Ch. Thou sayest the best, if there be best in woe.
Briefest is happiest in calamity.
Cr. Ah! let it come, II 2
The day, most welcome of all days to me,
That brings the consummation of my doom.
Come! Come! I would not see another sun.
Ch. Time will determine that. We must attend
To present needs. Fate works her own dread work.
Cr. All my desire was gathered in my prayer.
Ch. But prayer is bootless. For to mortal men
There is no saviour from appointed woe.
Cr. Take me away, the vain-proud man that slew
Thee, O my son! unwittingly,—and thee!
Me miserable, which way shall I turn,
Which look upon? Since all that I can touch
Is falling,—falling,—round me, and o’erhead
Intolerable destiny descends.
Leader of Chorus.
Wise conduct hath command of happiness
Before all else, and piety to Heaven
Must be preserved. High boastings of the proud
Bring sorrow to the height to punish pride:—
A lesson men shall learn when they are old.
