Oed. (behind). Behold me! For I ‘see by sound,’
As mortals say.
Ch. Oh, Oh!
With horror I see him, with horror hear him speak.
Oed. Pray you, regard me not as a transgressor!
Ch. Defend us, Zeus! Who is that aged wight?
Oed. Not one of happiest fate,
Or enviable, O guardians of this land!
’Tis manifest; else had I not come hither
Led by another’s eyes, not moored my bark
On such a slender stay.
Ch. Alas! And are thine eyes 2
Sightless? O full of misery,
As thou look’st full of years!
But not, if I prevail,
Shalt thou bring down this curse.
Thou art trespassing. Yet keep thy foot
From stumbling in that verdant, voiceless dell,
Where running water as it fills
The hallowed bowl,
Mingles with draughts of honey. Stranger, hapless one!
Avoid that with all care.
Away! Remove!
Distance impedes the sound. Dost hear,
Woe-burdened wanderer? If aught thou carest to bring
Before our council, leave forbidden ground,
And there, where all have liberty
Speak,—but till then, avaunt thee!
Oed. Daughter, what must I think, or do?
Ant. My sire!
We must conform us to the people’s will,
Yielding ere they compel.
Oed. Give me thy hand.
Ant. Thou hast it.
Oed. —Strangers, let me not
Be wronged, when I have trusted you
And come from where I stood!
Ch. Assure thee, from this seat
No man shall drag thee off against thy will.
