Chor. Branches thrice nine of olive then place here,
On either hand; then offer up these prayers.
Œdip. I fain would hear them. Crown of all are they.
Chor. Eumenides, the Gentle Ones, we call them,
With gentle hearts receive and save your suppliant;
Pray, both thyself, and some one in thy stead,
In low voice speaking, not in lengthened cry;
Then, turning not, withdraw. If thou dost this,490
I will stand by thee boldly; else for thee,
Ο stranger friend, I should be full of fear.
Œdip. Hear ye, my children, what these townsmen say?
Antig. We hear. Do thou command us what is right.
Œdip. I may not go. Two evils press on me,
My failing strength and loss of power to see;
Let one of you go on and do these things.
For one soul working in the strength of love
Is mightier than ten thousand to atone;
But what ye do, do quickly. Only this500
I ask you, leave me not. This feeble frame,
Bereaved of you, unguided cannot creep.
Ism. I go to do thy bidding. But the place
Which it is mine to seek, I fain would learn.
Chor. Beyond this grove, Ο maiden. And if still
Thou lackest aught, our townsman here shall tell thee.
Ism. I would go forth to this. Antigone,
Guard thou our father. For a parent's sake,
Though one may toil, one should the toil forget. [Exit.
Chor. To stir the buried evil of the past,510
I know, is fearful; yet I fain would ask
Œdip. Of what?
Chor. Of thy great sorrow, pitiful,
Grievous, perplexing, ever by thy side.
