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Chorus
254
We pity thee,
Daughter of (Edipus ; we pity him,
And his misfortunes ; but of wrath divine
Still fearful, dare not alter our decree.
What shall it profit that your pious city
Was once for hospitable rites renowned,
That she alone w ould pity and relieve
The afflicted stranger ? Is she so to me
Who drives me hence, and trembles at a name?
Me you can never fear, and for my crimes
255
I am the sufferer, not the offender. What
255
Touching my father I have spoke, alas !
255
If 'tis for that you do abhor me thus,
255
Was I to blame? The injury received
255
I but repaid, and therefore had I known
255
The crime I acted, I wxre guiltless still.
255
Whither I came, I came unknowingly;
255
Not so they acted who have banished me.
By your commands already here removed.
Oh ! by the gods, preserve, assist me now ;
If you revere them, do not thus despise
What they decree ; their eyes behold tlie goo*^
And view the evil man, nor shall the wicked
Escape their wrath ; use not theit* sacred names
To cover crimes and stain the fame of Athens.
As you received the suppliant, oh ! remember
Your plighted faith — preserve me, save me now !
Look not contemptuous on this wretched form,
Or cast reproach unmerited ; I come
Nor impious, nor profane, and with me bring
To Athens much of profit and renown,
As when your king arrives, you all shall know :
Meantime despise me not.
We pity thee,
Daughter of (Edipus ; we pity him,
And his misfortunes ; but of wrath divine
Still fearful, dare not alter our decree.
What shall it profit that your pious city
Was once for hospitable rites renowned,
That she alone w ould pity and relieve
The afflicted stranger ? Is she so to me
Who drives me hence, and trembles at a name?
Me you can never fear, and for my crimes
255
I am the sufferer, not the offender. What
255
Touching my father I have spoke, alas !
255
If 'tis for that you do abhor me thus,
255
Was I to blame? The injury received
255
I but repaid, and therefore had I known
255
The crime I acted, I wxre guiltless still.
255
Whither I came, I came unknowingly;
255
Not so they acted who have banished me.
By your commands already here removed.
Oh ! by the gods, preserve, assist me now ;
If you revere them, do not thus despise
What they decree ; their eyes behold tlie goo*^
And view the evil man, nor shall the wicked
Escape their wrath ; use not theit* sacred names
To cover crimes and stain the fame of Athens.
As you received the suppliant, oh ! remember
Your plighted faith — preserve me, save me now !
Look not contemptuous on this wretched form,
Or cast reproach unmerited ; I come
Nor impious, nor profane, and with me bring
To Athens much of profit and renown,
As when your king arrives, you all shall know :
Meantime despise me not.
Oedipus at Colonus. Sophocles. Thomas Francklin (Translator). London. 1758–1759.