CADMUS
O grief that has no bounds, too cruel for mortal eye! 'tis murder ye have done with your hapless hands.Fair is the victim thou hast offered to the gods, inviting me and my Thebans to the feast Ah, woe is me first for thy sorrows, then for mine.What ruin the god, the Bromian king, hath brought on us, just maybe, but too severe, seeing he is our kinsman!
AGAVE
How peevish old age makes men! what sullen looks! Oh, may my son follow in his mother's footsteps and be as lucky in his hunting, when he goes quest of game in company with Theban youthsl But he can do naught but wage war with gods.Father, 'tis thy duty to warn him.
Who will summon him hither to my sight to witness my happiness?
CADMUS
Alas for you! alas! Terrible will be your grief when ye are conscious of your deeds; could ye re.for ever till life's close in your present state, ye would not, spite of ruined bliss, appear so cursed with woe.
AGAVE
Why? what is faulty bere? what here for sorrow?
CADMUS
First let thine eye look up to heaven.
AGAVE
See! I do so.Why dost thou suggest my looking thereupon?
CADMUS
Is it still the same, or dost think there's any change?
AGAVE
'Tis brighter than it was, and dearer too.
CADMUS
Is there still that wild unrest within thy soul?
AGAVE
I know not what thou sayest now; yet methinks my brain is clearing, and my former frenzy passed away.
CADMUS
Canst understand, and give distinct replies?
AGAVE
Father, how completely I forget all we said before!