CHORUS.
Aye, that he will, when once he learns thy name.
OEDIPUS.
But who will bear him word!
CHORUS.
The way is long,
And many travelers pass to speed the news.
Be sure he’ll hear and hasten, never fear;
So wide and far thy name is noised abroad,
That, were he ne’er so spent and loth to move,
He would bestir him when he hears of thee.
OEDIPUS.
Well, may he come with blessing to his State
And me! Who serves his neighbor serves himself. [5]
ANTIGONE.
Zeus! What is this? What can I say or think?
OEDIPUS.
What now, Antigone?
ANTIGONE.
I see a woman
Riding upon a colt of Aetna’s breed;
She wears for headgear a Thessalian hat
To shade her from the sun. Who can it be?
She or a stranger? Do I wake or dream?
’Tis she; ’tis not—I cannot tell, alack;
It is no other! Now her bright’ning glance
Greets me with recognition, yes, ’tis she,
Herself, Ismene!
OEDIPUS.
Ha! what say ye, child?
ANTIGONE.
That I behold thy daughter and my sister,
And thou wilt know her straightway by her voice.
[Enter ISMENE]
ISMENE.
Father and sister, names to me most sweet,
How hardly have I found you, hardly now
When found at last can see you through my tears!