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.
- Yes, move sideways, and crouch low on the edge of the rock.
- Father, this is my task: calmly to—
- Ah me! ah me!
- —fit step to step, and lean your aged frame upon my dear arm.
- Alas for my sad destruction!
- Ah, poor man, since now you are at ease, speak! What is your lineage among mortals? With what name are you led on your weary path?
- What fatherland can you tell us of?
- Strangers, I am without a city, but do not—
- What is this that you forbid, old man?
- do not, do not ask me who I am! Do not seek or probe further!
- What does this mean?
- Horrid the birth—
- Speak!
- My child—ah, me!—what shall I say?
- What is your lineage, stranger? Speak! And who is your father?
- Woe is me! What will become of me, my child?
- Speak, for you are driven to the verge.
- Then speak I will. I have no way to hide it.
- You two make a long delay. Come, hasten!
- Do you know of a son of Laius?