The. You move me.

Divination plenty in you

I see, unfeigned. Say what you'd have me do. Ed. I will impart a thing that shall be held

In trust for Athens, unimpaired of eld.
Of guides unhandled, there myself will I
Be guide this selfsame hour, where I must die :
This place, to living men reveal it not
Nor whereabouts nor secrecies of the spot;
So shall the abiding succour it shall yield
Match borrowed battle and many a neighbour's
shield.

The mystic thing, untampered-with by speech,
You'll hear when all alone the place you reach :
That may I not to any burgher tell,

Nor to my children, tho' I love them well.
But husband it for ever, and whene'er

Life's term you touch, instruct your first-born

heir;

And each to his successor still reveal:

So shall you keep unwrecked of the Sown
Men's (74) heel

Your territories. The mass of States are quick
Despite wise polities, to swell and kick.

Full well, tho' late in time, the Gods observe,
Worship forgot, when men to madness swerve,(75)
O Son of Aegeus, such a case eschew:
Yet this is precept given to one who knew.
But to the place-the spirit bids begone :
Let us no longer dally but set on.

[He sets out to walk, the others following him.
Here, children, follow: strange that I should be
Turned guide to you, as once you guided me!
Move on and do not touch me: let me find

Myself the holy burying-place designed

By doom to ensconce this body in the mould. Come! this way v! come! 'tis here! I tread

controlled

By Hermes the Escort and the Nether Queen. O beamless Daylight, mine I know thou hast been,

Of thee for this last time my limbs have sense. carry now my life's fulfilment hence

I

In death to hide it. O my friend, so dear, Yourself, your land, and these retainers here, Blessings be with you; wealthy be your store; Think of me dead and thrive for evermore.

[Exit, followed by THESEUS, ANTIGONE, and ISMENE.

p. 127

(Turn.)

CHORUS.

Mine if it is to yield

Praise to the Unrevealed

Goddess, and mine to dare

Pray to the Prince of Darkness-Aidôneus!
Aidôneus! a prayer!

With a serene unlamentable end
Quickly his way let the stranger wend
Down, down, t'ward Dead Men's Weald-to
Stygian abodes, rich in ages' store!
Since many and sore plagues he bore,
Visited with vain distress, (76)

'Tis time that Heav'n's justice turn
again to bless.

(Counter-turn.)

Powers of the Underworld!

Shape of the Beast upcurled,

Stronger than might of men!

Close to the guest - frequented gate lieth he a-snarling from his den,

Sentinel indomitable of death:

So the tradition of ages saith.

O Death, Earth-born, Hell-fathered,-blank be the walks of the Beast, I pray

Until his way free to-day

Down to Dead Men's Weald he

take!.

O Final Slumber, I to thee petition

make!