THE PHŒNICIAN MAIDENS.
79
Oedipus.
Ah me for my woes! Full well may I shriek, full well may I moan!
By what doom have the spirits of these three flown
From the light of life? O child, make known.
Antigone.
Not as reproaching, nor mocking, I tell,
But in anguish. Thy curse, with its vengeance of hell,
With swords laden, and fire,
And ruthless contention, on thy sons fell:
Woe's me, my sire!
Oedipus.
Alas for me!
Antigone.
Wherefore thy deep-drawn sigh?1560
Oedipus.
For my children!
Antigone.
Thine had been agony,
To the Sun-god's chariot couldst thou but raise
Thine eyes, couldst thou on these bodies gaze,
Dead where they lie.
Oedipus.
For the evil fate of my sons, it is all too plain;
But ah, mine unhappiest wife!—by what doom, O my child, was she slain?