Adr. Methinks, my lord, I see a sad repentance,
A general consternation spread among them.
Œdip. My reign is at an end; yet, ere I finish,
I'll do a justice that becomes a monarch;
A monarch, who, in the midst of swords and javelins,
Dares act as on his throne, encompast round
With nations for his guard. Alcander, you
Are nobly born, therefore shall lose your head:[Seizes him.
Here, Hæmon, take him: but for this, and this,
Let cords dispatch them. Hence, away with them!
Tir. O sacred prince, pardon distracted Thebes,
192 Pardon her, if she acts by heaven's award;
If that the infernal spirits have declared
The depth of fate; and if our oracles
May speak, O do not too severely deal!
But let thy wretched Thebes at least complain.
If thou art guilty, heaven will make it known;
If innocent, then let Tiresias die.
Œdip. I take thee at thy word.—Run, haste, and save Alcander:
I swear, the prophet, or the king shall die.
Be witness, all you Thebans, of my oath;
And Phorbas be the umpire.
Tir. I submit.[Trumpet sounds.
Œdip. What mean those trumpets?
Enter Hæmon with Alcander, &c.
Hæm. From your native country,
Great sir, the famed Ægeon is arrived,
That renowned favourite of the king your father:
He comes as an ambassador from Corinth,
And sues for audience.
Œdip. Haste, Hæmon, fly, and tell him that I burn
To embrace him.
Hæm. The queen, my lord, at present holds him
In private conference; but behold her here.