What drear perplexity,
Awaits me now, and thee, Ο dearest one,
In this our orphaned lot?
Chor. Yet, maidens, since his life1720
With blessing now has closed;
Cease from your wailing drear;
No man escapes from woe.
Antig. Once more, dear sister, let us haste away.
Ism. With what intent?
Antig. A strong desire comes o'er me.
Ism. What is 't?
Antig. To see once more the holy ground.
Ism. Of whom?
Antig. My father. Woe is me! Ah, woe!
Ism. But how can this be right? And seest thou not . . . . ?
Antig. What means this chiding?
Ism. This too . . . . ?1730
Antig. This again?
Ism. He died unburied, none were by his side.
Antig. Lead me, and slay me o'er him.
Ism. Woe is me!
Where then shall I, abandoned and perplexed,
Drag on my weary life?
Chor. Fear nothing, maidens dear!
Antig. Where escape?
Chor. Yet one escape there was . . . .
Antig. Of what speak'st thou?
Chor. Of thine and hers, from chance of evil fate.1740
Antig. I think this o'er . . . .
Chor. O'er what then broodest thou?
Antig. How to return to what was once our home
I find not.
Chor. Seek it not.
