Racine: Phaedra

CEDIPUS REX 47
Creon.—The Sphinx, with her dark riddle, bade us look
At nearer facts, and leave the dim obscure.
CEdipus.—Well, be it mine to track them to their source.
Right well hath Phcebos, and right well hast thou,
Shown for the dead your care, and ye shall find,
As is most meet, in me a helper true,
Aiding at once my country and the God.
It is not for the sake of friends remote,
But for mine own, that I dispel this pest
For he that slew him, whosoe'er he be,
Will wish, perchance, with such a blow to smite
Me also. Helping him, I help myself.
And now, my children, rise with utmost speed
From off these steps, and raise your suppliant boughs
And let another call my people here.
The race of Cadmos, and make known that I
Will do my taskwork to the uttermost
So, as God wills, we prosper, or we fail.
Priest.—Rise then, my children, 'twas for this we came.
For these good tidings which those lips have brought,
And Phoebos, who hath sent these oracles.
Pray that He come to save, and heal our plague.
[Exeunt Creon, Priests, and Suppliants: march-
ing in procession^
Enter Chorus of Theban citizens.
Strophe I.
Chorus.—O word of Zeus,* glad-voiced, with what intent
From Pytho, bright with gold,
Cam'st thou to Thebes, our city of high fame?
For lo: I faint for fear.
Through all my soul I quiver in suspense,
(Hear, lo Paean ! God of Delos,^ hear !)
In brooding dread, what doom, of present growth,
Or as the months roll on, thy hand will work
Tell me, O deathless Voice, thou child of golden hope
* The oracle, though given by Apollo, * Apollo, born in Dclos, passed
it yet the voice of Zeus, of whom Apollo through Attica to Pytho, his shrine at
is but the prophet, spokesman. Delphi.