance not, nor with martial wie : i thy fi just fey strike th’ avenging ‘blow. . These mandates known, as time and chance present A fair occasion, enter thou this house, ei And Jearn what passes there ; ; me much imports Clear. information ; thee they will not know Absent 0 long, and chang’d by hoary age ; Nor thus attired suspicion wilt thou wake. Thou. art a stranger, so address thy tale, Of Phocis, sent, by Phanoteus, now join’d In close alliance with nate 3 say, and add 5143.70 Electra. 395 The sanction of an oath, that by the force Of ruthless fate Orestes is no more, | Hurl’d from his chariot in the Pythian games. This be the purport, of thy tale. Mean time, Obedient to the god, my father’s tomb We with libations and. these sever’d locks ; Will honour, | Thence returning, in our hands The brazen. sculptured urn, now, as thou know’st, Hidein the: tangled thicket, we will bring; That we may,thus deceive them.with a tale To them most grateful, that my wretched corse Already on the funeral pile is burnt, And my cold ashes-in ‘this. urn enclosed. ‘Why should this grieve me, that in. words I die, » | When I in deed am saved, and by them. raised To glory?) Noraill-omen’d shall I. deem A word. which gives’ the promise. of success. Oft e’en the wise have I observed, by fame Reported dead, return, and rise again. To — honquts Such, shall -be my boast, ge | 4 ‘ » by L. 51. Oigiien is here acting ; by. the express. contd of Apollo; and is not to be istered as pidge i in this oath, but as obedient to the will of ~ the god. "Camerar. | L. 66. P. basset, ho, was . well acquainted with the superstition of the ancients, resolves this into the dread of words of ill presage. His Editor censures him as inaccurate, ‘and says, Il n’est question ici ni de superstitions, ni de presage funeste. He then gives his sense of the line as containing whatihe might well.call “‘ a détestible maxim,” Pour moi je ne tiens pour mauvaise aucune parole (aucune. tromperie) des qu’elle est utile. The critic is very unhappy i in his interpretation : it is neither consonant to the manly character of Orestes, nor to the rest of his speech. A passage in the Helena, _ of Euripides will throw light on this. When tbat lady for the safety of her husband proposed to speak of him to the king of Agypt as dead, Menelaus replies eee ae we That were an omen boding ill: yet thence May aught be gain’d, report of me as dead. L, 1152, 356 ELEC. ATT. ORES. ATT. ELEC, Electra. “> iia {1 from this rumour shall be found alive, | — And, like a star, to my astonish’d foes — ‘Yet shine. But, O my country, and’ ye gods The guardians of my country, to your care’ Receive me, and protect mein these ways ! And thou, my father’s house! for 1 am come With. vengeance, at the impulse of the gods, To purge thy stain away: send me not hence: — Dishonour’d, but to wealth, to greatness raised, Give me thy ancient glories to restore’! © Of this enough. Be it thy care, old man, The part assign’d thee to discharge. ‘We two Must leave thee now; th’ occasion so requires, Whose sovereign power 0’er ev’ pen work presides. O miserable me!” eee | [wethin. Some female servant with the voice of grief Methinks I hear lamenting in’the house. Is it not rather poor Electra’s voice >: Wilt thou we stay and listen to her moans? That must not bey no deed may we attempt Ere we perform the mandates of the god. Begin with these; and at thy father’s tomb’ Pour the libations : that will give us strength _ To act, and conquest to our toils ensure. -Thou holy light, thou air around the earth | ~~ Extended wide, how often hast thou heard My strains'of woe, how often heard me beat _ My bleeding breast, when night before the dawn Withdraws her darkening veil! For in her shades *’ The hated couches of this mournful house , Are conscious to my grief, while I lament My father’s ruin: him the god of war Sunk not with wounds in a barbaric land; | My mother, and the partner of her bed, 3 a 104..:131 Electra. ‘CHOR. fEgisthus, hew’d him with the banat, fixe x, As woodmen hew. an oak ; ‘nor does thy, death, : My father, thy unjust and. cr uel death. With sorrow touch one female heart, save mine. But never will I cease my strains of woe, "ae Pe . My mournful lamentations, : whilst I view eo . The stars bright radiance, whilst I view the day. No; as some nightingale, her young, ones lost, Before my. father’s gates. I pourtoall ». i, My wailings, and the notes of woe, aloud. is¥ O house of Pluto and his. gloomy queen 5. ut 7 ¢ -O Hermes, guide to the infernal realms ;, Thou, dreaded, Ate; and ye pow’rs revered Terrific aie daughters of the. gods 5 Be rf br a ae Tose, iol: is stealth the mink bed Ader, Come, aid, avenge, my, murder’d father’ S blood; Send me my, brother; for this weight of grief, Which sinks me, | no more can. bear alone ue le, ELECTRA, ‘CHORUS! - Why, poor Electra, in thy mother’: S crimes. For ever wretched, wilt thot pine away : sist In never-ceasing grief ? > Why still lament | The royal Agamemnon, long since caught ~ vis In that most impious woman’s treacherous wiles, And basely to a murderer’s hands betray’d ? Perish the wretch, if I may form that wish, So perish he, who dared the bloody deed ! ELEC. Ye virgins, who from noble parents boast 3 * L. 131. It has béen the subject of serious dispute whether the Chorus is formed of Virgins or of Matrons. on the other hand is there any allusion to their married state. eommon name. Deianira addresses the Trachinian Virgins, QiAas yovaixes, They are not onee styled awagSivos, nor Tuyeixes is @ 7 358 CHOR. ELEC. Ah me! I pray you, my unceasing ‘prifs? Electra. _ SB..aIB6. Your generous | blood, you come amidst’ iy woes To bring me consolation. ’ Well I knowoow 24 These things, I understand them well; ‘no part“ > Escapes me; yet qT will not cease to prieve's’' ° / No; I will never cease to mourn, ‘and