The Seven Plays in English Verse Part 77

ISM. But how Can this be lawful? Seest thou not?

ANT. How say'st thou?

Why this remonstrance?

ISM. Seest thou not, again, He hath no grave and no man buried him.

ANT. Take me but where he lies. Then slay me there.

ISM. Ah! woe is me, doubly unfortunate, Forlorn and dest.i.tute, whither henceforth For wretched comfort must we go?

CH. Fear nought, Dear maidens!

ISM. Where shall we find refuge?

CH. Here, Long since, your refuge is secure.

ANT. How so?

CH. No harm shall touch you.

ANT. I know that.

CH. What then Further engrosseth thee?

ANT. How to get home I know not.

CH. Seek not for it.

ANT. Weariness O'erweighs me.

CH. Hath it not before oppressed thee?

ANT. Before, it vexed me; now it overwhelms.

CH. A mighty sea of misery is your lot.

ANT. Woe is me! O Zeus! And whither must we go?

Unto what doom doth my Fate drive me now?

CH. Children, lament no longer. 'Tis not well To mourn 'mongst those with whom the honoured dead Hath left the heirloom of his benison.

_Enter_ THESEUS.

ANT. Theseus, behold us falling at thy feet.

THE. What boon, my children, are ye bent to obtain?

ANT. Our eyes would see our father's burial-place.

THE. 'Tis not permitted to go near that spot.

ANT. O Athens' sovereign lord, what hast thou said?

THE. Dear children, 'twas your father's spoken will That no man should approach his resting-place, Nor human voice should ever violate The mystery of the tomb wherein he lies.

He promised, if I truly kept this word, My land would evermore be free from harm.

The power which no man may transgress and live, The oath of Zeus, bore witness to our troth.

ANT. His wishes are enough. Then, pray thee, send An escort to convey us to our home, Primeval Thebes, if so we may prevent The death that menaces our brethren there.

THE. That will I; and in all that I may do To prosper you and solace him beneath,-- Who even now pa.s.ses to eternity,-- I must not falter. Come, lament no more.

His destiny hath found a perfect end.