Part 20

CHORUS. (Str. 2) Against thy will no man shall drive thee hence.

OEDIPUS. Shall I go further?

CHORUS. Aye.

OEDIPUS. What further still?

CHORUS. Lead maiden, thou canst guide him where we will.

ANTIGONE 4 * * * * * *

OEDIPUS. * * * * * *

ANTIGONE. * * * * * * Follow with blind steps, father, as I lead.

OEDIPUS.

* * * * * *

CHORUS. In a strange land strange thou art; To her will incline thy heart; Honor whatso’er the State Honors, all she frowns on hate.

OEDIPUS. Guide me child, where we may range Safe within the paths of right; Counsel freely may exchange Nor with fate and fortune fight.

CHORUS. (Ant. 2) Halt! Go no further than that rocky floor.

OEDIPUS. Stay where I now am?

CHORUS. Yes, advance no more.

OEDIPUS. May I sit down?

CHORUS. Move sideways towards the ledge, And sit thee crouching on the scarped edge.

ANTIGONE. This is my office, father, O incline—

OEDIPUS. Ah me! ah me!

ANTIGONE. Thy steps to my steps, lean thine aged frame on mine.

OEDIPUS. Woe on my fate unblest!

CHORUS. Wanderer, now thou art at rest, Tell me of thy birth and home, From what far country art thou come, Led on thy weary way, declare!

OEDIPUS. Strangers, I have no country. O forbear—

CHORUS. What is it, old man, that thou wouldst conceal?

OEDIPUS. Forbear, nor urge me further to reveal—

CHORUS. Why this reluctance?

OEDIPUS. Dread my lineage.

CHORUS. Say!