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.
- Then make atonement to these divinities, to whom you have come first, and on whose ground you have trespassed.
- With what rites? Instruct me, strangers.
- First, from an ever-flowing
- spring bring sacred drink-offerings, borne in ritually pure hands.
- And when I have gotten this unmixed draught?
- There are bowls, the work of a skilled craftsman; crown their edges and the handles at either side.
- With olive branches, or woollen cloths, or in what way?
- Take the freshly-shorn wool of a ewe-lamb.
- Good; and then to what last rite shall I proceed?
- Pour the drink-offerings, with your face to the dawn.
- Shall I pour them with these vessels of which you speak?
- Yes, in three streams; but the last vessel—
- With what shall I fill this, before I set it down? Teach me this also.
- With water and honey; but add no wine.
- And when the ground under the dark shade has drunk these?
- Three times lay on it nine branches of olive with both your hands, and meanwhile make this prayer.
- I wish to hear this prayer; it is the most important part.
- We call them Eumenides, so that with well-wishing power they may receive the suppliant as his saviors. Let this be your prayer, or of whoever prays for you. Speak inaudibly, and do not lift up your voice; then depart, without looking behind.
- If you should do this, I would be bold enough to come to your aid; but otherwise, stranger, I would fear for you.
- Daughters, do you hear these strangers who dwell nearby?