THE PHŒNICIAN MAIDENS.
91
Oedipus.
Seek at the least the haunt of Revel's God
Mid Mænad hills by foot profane untrod.
Antigone.
How!—render homage[1] without heart
To Him, for whom erstwhile arrayed
In Theban fawnskins, I had part
In Semelê's holy dance that swayed
By hill, by glade?
Oedipus.
People of a glorious nation, mark me—Oedipus am I,
He who read the riddle world-renowned, the man once set on high,
He whose single prowess quelled the Sphinx's blood-polluted might.1760
Now dishonoured am I banished from the land in piteous plight.
Yet what boots it thus to wail? What profits vainly to lament?
Whoso is but mortal needs must bear the fate of heaven sent.
[Exeunt Oedipus and Antigone.
Chorus.
Hail, reverèd Victory!
Rest upon my life; and me
Crown, and crown eternally!
[Exeunt omnes.
- ↑ Of the worship of Dionysus jubilant dance and song were essential features: since she could henceforth but simulate the Bacchic rapture, she feels that her presence would be a profanation.