wail’ oo" My murder’d father’ s fate. ‘But; O my ‘friends, Dear to my heart by every tender tie! 100) aT Of mutual love, permit me thus! to pour,” §° Zi Yet neither will thy griefs or pray’rs récal”’ Thy father o’er that lake, whose sullen sitet , All, sprung from mortal race, are ‘doom’d°to pass. Why then not moderate ‘thy sorrows’ IW we ; Thus waste away in wild excess of Brief, ino D Which from’ thy ills gives no redemption? Pe Why This fondness for intolerable woe? ody oaol’] He to all sense is lost, who can forget (2tOD A parent’ s cruel death. The niouthful bitdy: The messenger of Jove, that always sand ¥ / Her Itys, her lost Itys, sooths my soul With all the tender sympathy of Bricks And thee, unhappy Niobe, =e hold ce gy ane In reverence as divine, who pour rst “ay taaty Fix’d in a rock, the monument of woe. ak y. 229, The word wérng, v. 236, is used ae in ta simile, front which no ar- ~gument can be drawn. It is more;covsonant to manners, that Ahe friends and companions of Electra should be Virgins 5 and she addresses them as. daughters of illustrious fathers, not as wives of illustrious husbands. L. 155. A o ty rapw wergaig, ai; Sar NN PT att ray oe Thus Ovid. Met, lib. vi. Oe Nemes oo Turn’d to solid stone, Yet still she weeps, and whirl’d by stormy winds, . ~ Borne thro’ the air, her native country finds ; . There fix’d, she stands upon a bleaky hill,, There yet.her marble cheeks eternal tears distil. $56...189 Eilectra. 309 enor, Yet not by thee alone of all that breathe ELEC. CHOR. ELEC. Is sorrow felt... What share is thine, beyond Those in this house, by blood to thee allied ? _ Such is, the life. Chrysothemis endures ; Such Iphianassa’s sufferings ; such the Youth’s, Who in concealment and in silence mourns. . Him blest and glorious this illustrious land, __, Of rich Mycenz shall again receive, yf The nobly-born Orestes, to these realms Returning by the favouring pow’r of Jove. _ With ardent expectation his return , _Llook for, wretched, childless, pretana Restless, for. ever. bath’d j in tears that flow In anguish for my never-ceasing | eee Yet all my kindness he mean-time forgets, | All my instructions. How have I been Pack! d With, messages ? He wishes to return, . But to his wish he deigns not to appear. Sink not; Ah sink not in despair. In heay’n. From his high throne Almighty, J ove beholds And governs all things: to his pow r resign Thy flaming indignation; let not hate . Too far transport thee ;. nor forget these wrongs. Time is alenient god. Nor will the son “) Of Agamemnon on the pastured beach, | Of Chrisa linger, never to. return,, 7 Nor the dread god that reigns o’er Acheron: But of my life how much to: me is. lost: Already ? And, yy hope not cheer'd, my ills. No longer can I bear, but waste away ; My parents lost,,.and by.no-worthy friend a Protected, like a.foreign slave I serve, Disgraceful task !' within my father’s house, My table scanty, and my vestments. mean, . 3A 360 Aileen 190.0228 cHor. Mournful at his return the voice of woe, | Through all the chambers ef thy father’s house Mournful the voice, when the relentless axe’ In tempest fell. Fraud first devised} Lust struck The murderous blow, with horrid thought of old Forming the horrid image, were these deeds — Or by some god, or daring mortals, wrought. © ELEC. O day, how hateful to me were thy beams! O fatal night, and all the hideous woes f Of that nefarious supper! O vile death, ” Which closed my father’s eyes, how basely slain, Slain by the hands of two! Those hands destroy’d My life, betray’d, abandon’d, and undone. Oh may the mighty god, that holds his seat On high Olympus, on their heads repay Avenging sufferings! Never may they taste The sweet delights of joy, who did these things ! cuor. Let prudence teach thee caution: curb thy speech. Dost thou not see from what a splendid state Already thou art sunk, disgraced with wrongs Suffer’d by thee alone? And greater wrongs Still shalt thou suffer, if thy mourning heart With wars is always pregnant. ‘To contend With potent sovereigns is unequal strife. ELEC. Iam compell’d by miseries: yet I know. © My madness; yes, my friends, I know it well; But, in the anguish of such deep-felt griefs, I will not check it whilst my life remains. - For who with lenient words can sooth my soul? What now can sage advice? Forbear, forbear. To comfort me. These griefs shall have no end; . No; from my sorrows I will never cease, But with etérnal wailings mourn my fate. cHor. I speak through pure benevolence of heart, 224...257 ) ce Klectra. 361 As a fond mother anxious for her child, ELEC. CHOR. ELEC, Let not thy ills give birth to other ills. Have then my ills a bound? Say, can the heart Feel a just sense of virtue, and forget . A murder’d parent ? Nature at the thought Is shock’d. From them no honour would I have ; | Nor, were I wedded to some worthy man, _ Would I live with him hushing all my griefs To peace, and checking their shrill-sounding flight, My father so disgracing. If the dead, As earth, and nothing more, neglected lies, And if no vengeance waits their crimes, farewell To shame, farewell to piety ’mongst men. Our duty, by our zeal for thee enforced, . Induced us hither: if our friendly words. Offend thy sense of honour, we desist; . Thine be the conquest, and to follow, ours. - I am ashamed, my friends, if deem’d by you Indulging an excess of grief and tears; . . But they are wrung from me by bitter force ; Forgive me then. ‘How can,a woman, sprung: From noble blood, who sees her father’s wrongs, Not mourn as I do, who each day, each night, » Behold those wrongs increasing with fresh force ? My mother, she who bore me, is the first In all despiteful treatment. . Then [ live In mine own house with those, whose impious hands Murder’d my father ; these I feel, my lords, .. And at their pleasure I receive, or