THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

LEADER
With water and honey; but bring no wine thereto.
OEDIPUS
And when the ground under the dark shade hath drunk of these?
LEADER
Lay on it thrice nine sprays of olive with both thine hands, and make
this prayer the while.
OEDIPUS
The prayer I fain would hear—'tis of chief moment.
LEADER
That, as we call them Benign Powers, with hearts benign they may
receive the suppliant for saving: be this the prayer,—thine own, or his
who prays for thee; speak inaudibly, and lift not up thy voice; then retire,
without looking behind. Thus do, and I would be bold to stand by
thee; but otherwise, stranger, I would fear for thee.
OEDIPUS
Daughters, hear ye these strangers, who dwell near?
ANTIGONE
We have listened; and do thou bid us what to do.
OEDIPUS
I cannot go; for I am disabled by lack of strength and lack of sight,
evils twain. But let one of you two go and do these things. For I think
that one soul suffices to pay this debt for ten thousand, if it come with
good will to the shrine. Act, then, with speed; yet leave me not solitary;
for the strength would fail me to move without help or guiding hand.
ISMENE
Then I will go to perform the rite; but where I am to find the spot—
this I fain would learn.
LEADER
On the further side of this grove, maiden. And if thou hast need of
aught, there is a guardian of the place, who will direct thee.
ISMENE
So to my task:—but thou, Antigone, watch our father here. In parents'
cause, if toil there be, we must not reck of toil.
(ISMENE departs.)