OD.  I had gladly done it; but, since thou declinest,
I bow to thy decision, and depart. [Exit

TEU.  Speed we, for the hour grows late: 
        Some to scoop his earthy cell,
      Others by the cauldron wait,
        Plenished from the purest well. 
      Hoist it, comrades, here at hand,
      High upon the three-foot stand! 
      Let the cleansing waters flow;
      Brightly flame the fire below! 
      Others in a stalwart throng
      From his chamber bear along
      All the arms he wont to wield
      Save alone the mantling shield. 
      Thou with me thy strength employ,
      Lifting this thy father, boy;
      Hold his frame with tender heed—­
      Still the gashed veins darkly bleed. 
      Who professes here to love him? 
      Ply your busy cares above him,
      Come and labour for the man,
      Nobler none since time began,
      Aias, while his life-blood ran.

LEADER OF CH.  Oft we know not till we see. 
      Weak is human prophecy. 
      Judge not, till the hour have taught thee
      What the destinies have brought thee.

* * * * *

KING OEDIPUS

THE PERSONS

OEDIPUS, King of Thebes.
Priest of Zeus.
CREON, brother of Jocasta.
CHORUS of Theban Elders.
TIRESIAS, the Blind Prophet.
JOCASTA, the Queen, sister to Creon.
A Corinthian Shepherd.
A Theban Shepherd.
Messenger

The following also appear, but do not speak: 

A Train of Suppliants. The children ANTIGONE and ISMENE.

SCENE.  Before the Royal Palace in the Cadmean citadel of Thebes.

Laius, the descendant of Cadmus, and king of Thebes (or Thebe), had been told by an oracle that if a son were born to him by his wife Jocasta the boy would be his father’s death.

Under such auspices, Oedipus was born, and to elude the prophecy was exposed by his parents on Mount Cithaeron.  But he was saved by a compassionate shepherd, and became the adopted son of Polybus, king of Corinth.  When he grew up he was troubled by a rumour that he was not his father’s son.  He went to consult the oracle of Apollo at Delphi, and was told—­not of his origin but of his destiny—­that he should be guilty of parricide and incest.

He was too horror-stricken to return to Corinth, and as he travelled the other way, he met Laius going from Thebes to Delphi.  The travellers quarrelled and the son killed his father, but knew not whom he had slain.  He went onward till he came near Thebes, where the Sphinx was making havoc of the noblest citizens, devouring all who failed to solve her riddle.  But Oedipus succeeded and overcame her, and, as Laius did not return, was rewarded with the regal sceptre,—­ and with the hand of the queen.