want. Think then what grief-embitter’d days I pass, When seated on my father’s throne I see Aégisthus, see him in my father’s robes + Array’d, and pouring to the household gods Libations on the spot where his curs’d hand 362 Shed the king’ s blood: And (oh ‘that Blackest stain I) I see the murderer in my father’s bed | With my abandon’d mother, if the name |" Of mother be her due, who shares this bed’ With him, unblushing with this man of blood Cohabits, and no vengeful Hiny fears 5 But, as.exulting in her horrid deeds, Oft as the month leads round the welcome day | In which my father by her wiles she slew, } She forms the festal dance, and to the gods, — As guardians of her house, the victims slays. These things I see, and weep, and waste away At avile feast, that bears ny father’s name, In secret mourning, for I dare not pour My tears to sooth the anguish -of my soul 5 For soon this woman, to her noble name | A foul disgrace, calls out, and)with harsh words Reviles me, * Wretch, detested by the gods, “To thee alone then did thy father die? <¢ Dost none but thou lament him? Get thee hence, “And perish: never may th’ infernal gods « Soften the sorrows which now rend thy heart 1” Thus she reviles me; but if one she hears — Speak of Orestes as returning, wild With rage she comes, and thunders in my ears, ‘¢ Thou art the cause of this ; ; this is thy work 5 By thee Orestes from my hand was snatch’d, “ By thee in secret hence convey’d: but know: « Thou shalt be punish’d as thy deeds deserve.” L. 265. Clytemnestra, in imitation of the solemn honours paid to the gods and heroes on the New Moons, called therefore Zujenve seed, insti- tuted a monthly festival, with sacrifices to the. Gods, her Preservers, on the day on which Agamemnon was murdered. This was. celebrated with songs and dances, and a feast insolently called Epule Agamemnonie. 287.44.319. ; HMlectra. | 363 CHOR. ELEC. €HOR. Then to her savage menace adding flames Comes her illustrious husband, that disgrace To manhood, who his ‘coward battles fights, Polluted monster, with a woman leagued. Whilst expectation always prompts my hopes That, arm’d with vengeance to repress these ills, Orestes will return, I pine with grief. Still he delays to act; and this delay Sinks all my present, and my future hopes. In such a state, my friends, the human mind But ill preserves a calm well-temper’d frame, And holy reverence; but, oppress’d with ills, By sad constraint turns all its thoughts to ill. . But tell us, is Aigisthus, while we hold This converse, near, or distant from this place? Far distant in the country : were he near, Think not I thus might walk before the gates. If it be so, more freely may we hold Discourse, and unrestrain’d inquiry make. ‘What thy mind prompts thee, ask, from him secure. . First of thy brother then it is my: wish »- To know. Returns he, ordelays he still? . Oft hath he promised; nothing he ‘performs. | . In arduous actions men must oft-delay. 0" © . But him without delay I fondly saved. But of his noble nature be assured ; This will impel him to protect his friends. < Of this my soul hath ever been assured ; Else in this state I had not lived so long. Speak now no more’ for from the gates I see Chrysothemis advance, thy sister ‘sprung ‘From the same parents: in her hands she bears Sepulchral offerings, honours to the dead. # 364 CHRY. ELEC. Flectra. 320.852 CHRYSOTHEMIS, ELECTRA, CHORUS.) Why, O my sister,'is thy voice thus raised - Before the portal? Will no length of time Teach thee no more to feed thy feeble rage With thoughts as vain? I feel these present ills, And, if I know myself, had I the pow’r, - Would show my thoughts: but while the storm is high, _ I deem it prudent to let down my sails, Nor dream of mighty deeds, while void of force I cannot hurt. Thus would I thou shou’dst act. Yet what I say perhaps hath not such strength Of reason as thy firmer conduct shows; ' But, as becomes my birth if I would live,;... The potent must in all things be obey’d.\. How shameful this, descended as thou art From such a father, to forget his worth, And court thy mother’s favour! For by her, All thy monitions.to me were enjoin’d, +3 Her teaching, not the dictates of thy heart. ait What should I think ?. Thy nature must’ be base; _. Or, if not base, no memory of thy friends Dost thou retain. Thou said’st, hadst thou'the pow’r, Thy hate thou soon: wou’dst show them: yet with me, On vengeance for, my father always bent, .. ; Thou wilt not. acts but rather wish to check »,;: My purpose. ‘Is not this to add to ills: Base cowardice? But tell me, or learn thou. From me, what: good should I obtain, my griefs Should I command to cease ? Do I not live? But ill, 1 know; yet I am satisfied. . | I grieve their hearts in paying to, the dead...) These honours, if the dead have yet a sense __ Of honours. Thou dost hate them: but. thy hate Is in words only; thou canst bear to live 353...884 ame Electra. 365 CHOR. ELEC. Amidst thy father’s murderers. But my soul ; Would never bend, would never yield to them, No, should they bring me all those gorgeous gifts With which thou now art deck’d. ‘To thee be placed A table richly spread, with dishes piled; 9) But let my homely fare be only such As nature loaths not. I have not a wish To gain thy honours; nor indeed wou’dst thou, . Did reason rule thee. Now thou might’st be call’d The daughter of a father first in fame ; Be call’d thy mother’s: so shalt thou appear,’ To all that judge aright, of nature base, False to thy murder'd father, and his friends. Now, by the gods, let. nothing pass in wrath. Much mutual good your reasonings might produce, Wert thou to hers attentive, she to thine. I have been long accustom’d to such words From her, my friends; and never had I touch’d | This tender point, but that some dreadful ill | Advances on her, which will check her griefs. What dreadful ill is this ? If more severe Than these, thy counsel I no more oppose. cnn Far as I know it I will tell thee all. .