And shrieks to affright the Slayer.—Children, care

For this so moves me, I have scorned withal

Message or writing: seeing 'tis I ye call,

'Tis I am come, world-honoured Oedipus.

Old Man, do thou declare—the rest have thus

Their champion—in what mood stand ye so still,

In dread or sure hope? Know ye not, my will

Is yours for aid 'gainst all? Stern were indeed

The heart that felt not for so dire a need.

vv. 15-39  [Pg 4]

Priest.

Priest.

O Oedipus, who holdest in thy hand

My city, thou canst see what ages stand

At these thine altars; some whose little wing

Scarce flieth yet, and some with long living

O'erburdened; priests, as I of Zeus am priest,

And chosen youths: and wailing hath not ceased

Of thousands in the market-place, and by

Athena's two-fold temples and the dry

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