OEDIPUS.
Children, my children! will no messenger
Go summon hither Theseus my best friend?
ANTIGONE.
And wherefore, father, dost thou summon him?
OEDIPUS.
This winged thunder of the god must bear me
Anon to Hades. Send and tarry not.
CHORUS.
(Ant. 1)
Hark! with louder, nearer roar
The bolt of Zeus descends once more.
My spirit quails and cowers: my hair
Bristles for fear. Again that flare!
What doth the lightning-flash portend?
Ever it points to issues grave.
Dread powers of air! Save, Zeus, O save!
OEDIPUS.
Daughters, upon me the predestined end
Has come; no turning from it any more.
ANTIGONE.
How knowest thou? What sign convinces thee?
OEDIPUS.
I know full well. Let some one with all speed
Go summon hither the Athenian prince.
CHORUS.
(Str. 2)
Ha! once more the deafening sound
Peals yet louder all around
If thou darkenest our land,
Lightly, lightly lay thy hand;
Grace, not anger, let me win,
If upon a man of sin
I have looked with pitying eye,
Zeus, our king, to thee I cry!
OEDIPUS.
Is the prince coming? Will he when he comes
Find me yet living and my senses clear!
ANTIGONE.
What solemn charge would’st thou impress on him?