OR. A prophet! How wert thou so long deceived?
AEG. Undone, undone! Yet let me speak one word.
EL. Brother, by Heaven, no more! Let him not speak.
When death is certain, what do men in woe
Gain from a little time? Kill him at once!
And, killed, expose him to such burial
From dogs and vultures, as beseemeth such,
Far from our view. Nought less will solace me
For the remembrance of a life of pain.
OR. Go in and tarry not. No contest this
Of verbal question, but of life or death.
AEG. Why drive you me within? If this you do
Be noble, why must darkness hide the deed?
Why not destroy me out of hand?
[page 173][1494-1510] OR. Command not!
Enter, and in the place where ye cut down
My father, thou shalt yield thy life to me.
AEG. Is there no help but this abode must see
The past and future ills of Pelops’ race?
OR. Thine anyhow. That I can prophesy
With perfect inspiration to thine ear.
AEG. The skill you boast belonged not to your sire.
OR. You question and delay. Go in!