OEDIPUS AT COLONUS
Swears he will stablish Argos straight as lord
Of the Cadmeian land, or, if he fail,
Exalt the victor to the stars of heaven.
This is no empty tale, but deadly truth,
My father; and how long thy agony,
Ere the gods pity thee, I cannot tell.
Oedipus
Hast thou indeed then entertained a hope
The gods at last will turn and rescue me?
Ismene
Yea, so I read these latest oracles.
Oedipus
What oracles? What hath been uttered, child?
Ismene
Thy country (so it runs) shall yearn in time
To have thee for their weal alive or dead.
Oedipus
And who could gain by such a one as I?
Ismene
On thee, ’tis said, their sovereignty depends.
Oedipus
So, when I cease to be, my worth begins.
Ismene
The gods, who once abased, uplift thee now.
Oedipus
Poor help to raise an old man fallen in youth.
Ismene
Howe’er that be, ’tis for this cause alone
That Creon comes to thee—and comes anon.
