OEDIPUS AT COLONUS
Oedipus
And wherewith shall I fill it,
Ere in its place I set it? This too tell.
Chorus
With water and with honey; add no wine.
Oedipus
And when the embowered earth hath drunk thereof?
Chorus
Then lay upon it thrice nine olive sprays
With both thy hands, and offer up this prayer.
Oedipus
I fain would hear it; that imports the most.
Chorus
That, as we call them Gracious, they would deign
To grant the suppliant their saving grace.
So pray thyself or whoso prays for thee,
In whispered accents, not with lifted voice;
Then go and look not back. Do as I bid,
And I shall then be bold to stand thy friend;
Else, stranger, I should have my fears for thee.
Oedipus
Hear ye, my daughters, what these strangers say?
Antigone
We listened, and attend thy bidding, father.
Oedipus
I cannot go, disabled as I am
Doubly, by lack of strength and lack of sight;
But one of you may do it in my stead;
For one, I trow, may pay the sacrifice
Of thousands, if his heart be leal and true.
So to your work with speed, but leave me not
