TIRESIAS

Renowned Prince, though still I stand in silence du ̄ me dismayed: And though by inward fear of mind my lingering tongue is stayed: Yet pardon me (Oh noble Prince,) and give me leave a while. From lack of sighed springs Ignorance which pour hath to exile Unspotted Truth from ̄ doubtful breasts. This thing full well you knoes, But whither God and Country calls, with willing mind I go. Let deadly fatal destentes, be bolted out at length. Oh King if I of greener years had now my wonted strength: This matter soon discussed should be, and I would take in hand, My self in presence of the Gods, in temple for to stand. A mighty Ox all coloured white, up on the Altars rear, Which never yet on wearied neck, the crooked yoke did bear. And Manto thou, Oh daughter mine, mine only prop and stay: The secret hidden mysteries, and sacred signs out say. M A. The beast before the Alter stands. Well Yet, how does the sacred flame all shining bright and clear It self on high unto the Sktes, with sparkelting flakes v rear? Or doeh it oft rebounding back, it self, from Skies unfold? Or all with rumbling roaring noise, about the place is't rolled? Or dimmed with smoke, is't tossed from place, to place, now here, now there? What should I tell alas? My mind for fear astonished stands, and trembling cold does pass Through all my limbs. What shall I say? or where shall I begin? Oh cruel Plagues, Oh wrekfull Gods, Oh vengeaum ̄ ce endue for sin. Some dire and bloody deed (Alas) these hideous signs declare. Whats that the Gods would have reuealde, and yet do bid beware To utter it? By certain signs their wrath is oft descried: Such signs appear, and yet they seem their fury great to hide. They are ashamed: I wot never what. Come hither, quickly bring Some salt with thee, and it upon the sacrifice go fling. What? are their looks pleasant and mild, and do they gently bide The touching of thy sacred hands? But does one blow the ̄ driven to grou ̄ worser, or more the one they have? What? does the wound wide open gape, or is it closed up? Or does the deepness of the hold, the blood in soaking sup? By this unhappy Sacrifice, great fears within me rise. But tell me now: In the inner parts, what secret hidden lies? You will wish that unhard which you so much desire to hear. Nor wing, nor womb of Bird or beast y e same Can tell (Oh king) new sacrifice, new means we must invent. From dreadful dark infernal damps some Fury must be sent These mischiefs great for to unfold. Or else King Ditis he, That Empire keeps on gri sly Ghosts, entreated needs must be These things forthwith for to disclose. Tell who shall have the charge, A King thou art, than mayest not thou go through those kingdoms large. To Gods a prayer make, And on the holy Altars cke, some pleasant odours shake. Oh Manto now what signs seest thou? how do thy matters frame? What? does the fire, the Sacrifice encompass round about?