They say a man—not from your city, yet of your race—has somehow thrown himself down, as a suppliant, at our altar of Poseidon, where I was sacrificing when I first set out here.OedipusWhat land does he come form? What does he desire by his supplication?TheseusI know one thing only: they tell me he asks to speak briefly with you, a thing of no great burden.OedipusOn what topic? That suppliant state is of no small account.TheseusHe asks, they say, no more than that he may confer with you,and return unharmed from his journey here.OedipusWho can he be that implores the god in this way?TheseusConsider whether there is anyone in your race at Argos, who might desire this favor from you.OedipusDearest friend, say no more!TheseusWhat is wrong?OedipusDo not ask me for—TheseusFor what? Speak!OedipusFrom hearing these things I know who the suppliant is.TheseusAnd who can he be, that I should have an objection to him?OedipusMy son, lord, a hated son whose words would vex my ear like the words of no man besides.TheseusWhat? Can you not listen, without doing what you do not wish to do? Why does it pain you to hear him?OedipusLord, that voice has become most hateful to his father. Do not constrain me to yield in this.TheseusBut consider whether his suppliant state constrains you;what if you have a duty of respect for the god?AntigoneFather, listen to me; I will offer counsel though I am young. Allow this man here to gratify his own feelings and the god as he wishes, and for your daughters’ sake allow our brother to come.