Oedipus
What then doth glory or fair fame avail,
If thus without effect it glides away?
What, that men say th' Athenian state adores q
The gods with highest sanctity, alone
260
Hath pow'r to aid the stranger sunk with ills,
Alone hath pow'r to save him? Where to me
Are all these boasts? You drew me from those seats,
Then drive me from your land, a name alone
And not my person dreading, or my deeds;
265
For I have suffer'd, but have done no wrongs.
My father and my mother, for whose sake
Thou look'st on me with horror, if I here...
Must mention, doth it show my nature vile,
That I with force repell'd a rude assault?
270
I knew not, (had I known, e'en then no guilt
Had I incurr'd) I knew not to what height
Of ills my steps advanced: but they, who caused
My sufferings, knowingly my ruin wrought.
By the gods then, O strangers, I implore...
275
Your faith; since thence you drew me, save, O save
Your supplicant; nor, honouring the gods,
Neglect the gods: not so: but be assured
The pious they behold, and they behold
The impious too; nor shall th' unhallow'd wretch
280
Ever escape: then dim not thou with these (
The lustre of blest Athens, lending aid h
To deeds unhallow'd. As thou hast received
Thy supplicant confiding in thy faith,
Protect me, save me; nor, this griesly forın
285
Beholding, treat me with indignity;
Sacred and pious since I hither came.
And much advantage to this people bringi
When your lord comes, whoe'er your sovereign be,
Full information shall be thine; meanwhile,
290
Be not ungentle, do not work me ill.
