OEDIPUS.
What oracles? What hath been uttered, child?
ISMENE.
Thy country (so it runs) shall yearn in time
To have thee for their weal alive or dead.
OEDIPUS.
And who could gain by such a one as I?
ISMENE.
On thee, ’tis said, their sovereignty depends.
OEDIPUS.
So, when I cease to be, my worth begins.
ISMENE.
The gods, who once abased, uplift thee now.
OEDIPUS.
Poor help to raise an old man fallen in youth.
ISMENE.
Howe’er that be, ’tis for this cause alone
That Creon comes to thee—and comes anon.
OEDIPUS.
With what intent, my daughter? Tell me plainly.
ISMENE.
To plant thee near the Theban land, and so
Keep thee within their grasp, yet now allow
Thy foot to pass beyond their boundaries.