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.
- for their safety’s sake.
- And who could profit from such a one as I?
- Their power, it is said, proves to be in your hands.
- When I no longer exist, then I am a man?
- Yes, for the gods now raise you up; but before they worked your ruin.
- It is a paltry thing to raise up age, when youth was ruined.
- Well, know at least that Creon will come to you on this account—and soon, not late.
- With what purpose, daughter? Interpret that to me.
- To plant you near the Cadmean land, so that they may have you in their power,
- while you may not set foot within their borders.
- And how can I profit them while I rest beyond their gates?
- Your tomb contains a curse for them, if it should suffer misfortune.
- I need no god to help my wits so far.
- For this reason, therefore, they wish to get you as their neighbor;
- but in a place where they will have you at their mercy.
- Will they really cover me in Theban dust?
- No, the guilt of related blood forbids you, father.
- Then never will they become my masters.
- Someday then this will be a grief for the Cadmeans.
- In what conjunction of events, my child?