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[284-311] Oedipus at Colonus 623
under your pledge, rescue me and guard me to the end; nor scorn me
when ye look on this face unlovely to behold: for I have come to you as
one sacred, and, pious, and fraught with comfort for this people. But
when the master is come, whosoever he be that is your chief, then shall
ye hear and know all; meanwhile in no wise show yourself false.
LEADER
The thoughts urged on thy part, old man, must needs move awe; they
have been set forth in words not light; but I am content that the rulers of
our country should judge in this cause.
OEDIPUS
And where, strangers, is the lord of this realm?
LEADER
He is at the city of his father in our land; and the messenger who sent
us hither hath gone to fetch him.
OEDIPUS
Think ye that he will have any regard or care for the blind man, so as
to come hither himself?
LEADER
Yea, surely, so soon as he learns thy name.
OEDIPUS
Who is there to bring him that message?
LEADER
The way is long, and many rumours from wayfarers are wont to go
abroad; when he hears them, he will soon be with us, fear not. For thy
name, old man, hath been mightily noised through all lands; so that,
even if he is taking his ease, and slow to move, when he hears of thee he
will arrive with speed.
OEDIPUS
Well, may he come with a blessing to his own city, as to me!—What
good man is not his own friend?
ANTIGONE
O Zeus! what shall I say, what shall I think, my father?
OEDIPUS
What is it, Antigone, my child?