Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Jebb 1917).djvu/90

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78
SOPHOCLES.
[469—490

Ch. First, from a perennial spring fetch holy drink-offerings, borne in clean hands.470

Oe. And when I have gotten this pure draught?

Ch. Bowls there are, the work of a cunning craftsman: crown their edges and the handles at either brim.

Oe. With branches, or woollen cloths, or in what wise?

Ch. Take the freshly-shorn wool of an ewe-lamb.

Oe. Good; and then,—to what last rite shall I proceed?

Ch. Pour thy drink-offerings, with thy face to the dawn.

Oe. With these vessels whereof thou speakest shall I pour them?

Ch. Yea, in three streams; but empty the last vessel wholly.

Oe. Wherewith shall I fill this, ere I set it?480 Tell me this also.

Ch. With water and honey; but bring no wine thereto.

Oe. And when the ground under the dark shade hath drunk of these?

Ch. Lay on it thrice nine sprays of olive with both thine hands, and make this prayer the while.

Oe. The prayer I fain would hear—'tis of chief moment.

Ch. That, as we call them Benign Powers, with hearts benign they may receive the suppliant for saving, be this the prayer,—thine own, or his who prays for thee; speak inaudibly, and lift not up thy voice; then retire, without looking behind.490 Thus do, and I would