-. They purpose, if thou cease not thy loud griefs, To send thee where no more thou shalt behold The sun’s bright radiance, in some cheerless vault To live, far distant, there to chant thy woes, Reflect ;. nor henceforth blame me when these ills Fall heavy on thee: this is: wisdom’s hour. . Thus will they treat me? Is their purpose fix’d? Soon as Aijgisthus shall return. , : And soon May he for this return. What dreadful wish ® 366 \ leet. -385,,,403 Hast gy tras rashly form’d ?)4 is). 7t SA ELEC. soit bleotE Patche ccs ens If thus he thinks to act. ol CHRY. 3 ~ That thou: may’st feel. Their » icp | What ‘thy meaning?» ELEC. pat Yi Bar from. “we That T may fly. outer CHRY. And hast thou for uy Fifer! él | No care, no thought?” a8 ELEC. Mine is a oii lite, : Exciting admiration ! i CHRY. ead. Wou’dst thou take © Calm prudence for thy guide, it might be such. ELEC. Teach me not baseness. to my friends. v) vro .non CHRY. ion poo? Hiteachn No baseness, bat submission to the weer Who hold the ee pow rene! nysdovad I .vano ELEC, Cringe to"them es I scorn to cringe. * CHRY. Well were it not to fall: Through wayward wilfulness. ELEC. If I must fall, My father’s death avenging let me sai . TRY et ; cHRY. Of us our father, well am I assured, Requires not this. LOA ELEC. ' Such words the base alone Can e’er applaud. CHRY. » Will no persuasions move beta heart to -_ assent ? ELEC. None: from my heart ae Far be such weakness. | CHRY. Hence then will I 80, ' And execute my sini ELEC. What charge? To ‘honk * 404.427 Electra. 367 CHRY. ELEC. CHRY. ELEC. CHRY. ELEC. CHRY. ELEC. CHRY. ELEC. ~ CHOR, Bear’ st thou those offerings? ? By my mother sent To pour libations at: my father’s tomb. ‘a What say’st' thow? Sent to hin whom, when’ he lived; ~ She most abhorr’d ! “And with het own hand slew, So wou’dst thow' say. Persuaded by Her’ friends? | Who' thus advised‘ her’ > She! was moved, I think, 3 By dreadful visions, terrors of the night. Gods of my fathers, give’ us now your aid’! What from these terrors animates thy hope ? Tell me’ the’ vision; thou shalt know my Hopes. I know not all ; but little can’ T speak. Tell me that little: oft imperfect words: Sink mortals*low, or raise their spirits high. This is the voice’ of ramour, that’ she saw Thine and' my father, to’ the light return’d; Once tiiore her’ husband’; inthe earth he’ fix’d The sceptre of his ancestors, which’ once He bore, but now’ Agisthus; from its top Sprouted a vigorous branch, and spread’its shade Wide o’er Mycens: and its ample realms. This from one present, when she told her dream To'the bright Sun, [ heard. No more than this I know, but’ that’ shesent! me to the tomb Struck with this fear. Now by our country’s gods L. 425, This is in conformity, to the superstition of the. ancients, When . any vision, or dream, or other circumstance of ill. or uncertain presage occurred to them in the night, they told itin the morning to the earth, to the air, to the skies, or to some deity. See the Alcestes of Euripides, 1. 246. Medea, |. 64, Iphigenia in Tauris, 1. 52 of the translation. But the address was with peculiar propriety made to the Sun, as the averter of fie evils. of the night, BD) 3B 368 ELEC, I pray thee, be persuaded 3; do not rush, |; Klecira. 428...459 On ruin through perverseness: shou’dst thou now.,., Reject me, thou wilt seek mein thy ills... ,, But nothing, my loved sister, of these ‘gifts | Affix thou to the tomb; it is not meet, | It is not holy, that. such offerings, sent By this malignant woman, should be placed ; Or such libations to our father’s shade Be pour’d : no: give them. to the winds, or dig Deep in the covering earth, and hide them there ; . . That nothing of them where our father rests May ever come, but lie.a precious ‘store ay For her when dead, and in the realms below. _..«; For were not, she, of all her sex, most lost . To shame, this hateful globlet to the man... Her own. hands. murder’d, never had she.crown'd. For canst thou think, the dead within his tombe His indignation. soften?d,, will,receive,j; .; 4) These offerings from the hand by which he dial Dishonour’d, mangled with relentless baleen weet Amidst th’ ablutions all the stains of.blood ., Wiped on his head: And canst thou think, seis se things Will make atonement for, the murderous, deed 2. It may not be: then think of them no more; ’; var ek But cut thou off thy. fair and crisped curls, 3, ~ gee GF And from. my wretched. head (small gift indeed, But all I have to give) these squalid locks; . _, With them present my zone, not richly, wrought With bright embroidery : bow before the tomb, And pour thy prayers that from beneath the earth Propitious he would cone, against our foes L. 447, See the onesie of “#schylus, a 437, re the translato’”s 8 note. L. 448. Thereby hoping to transfer all the “ead from thenisely es on the head of the person murdered. Heath. 