The Seven Plays in English Verse by Sophocles
page 311 of 501 (62%)
page 311 of 501 (62%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
Wert talking to the stranger-maids within,
That thou shouldst take for me this finewoven web, A present from these fingers to my lord. And when thou giv'st it, say that none of men Must wear it on his shoulders before him; And neither light of sun may look upon it, Nor holy temple-court, nor household flame, Till he in open station 'fore the Gods Display it on a day when bulls are slaughtered. So once I vowed, that should I ever see Or hear his safe return, I would enfold His glorious person in this robe, and show To all the Gods in doing sacrifice Him a fresh worshipper in fresh array.-- The truth hereof he will with ease descry Betokened on this treasure-guarding seal.-- Now go, and be advised, of this in chief, To act within thine office; then of this, To bear thee so, that from his thanks and mine Meeting in one, a twofold grace may spring. LICH. If this my Hermes-craft be firm and sure, Then never will I fail thee, O my Queen! But I will show the casket as it is To whom I bear it, and in faithfulness Add all the words thou sendest in fit place. DÊ. Go, then, at once. Thou hast full cognizance How things within the palace are preserved? |
|