Oedipus King of Thebes Part 2

CREON.

O King, there was of old King Laus In Thebes, ere thou didst come to pilot us.

OEDIPUS.

I know: not that I ever saw his face.

CREON.

'Twas he. And Loxias now bids us trace And smite the unknown workers of his fall.

OEDIPUS.

Where in G.o.d's earth are they? Or how withal Find the blurred trail of such an ancient stain?

CREON.

In Thebes, he said.--That which men seek amain They find. 'Tis things forgotten that go by.

OEDIPUS.

And where did Laus meet them? Did he die In Thebes, or in the hills, or some far land?

[Sidenote: vv. 114-127]

CREON.

To ask G.o.d's will in Delphi he had planned His journey. Started and returned no more.

OEDIPUS.

And came there nothing back? No message, nor None of his company, that ye might hear?

CREON.

They all were slain, save one man; blind with fear He came, remembering naught--or almost naught.

OEDIPUS.

And what was that? One thing has often brought Others, could we but catch one little clue.

CREON.

'Twas not one man, 'twas robbers--that he knew-- Who barred the road and slew him: a great band.

OEDIPUS.

Robbers?... What robber, save the work was planned By treason here, would dare a risk so plain?

CREON.

So some men thought. But Laus lay slain, And none to avenge him in his evil day.

[Sidenote: vv. 128-148]

OEDIPUS.

And what strange mischief, when your master lay Thus fallen, held you back from search and deed?

CREON.

The dark-songed Sphinx was here. We had no heed Of distant sorrows, having death so near.

OEDIPUS.

It falls on me then. I will search and clear This darkness.--Well hath Phoebus done, and thou Too, to recall that dead king, even now, And with you for the right I also stand, To obey the G.o.d and succour this dear land.

Nor is it as for one that touches me Far off; 'tis for mine own sake I must see This sin cast out. Whoe'er it was that slew Laus, the same wild hand may seek me too: And caring thus for Laus, is but care For mine own blood.--Up! Leave this altar-stair, Children. Take from it every suppliant bough.

Then call the folk of Thebes. Say, 'tis my vow To uphold them to the end. So G.o.d shall crown Our greatness, or for ever cast us down.

[_He goes in to the Palace._

PRIEST.

My children, rise.--The King most lovingly Hath promised all we came for. And may He

[Sidenote: vv. 149-161]

Who sent this answer, Phoebus, come confessed Helper to Thebes, and strong to stay the pest.

[_The suppliants gather up their boughs and stand at the side. The chorus of Theban elders enter._

CHORUS.

[_They speak of the Oracle which they have not yet heard, and cry to_ APOLLO _by his special cry "I-e."_

A Voice, a Voice, that is borne on the Holy Way!

What art thou, O Heavenly One, O Word of the Houses of Gold?

Thebes is bright with thee, and my heart it leapeth; yet is it cold, And my spirit faints as I pray.

I-e! I-e!

What task, O Affrighter of Evil, what task shall thy people essay?

One new as our new-come affliction, Or an old toil returned with the years?

Unveil thee, thou dread benediction, Hope's daughter and Fear's.

[_They pray to_ ATHENA, ARTEMIS, _and_ APOLLO.

Zeus-Child that knowest not death, to thee I pray, O Pallas; next to thy Sister, who calleth Thebes her own, Artemis, named of Fair Voices, who sitteth her orbed throne In the throng of the market way:

[Sidenote: vv. 162-189]