460...489 - Bleetra. STO . \ ANTIS. A strong protector ; that with potent hand His son, Orestes, may return, and live, And trample those}'that hate him, in the dust : Then will we crown his tomb with richer gifts Than now we can present. These things I think, Yes, [ will think he:makes these things his care, And therefore with these dreams appals her soul, Do thou, my sister, in this hope perforin | These things, for my sake, for thine own, for his, ' Dearest of all that breath’d this vital air, Our father, laid in the unsparing tomb. This from a pious heart the virgin speaks : Our love exhorts thee discharge the trust. Yes, I will do it’: for when. justice bids, Reason disputes not, but makes haste to act. But by the gods, my friends, whilst I attempt These works, amidst you well the ‘secret guard ; For should my mother know-it, much I fear I should have cause the daring deed to mourn. ELECTRA; CHORUS....CHORUS. If wisdom with one prescient ray ~ Iilumes the darkness of my soul, The vengeful Fury speeds her way ; Before her, baleful omens scowl ; I hear the flaping of their wings ; The force of justice in her hands she brings.. The dreadful visions of the night [shear : They breathe sweet music: to my ears My courage kindles at th’ inspiring sound. Thy father rouses in the realms below ; Ne’er will the king ef Greece forget his wound, 369 | Ne’er the old Axe of brass, that struck th’ insidious blow. _ She comes, with all her hundred hands, bad 370 ; Electra. —-- 490...5:22 Her hundred feet, the furious pow’r, No more in dreadful ambush stauds ; She comes, she knows her torturing hours: a With feet of brass I hear her tread ; She marks th’ unholy, blood-polluted bed: Vengeful ’gainst those th’ accursed attempt who dared, And those the horrid deed who shared, She sends these boding signs, nor sends in vain. If aught of truth terrific dreams disclose, If aught the oracle’s prophetic strain, This vision of the night our happier state foreshows. EPoD. How black with miseries to this land, O Pelops, was thy fatal course, When jealous Pisa’s dangerous strand Saw thy swift car’s victorious force ! For since by rage, untaught to spare, The hapless Myrtilus was slain, Hurl’d headlong from the golden car, And plunged into the roaring main, | Strife in this house delights to dwell, And Murder shrieks with hideous yell. CLYTEMNESTRA, ELECTRA, CHORUS. = ciyt. At large then thou art ranging, I pereeive, /Egisthus absent, who within these gates Always restrain’d thee, that thou might’st not shame Thy friends: now free from his control, te me Thou show’st no reverence; but thy froward tongue Oft speaks of me as haughty, and unjust In my commands, and insolent’ to thee, And thine. My nature knows not insolen¢e : Nor speak I harshly to thee, but provoked ' By thy repeated harshness, and reproach, | That by my hand thy father died, (Phy plea 523...554 Fileeira.- ELEC. st _ This only made) By me thy father died ; I know it well, nor shall deny the deed ;. For justice struck the blow, nor J alone ; And thee, if wisdom ruled thee, it behoved To aid me: for thy father, thus bewail’d, - Alone of all the Grecians steel’d his heart To sacrifice thy sister to the gods : He never felt, like me, a mother’s throes. I urge not that: but tell me for what cause Or for whose sake he bade this victim bleed. 371 Say’st thou for Greece? No right had Greece to slay My child. Or was it for his brother’s sake ? He slew my daughter: should not I repay, Such deeds with just revenge? Had /e'no child? — Had he not two? And these with juster right Had been devoted, as of parents born Whose cause avenging Greece embark’d for Troy. Or had th’ infernal god more keen desire To gorge him with my children, than with hers? Or was this barbarous father’s love grown cool To children born of me, but warm to those Born to his brother? Was not this.the part Of an unfeeling father, to all sense Of goodness lost ? I think so, though I speak What to thy thoughts is adverse; so my child That died would speak, could she her voice regain. Hence for this deed no sorrow, no remorse é Hath ever touch’d my heart; To.thee perchance 1 seem to judge amiss: but weigh things: well, Let justice hold the beam, then blame thy friends. Thou wilt not say this harshness was provoked Now by my harsh reproach. But, grant me leave, Nicostratus, by Helena. Sophocles availed himself of this authority. 537. Hesiod says that, besidés Hermione, Menelaus had a’sen, named 372 Electra. $58 SSS Of my dead father, and my sister’s death, © As truth ‘and reason prompt me, I will speak. ~ cLyt. Thou hast my leave : ‘and hadst thou always thus Address’d me, nothing harsh had been-replied. ELEC. Then I will speak. 'My father by thy hand’ « Was slain: thou freely dost avow the deed) And can there bea deed of: blacker'stainj °° E’en though he justly died ?\ But E’wilksay’ 9 That not with justice didst thou-strike the’ blow. No: the persuasions of that wicked manj © Thy base compeer ‘in guilt, allured thee: Ask ~ The huntress queen Diana, why’ so long — At Aulis vengeful she restrain’d the winds; > Or I will tell thee; her thou may’st not ask.” My father, sporting in her sacred grove, Once roused a dappled Hart, that borealoft His branching horns; ‘and gloryitig in the prize Utter’d some vaunting words :' at. these incensed The daughter of Latona in that port \ _ Detain’d the fleet of Greece; that for her: aitapa A recompense ‘thy father miglit' present of His daughter’: ‘to the goddess thfus she fell’ A vietim ; else the fleet had been detain’d” *’ Moor’d in that bay, and not a gale had swell’d Their sails for Troy, or to the ports of Greece. | For this, reluctant and by sad constraint, ; He sacrificed his daughter, just to Greece, Not for his brother’s ‘sake... But (to allow Thy plea) to grace ‘the Spartan had his will’ © ’ ‘Been to the deed assenting, for that cause Behoved it thee to slay him? By what right? Take heed thou givest not sanction toa law ’Mongst mortals, which with vengeance will recoil On thine own head. If blood must be repaid - 589...622 Electra. A738 With’ blood, if justice doth her office, thou \ The first must: die. Take heed, nor urge’ plea Of no avail. But tell me, ifthy will =.» Assents to tell me, why dost thou persist’ In actions most disgraceful:to thy fame? Why with a blood-stain’d murderer share thy couch, Thy vile associate in: my father’s death? How canst thou bear him children, and ee As outcasts: those, who from an hallow’d bed.” Sprung hallow’d 2. How can I approve these things.?, Or wilt thou say. that for thy daughter’s death These deeds are done’ to satiate thy revenge ? Shame on thee, if thou say’st so; for to wed An hostile rufan fora daughter’s sake, Throws a foul; stain on, honour. But thy, soul _ Rejects monition: ever on thy tongue Is this complaint, that we with rude reproach Insult our mother;,/Am I then, thy child ?,, ~., Rather thy slave, and, lead a servile life, - Ever beneath. the yoke of ills oppress?d) y.:..55°) By thee and, thy compeer.,.. Thy other child, o¥ The poor, Orestes;; scarce ‘escapéd, thy handyio.!' 