Well then, this favor you crave from me is brief indeed.OedipusYet take care; the struggle here is no light one. No, indeed.TheseusDo you mean in respect to your sons, or to me?OedipusThey will compel you to convey me there to Thebes.TheseusBut if you are willing, then exile is not becoming.OedipusNo, when I was willing, they refused.TheseusFoolish man, anger amidst woes is not suitable.OedipusWhen you have heard my story, admonish; till then, forbear.TheseusSpeak. I must not pronounce without knowledge.OedipusI have suffered, Theseus, terrible woes upon woes.TheseusWill you speak of the ancient trouble of your race?OedipusNo, indeed; all Greeks speak of that.TheseusHow, then, do you suffer beyond what is mortal?OedipusThe circumstance is this: from my country I have been driven by my own sons;and I may not return, since I am guilty of a father’s blood.TheseusWhy would they have you brought back, if you must dwell apart?OedipusThe word of the god will compel them.TheseusWhat suffering do they fear from the oracles?OedipusThat they must be struck down in this land.TheseusAnd how should bitterness come between them and me?