Oed. My children! Would but some one in the place
Haste hither Theseus, noblest among men!
Ant. Wherefore, my father? What is thy desire?
Oed. These winged thunders of the Highest will soon
Bear me away to the Unseen. Send quickly!
Chorus.
Again, yonder crash through the fire-startled air I 2
Wing’d from Zeus, rushes down, till my thin locks of hair,
Stiff with fear, upward stare.
My soul shrinks and cowers, for yon gleam from on high
Darts again! Ne’er in vain hath it leapt from the sky,
But flies forth amain to what task Zeus hath given.
I fear the unknown fatal edict of Heaven!
Lightning glares all around!
Oed. My daughters, the divinely promised end
Here unavoidably descends on me.
Ant. How dost thou know it ? By what certain sign?
Oed. I know it perfectly. Let some one go With speed to bring the lord of Athens hither.
Chorus.
Great Heaven, how above me, beside me, around, II 1
Peals redoubled the soul-thrilling sound!
O our God, to this land, to our mother, if aught
Thou wouldst send with some darkness of destiny fraught,
Smile gently once more! With the good let me bear
What of fortune soe’er,—
Taste no cup, touch no food, the doomed sinner may share.
Zeus, to thee, Lord, I cry!
Oed. Is the King coming? Will he find me alive,
My daughters, and with reason undisturbed?
Ant. Say wherefore dost thou crave with such desire
The clearness of an undistracted mind?
Oed. I would fully render from a grateful soul
The boon I promised, when I gained my suit.