1 With misery, exiled from his country, lives); 1 Oft dost. thou. taunt.me that 1 train the peat To vengeance on} thee.: be thou, well assured. This I had done, had I the pow’r. Now go, Proclaim. me, to the world.as ‘base of soul, ‘ As insolent of tengue,,as,lost to sharhe I live perforce a slave. ORES. By whom. compell’d To this necessity ? . ) ELEC. A mother’s name She bears; a mother’s tenderness for me She never felt, ORES. How? Cruel is her hand? Or doth she feed thee ’mongst her slaves ?. ELEC. > , E’en thus She treats me, and with every barbarous ill. . 1235...1253 ‘Electra. 395 orES. Has thou no friend to aid thee? From such MeROngS None to protect thee? ELEC. None; I had a friend, ; His ashes thou hast brought. te ORES. : Thy wretched state With pity I behold. ELEC. Of all mankind Thou alone pityest me. ORES. For I alone % | Am come with sorrow for thy sufferings moved. ELEC. Art thou by blood allied ? ORES. If these were friends, I would speak freely. ELEC. Speak then: they are friends In whom thou may’st confide. ORES. Give back that. urn — And thou shalt know the whole. ELEC. Oh, by the gods, ° Deal not thus with me ! : ORES. Let my. words prevail ; No ill do they intend thee. ELEC. This dear pledge I pray thee take not from me. ORES. To thy pray’r I cannot yield. ELEC. How wretched shall I be,» If, loved Orestes, of thy tomb deprived ! orREs. Speak words of happier omen; for no cause Hast thou to mourn. ' ELEC. Have I no cause to mourn A brother’s death ? ORES. Thy state it suits not thus To speak. ELEC. { Am I unworthy of the dead ? 396 Evlecéra. | 1254...1280 ores. Of none art thou unworthy: but to thee This now is no concern. — ELEC. Not though I bear His ashes in this urn! : ORES. That was a tale Framed to deceive. Orestes lies not there. | ELEC. Where then is my unhappy brother’s tomb? orEs. It is not: for the living hath no tomb. ELEc. Young man, what say’st thou? ORES. Nothing false I speak. ELEC. Doth he then live? i ORES. If here I stand alive. * ELEC. Art thou Orestes ? ORES. * Mark this signet well; It was my father’s: this will prove my truth. ELEC. O welcome day ! | | ORES. Most welcome to us both. ELEC. Is it thy voice I hear? Art thou then come? And in these arms Orestes do I hold? orEs. And henceforth ever may’st thou hold him thus! ELEC. Ye daughters of Mycene, my loved friends, You see Orestes but by fiction dead, And by that honest fiction thus preserved. ” cHor. We see him; in thy fortune we are blest, And tears of joy steal trickling from our eyes. ELEC. Thou gem, thou offspring of the dearest man, To me for ever dear, art thou then come | Thus hast thou found—at length art thou arrived— And dost thou see whom thou hast wish’d to see ! orks. Behold me here: but check thy transports, wait In silence the event. ELEC. Why silent wait ? orEs. Within these hostile gates lest any hear. ELEC. Now by Diana, chaste unconquer’d queen, eerie 1281...1318 3 Electra. 397 ORES. ELEC. ORES. ELEC. ORES. ELEC, ORES. ELEC. ORES. ELEC, ORES. ELEC. ORES. ELEC. My soul disdains to tremble at a rout Of helpless women here for ever throng’d. Yet women sometimes feel the martial flame, And greatly dare: of this thou hast strong proof. Oh, thou hast touch’d upon a dreadful ill, For ever open to the light of heav’n, Inexpiable, monstrous, from the mind Never to be effaced, our mournful lot. I know it well; and when the proper time Shall warn me, will remember the foul deed. All times to me: are proper, and all times Warn me to speak what justly I may spéak : Scarce is the liberty of speech now mine. Preserve that liberty, by knowing well This is no time to give thy speech free scope. Hath silence then. such merit; that my words Must yield to it, whilst thou art in my sight, Thus unexpected; thus beyond my hopes ? Soon as the gods commanded. me, I came. This to my former pleasure gives new life : If by the mandate of the gods thou comest, That gives a presage of their heav’nly aid. I would not check thy pleasure; but I fear Its wild excess thy reason will o’erpow’r. After such length of time since thou hast deign’d To make me:happy with thy dear return, Do not, since thou hast found me thus oppress’d With many sorrows, do not. take from me The heart-felt pleasure which thy. presence. gives. That pleasure none shall dare to take from thee. Dost: thou:assent ? | How can I but assent? O: my loved friends, I hear that pleasing voice I could not hope to hear. But when I heard 398 ORES. ELEC, Electra. —1314...1347 News of thy death, I gave my grief no voice, Nor rent the air with mournful cries : but now I hold thee, that dear aspect now I view, Which in my ills I never could forget These words of transport for awhile forbear ; Nor tell me that my mother is most vile; . Nor that Aigisthus with a lavish hand In senseless riot wastes my father’s wealth. ~ Such converse would engage th’ important time, Preventing action. With the present hour What bests accords inform me: like myself Shall I appear, or laying secret snares Crush our insulting foes? But take thou heed, Nor, when we enter, let thy mother see A. smile of gladness bright’ning on thy face : But wear the marks of sorrow, as my death Were real: when the work shall be achieved, Then we may smile, and freely show our joy. Thy will, my brother, shall in this be guide To mine: from thee this pleasure I received, It comes not from my stores: nor would I grieve - _ Thy heart e’en for a moment, might