OEDIPUS AT COLONUS
Thou urgest, as the saviour of our land,
Disposes me to counsel for thy weal.
Oedipus
Aid me, kind sirs; I will do all you bid.
Chorus
First make atonement to the deities,
Whose grove by trespass thou didst first profane.
Oedipus
After what manner, stranger? Teach me, pray.
Chorus
Make a libation first of water fetched
With undefiled hands from living spring.
Oedipus
And after I have gotten this pure draught?
Chorus
Bowls thou wilt find, the carver’s handiwork;
Crown thou the rims and both the handles crown—
Oedipus
With olive shoots or flocks of wool, or how?
Chorus
With wool from fleece of yearling freshly shorn.
Oedipus
What next? how must I end the ritual?
Chorus
Pour thy libation, turning to the dawn.
Oedipus
Pouring it from the urns whereof ye spake?
Chorus
Yea, in three streams; and be the last bowl drained
To the last drop.
