We have listened. Tell us what to do.OedipusI cannot make the trip; for I am disabled by lack of strength and lack of sight, twin evils. But let one of you two go and do these things. For I think that one soul suffices to pay this debt for ten thousand, if it comes with good will.Act, then, with speed. But do not abandon me, for my body would not have the strength to move, without help or a guiding hand.IsmeneThen I will go to perform the rite; but where I am to find the place—this I wish to learn.ChorusOn the further side of this grove, stranger. And if you have need of anything, there is a guardian of the place. He will direct you.IsmeneOff to my task. But you, Antigone, watch our father here. In the case of parents, if we toil, we must not keep a memory of it.Ismene exits.

ChorusTerrible it is, stranger, to arouse the old woe that has for so long been laid to rest: and yet I yearn to hear—OedipusWhat now?Chorus—Of that grief-filled anguish, cureless, with which you have wrestled.OedipusBy your hospitality, do not uncover the shame that I have suffered!ChorusSeeing that the tale is wide-spread and in no way weakens, I wish, friend, to hear it straight.OedipusAh me!ChorusGrant the favor, I beg!OedipusAlas, alas!ChorusGrant my wish, as I have granted yours to the full.

OedipusI have suffered the greatest misery, strangers—suffered it through unintended deeds—may the god know it! No part was of my own choice.ChorusBut in what way?OedipusIn an evil marriage, the city bound me, unknowing, to ruin.ChorusIs it true, as I hear, that you made your mother the partner of your bed, to its infamy?OedipusAh, me! These words, strangers, are like death to my ears. And those two maidens of mine—