I gain The greatest prize: ill thus should I advance Our present fortune. Well to thee is known The state, as we could wish it, of this house, Egisthus absent, and my mother here. Nor fear that she will see a smile of joy Bright’ning my face; to her I still must wear The gloom of deep-fix’d hatred; and my tears, ’ Since first I saw thee, have not ceased to flow; . » But they are tears of joy. How should they cease? For in one instant I have.seen thee dead, And living. ' These things so surpass my thought, » That should my father from the dead arise, 1348...1372 Electra. ORES. ELEC. eo Sa) Le) I should not think it a mere shadowy form, I would believe I saw the real man. Since on this dangerous task thou art return’d, Be the whole conduct thine. Had I been left Alone, I had not fail’d myself to save With glory, or with glory to have died. I wish thee to be silent, for I hear The steps of one advancing to these gates. Strangers, go in: you bear what in the house None will reject, nor will receive with joy. ATTENDANT, ORESTES, PYLADES, ELECTRA, ATT. ~ ORES. ATT. ORES. CHORUS, What madness this? Is life no more your care? Where is your prudence? Where your heedful thought Of danger ? Know you not that you now stand Not on the verge, but in the midst of ills, The greatest ills? And:had not I long watch’d - Within this portal, your designs had found An-entrance ere yourselves ; my cautious care To this I have opposed. But now break off “ Yoor long discourse, and these wild cries‘of joy, And enter: the important moment calls For action: mischief lurks -beneath delay. How, when I enter, shall I find “oe state: Of things within? | As thou cou’dst wish : not « one Is there who knows. thee. Didst thou, as behoved, - Report me dead ? L, 1356. This is artfully said. ‘As Eleetra kirew not’ who was coming’ to the gates, she addresses Orestes and his friend as strangers, and bids them enter.—Camerar.—The latter partof her speech has that ambiguity, so fre- quent in the Grecian Drama, “ where more is cant than meets the ear.” 3 F 400 ATT. ORES. ATT. ELEC or E. Dost thou not know BLEC, ORES. ELEC ATT. ORES. KHlectra. 13738...1404 Though thou art living here, ,;. . There thou art deem’d one of the shades below. Do they rejoice at this? What did they say? ~ First do the deed, then thou shalt know. With them All now is well, e’en things that are not well, |, Who, I conjure thee tell me, is this man? °° My mind retains no trace. Him, to whose hands assign’d thy prudent. care — In secret sent me to the Phocian realms? Is this the man, when my lov’d father fell -?Mongst many faithless only faithful found ? ORES. ELEC. This is the man: but ask me now no more. O thou dear light! Preserver of the house | | Of Agamemnon, sole preserver! How _- Art thou come back? Art thou that faithful man, Who from a thousand threatening ills preserved My brother and myself? Blest be thy hands . That bore him hence. How pleasant are the steps Of thy return! But when we late conversed, , Why keep thyself unknown? Why not disclose The.ancient friend? Why pierce my heart with words When thou hadst deeds to fill my soul with joy ? Hail, O my father! For methinksI see. My father: hail! Of all mankind this day, Thee have I hated most, and most have loved. Cease thy inquiries. What remains untold The rolling course of many nights and days Will show thee. Now, O princes, is the time To act; now Clytemnestra is. alone ; Now not a man is in the house; if now _ You make delay, with others wiser far Than these, and more in number, you must fight. Not words, my Pylades, but deeds must now 1405...1486 Electra, 401 ELEC. Take place: this instant let us enter, first With reverence bending to my father’s gods, That in this portal have their hallow’d seats. Royal Apollo, hear them, favouring hear ; Me too, for oft before thee have I stood, Offering with pious hand whate’er was mine To offer, hear me. Now, Lycean king, I bring thee all I have, my pray’rs, my vows, ‘My adoration: in our great attempt - Propitious give us aid, and show mankind STRO, ANTIS. The vengeance of the gods on impious deeds ! CHORUS. See this Mars against his foes Breathing slaughter furious goes. Faithful to the scent of blood On him waits a ravening brood, Dogs of hell, with eager chase Train’d the murderer’s steps to trace: On they rush with horrid joy, Keen, and certain to destroy. Did not this my soul presage ? Slumbers now his vengeful rage? See him prompt to aid the dead, Range these courts with secret tread. O’er each room his eyes are roll’d, Seenes of royal pomp, of old With his father’s treasures stor’d. Fierce he grasps his keen-edged sword. Hermes, brooking no delay, Leads him on the destin’d way ; And the great avenger shrouds, Guileful in a veil of clouds. ELECTRA, CHORUS. eLxzc. My dearest friends, they now are in the act, 402 CHOR. KLEC, CHOR. ELEC. CLYT. ELEC. CHOR. CEYT. ELEC. CLYT. ELEC. CHOR. CLYT. ELEC. CLYT. ELEC, CHOR. flectra. 1437...1464 E’en now: in silence then await th’ event. How! Tell us all. What are they doing now? A cauldron for the burial she prepares, And they stand nigh. Why hither art thou come? _ To watch: that should AX gisthus chance to come, He may not enter ere they are aware. — O miserable me! Beneath this roof ~ [within. Have I no friends ?. Are none but. murderers here ? One cries within. Hark! Hear you not my friends? J heard; and shuddering horror chills my blood. Where art thou, O /Mgisthus? Wretched me! [wethzin. Again that piercing cry ! 