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have advanced into this untrodden grove of the maidens with whom none may strive,130 whose name we tremble to speak, by whom we pass with eyes turned away, moving our lips, without sound or word, in still devotion.

But now 'tis rumoured that one hath come who in no wise reveres them; and him I cannot yet discern, though I look round all the holy place, nor wot I where to find his lodging.

syst. 1.  Oedipus (stepping forward, with Antigone, from his place of concealment in the grove). Behold the man whom ye seek! for in sound is my sight, as the saying hath it.

Ch. O! O!140
⁠Dread to see, and dread to hear!

Oe. Regard me not, I entreat you, as a lawless one.

Ch. Zeus defend us! who may the old man be?

Oe. Not wholly of the best fortune, that ye should envy him, O guardians of this land!—'Tis plain: else would I not be walking thus by the eyes of others, and buoying my strength upon weakness.

ant. 1.  Ch. Alas! wast thou sightless e'en from thy birth?150 Evil have been thy days, and many, to all seeming; but at least, if I can help, thou shalt not add this curse to thy doom. Too far thou goest—too far! But, lest thy rash steps intrude on the sward of yonder voiceless glade, where the bowl of water blends its stream with the flow of honied offerings, (be thou well ware of such trespass, unhappy160 stranger,)—retire,—withdraw!—A wide space parts us: hearest thou, toil-worn wanderer?