Oedipus at Colonus

Sophocles

Sophocles the plays and fragments, Part 2: The Oedipus at Colonus. Jebb, Richard Claverhouse, Sir, translator. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1889.

  1. how these men will speak. For in learning is the safeguard of our course.They exit.
The Chorus of elders of Colonus enters the orchestra.
Chorus
  1. Look! Who was he, then? Where is he staying? Where has he rushed from this place,
  2. man most insatiate of all who live? Scan the ground, look well, press the search everywhere. A wanderer that old man must have been,
  3. a wanderer, not a dweller in the land; otherwise he never would have advanced into this untrodden grove of the maidens with whom none may strive.
  4. Their name we tremble to speak; we pass them by with eyes turned away, moving our lips, without sound or word, in still devotion. But now it is said that one has come who reveres them not at all;
  5. and him I cannot yet discern, though I look round all the holy place, nor do I know where to find his lodging.
Oedipus
  1. Behold the man you seek! In sound is my sight, as the saying goes.
Chorus
  1. Oh! Oh! Fearful he is to see, and fearful to hear!
Oedipus
  1. Do not regard me, I beg you, as a lawless man.
Chorus
  1. Zeus defend us! Who may this old man be?
Oedipus
  1. Not so wholly of the best fate
  2. that you would call him fortunate, guardians of this land! It is plain; otherwise I would not be creeping, as you see, by the eyes of others, and buoying my strength upon weakness.
Chorus
  1. Alas! Were you sightless even from birth?
  2. Evil have been your days, and many, it appears. But at least if I can help it, you shall not add this curse to your lot. You go too far—too far!
  3. That your rash steps may intrude on the field of this voiceless, grassy glade, where the waters of the mixing bowl blend their stream with the flow of honied offerings, beware, unhappiest of strangers.
  4. Retire! Withdraw! Let a wide space part us. Do you hear, toil-worn wanderer? If you have anything to say in converse with us,
  5. leave forbidden ground, and speak where it is lawful for all; but, till then, refrain.
Oedipus
  1. Daughter, to what counsel shall we incline?
Antigone
  1. My father, we must behave just as the townspeople do, listening and giving way where it is necessary.
Oedipus
  1. Then give me your hand.