7 My son, my son [wethen. Have pity on thy mother ! But from thee He found no pity, none his father found. - Unhappy realm ! Unhappy race! Now fate Day after day destroys thee, quite destroys. | Ob! I am wounded. | [wethin. If thou canst, repeat That stroke. Roe! A wretched me, another wound ! [within. Oh that A¢gisthus had like cause to groan ! The curse now hastes to be fulfill’d: they live, Who lie beneath the earth ; and streams of blood The dead, from those who shed their blood, exact. ORESTES, PYLADES, ELECTRA, CHORUS. ELEC, ORES. See, they are here, their hands distain’d-with blood From the first victim of their fury pour’d. I need not ask, Orestes, what is done. All is well done within these gates, if well The Oracle commanded. She is dead, The wretched woman. Henceforth fear no more 1465...1488 Electra. CHOR,. ELEC. ORES. ELEC. CHOR. ORES. ELEC, ORES. ELEC, AGIS. ELEC. A/2GIS. ELEC, AGIS. ELEC. , Disgraceful insults from thy mother’s pride. Forbear. AZ gisthus plainly I perceive. Go back, with speed go back. See you this man? Comes he upon us? He will soon be here ; Rejoicing from the suburbs he returns, Retire within the portal: as before — You well conducted that attempt, so now ——- Fear not: we will effect it to thy wish. Nay, linger not a moment, i I am gone. ELECTRA, CHORUS. What here th’ occasion calls for, be my care. This man then —It were well to sooth his ear With a few gentle words, that he may rush Without a thought on their avenging swords. JEGISTHUS, ELECTRA, CHORUS. Where are these Phocian strangers, who, I hear, Have brought the tidings that amidst the wreck Of clashing cars Orestes breath’d his last? Which of you knows? Of thee I ask, of thee, Thee in times past of soul untamed : as thee’ It most imports, thou canst inform me best. Too well I know: I were a stranger else To what concerns the dearest of my friends. Where are the strangers? Tell me. Enter’d here, And welcome guests. What, spoke they of his death As certain ? What convinces more than words, 403 404 Electra. -1489.,,1508 They i pee oe pith GIS. q - MayT pahcldvl That proof which carries cépieineeias cw ELEC. . Hy MO Thou may ’st : That sight ty envy will not raise. EGIS. ai aoe Tive Great-joy “ Thou givest ‘me now* not such hath ‘been thy wont. ELEC. Go then: if this can give thee joy, rejoice. - mGis. Be silent, and set wide the’gates, that all « »: Of Argos and Mycenzz may behold’: That if a man of them had in his thoughts.» Cherish’d vain hopes, he now may view this corse, And bear my curb; nor, hardening in his pride, Draw on his head the terrors of my wrath. ELEC. I know my duty: for by time my mind . Is taught obedience to the sovereign pow’rs. The gates are thrown open; the body of Clytemnestra lies covered. ORESTES, PYLADES, GISTHUS, ELECTRA, CHORUS. | mois. O Jove this is a sight, which hath not fall’n But to my wish. . If Vengeance.waits my joy, I know not. | From the corse remove the veil, That he my lamentations may receive, For nearly. to my blood he was.allied. . ores. Remoye it thou: thy office this, not mine, To view, and kindly to address the dead. L. 1494, ZEgisthus; imagining that these Phocian strangers had brought the dead body of Orestes, expected to find it laid at the entrance of the house, ad limen, such being the general usage of antiquity : under this ex- pectation he commanded the gates to be opened. lesa fia L. 1505, It was the office of igisthus, as nearly related, to lament over the body of Orestes; on the contrary he expresses an indecent joy: this was an insult to the dead; he recolleets himself, and, apprehensive of the vengeance of Nemesis, determines upon a friendly address to the deceased. 1509...1535 Electra. 405 JEGIS. ORES. ZEGIS, ORES. JEGIS. ORES. GIS. ORES, GIS. ELEC. ORES. JEGIS. ' ORES. I will: thou'dost advise me well. Go thou, | Call Clytemnestra. Is she in the house? - Ay, she is near thee; seek her not elsewhere.) : Ah, seat asight is this! ....° [removing thé veil. Whom dost thou fear? _;; Or whom, not. know? » , “at : Ah me, sata tig toils ve Of what sisidion hunters am J fall’n ! Dost thou not yet perceive that with the dead, So deem’d by thee, long converse thou hast held? Ah me! too well I know it; and these words, °» Can from none other but Orestes come. Excellent prophet! But tea skill before y« Deceived thee. | I am Gefiihiwain sunk : vier | Yet hear me; let me speak; I will be brief., «: No: hear him not, my brother; by the gods, Hear no protracted speech...’ What woulda wretch Plunged in the midst of evils, and to death Devoted, profit by a short delay ? No; let him die this instant, and when dead Obtain such burial as his deeds deserve, Far from our sight: for all his former wrongs: To me this vengeance only can atone. Enter the gates this instant; for not words Must now decide the contest, but thy life. Within these walls why lead me? If the deed Be just and noble, why in darkness done ? Thy hand is ready, why not kill me here? Give not the law tome. Go; where thy hand \ L. 1509. By thus sending his attendant away, he is left withoutassistance. L. 1527. Acgisthus and Clytemnestra were buried without the city ata little distance from the walls; these murderers being thought unworthy of a tomb in the place where Agamemnon lay, Pausan. Corinthiac. 406 — JEGIS. ORES. JGIS. ORES. GIS. ORES. JEGIS. ORES. CHOR. #lectra. 1536...1582 Murder’d my father, there thy blood shall flow. | This is of strong necessity: this house Must see the present and the future ills = © Doom’d to the race of Pelops by the fates. Ills doom’d to thee : prophetic is my voice. Thou canst not from thy father boast this skill. No more replies; no more delays: away. Lead thou the way. | | Before me thou shalt go. Hast thou a fear I should escape thy sword ? To make death bitter to thee, as thou'wouldst — Thou shalt not die: now to command is mine. Thus by swift-rushing vengeance perish all, = Who dare to violate the sacred laws: Less frequent then would impious deeds be seen. . O race of Atreus, scarce hast thou arrived ~~’ Through many sufferings at thy ancient state — > Of liberty, by this bold deed achieved ! ~~ FINIS. Printed by Naruanizt Buiiss, Water Lane, London, » {4 wed