OEDIPUS AT COLONUS
Chorus
Hark! with louder, nearer roar (Ant. 1)
The bolt of Zeus descends once more.
My spirit quails and cowers: my hair
Bristles for fear. Again that flare!
What doth the lightning-flash portend?
Ever it points to issues grave.
Dread powers of air! Save, Zeus, O save!
Oedipus
Daughters, upon me the predestined end
Has come; no turning from it any more.
Antigone
How knowest thou? What sign convinces thee?
Oedipus
I know full well. Let some one with all speed
Go summon hither the Athenian prince.
Chorus
Ha! once more the deafening sound (Str. 2)
Peals yet louder all around.
If thou darkenest our land,
Lightly, lightly lay thy hand;
Grace, not anger, let me win,
If upon a man of sin
I have looked with pitying eye,
Zeus, our king, to thee I cry!
Oedipus
Is the prince coming? Will he when he comes
Find me yet living and my senses clear!
Antigone
What solemn charge would’st thou impress on him?
