Racine: Phaedra

5«
SOPHOCLES
Chorus.—Fain would I speak the thoughts that second stand.
CEdipus.—Though there be third, shrink not from speaking out.
Chorus.—One man I know, a prince, whose insight deep
Sees clear as princely Phoebos, and from him,
Teiresias, one might learn, O king, the truth.
CEdipus.—That too is done. No loiterer I in this.
For I, on Creon's hint, two couriers sent
To summon him, and wonder that he comes not.
Chorus.—Old rumors are there also, dark and dumb.
CEdipus.—And what are they ? I weigh the slightest word.
Chorus.— 'Twas said he died by some chance traveller's hand.
CEdipus.—I, too, heard that. But none the eye-witness sees.
Chorus.—If yet his soul be capable of awe,
Hearing thy curses, he will shrink from them.
CEdipus.—Words fright not him, who doing, knows no fear.
Chorus.—Well, here is one who'll put him to the proof.
For lo ! they bring the seer inspired of God,
With whom alone of all men, truth abides.
Enter Teiresias, blind, atid guided by a boy,
CEdipus.—Teiresias ! thou whose mind embraceth all.
Told or untold, of heaven or paths of earth
Thou knowest, although thou see'st not, what a pest
Dwells on us, and we find in thee, O prince.
Our one deliverer, yea, our only help.
For Phoebos (if the couriers told thee not)
Sent back this word to us, who sent to ask,
That this one way was open to escape
From this fell plague—if those who Laios slew.
We in our turn discovering should slay.
Or drive them forth as exiles from the land.
Thou, therefore, grudge not either sign from birds.
Or any other path of prophecy
But save the city, save thyself, save me
Save from the curse the dead has left behind
On thee we hang. To use our means, our power.
In doing good, is noblest service owned.
Teiresias.—Ah me ! ah me ! how dread is wisdom's gift.
When no good issue waiteth on the wise