Ant. In the strange land where he desired to die
He died. He rests in shadow undisturbed;
Nor hath he left a tearless funeral.
For these mine eyes, father, unceasingly
Mourn thee with weeping, nor can I subdue
This ever-mounting sorrow for thy loss.
Ah me! Would thou hadst not desired to die
Here among strangers, but alone with thee
There, in the desert, I had seen thee die!
Ism. Unhappy me! What destiny, dear girl,
Awaits us both, bereaved and falherless?
Ch. His end was fortunate. He rests in peace.
Dear maidens, then desist from your complaint.
Sorrow is swift to overtake us all.
Ant. Thither again, dear girl, let us go speedily!
Ism. Say, for what end?
Ant. Desire possesses me—
Ism. Whereof?
Ant. To see the darksome dwelling-place—
Ism. Of whom?
Ant. Woe is me! Of him, our sire!
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 destitute, 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.
