Ismene
The sufferings that I bore, father, in seeking where you dwelt, I will pass by; I would not renew the pain in the recital. But the evils that now beset your ill-fated sons—it is of these that I have come to tell. At first it was their decision that the throne should be left to Creon, and the city spared pollution, when they thought calmly about the ancient blight on our race, and how it has clung to your unfortunate house. But now, moved by some god and by sinful heart, an evil strife has seized them—thrice-deluded!—to grasp at rule and the power of a tyrant. And the younger son has stripped the elder, Polyneices, of the throne, and has driven him from his fatherland. But he, as the widespread rumor says among us, has gone to the valley of Argos as an exile, and is taking to himself a new marriage connection, and warriors for his friends, intending that Argos soon get hold of the Cadmean land, or send its praises to the sky. These are not empty words, my father, but terrible deeds; and where the gods will have pity on your grief, I cannot tell.
Oedipus What, had you come to hope that the gods would ever have concern enough for me to give me rescue?
Ismene Yes, that is my hope, father, from the present oracles.
Oedipus What are they? What has been prophesied, my child?
Ismene That you will be desired some day, in life and death, by the men of that land, for their safety’s sake.
Oedipus And who could profit from such a one as I?
Ismene Their power, it is said, proves to be in your hands.
Oedipus When I no longer exist, then I am a man?
Ismene Yes, for the gods now raise you up; but before they worked your ruin.
Oedipus It is a paltry thing to raise up age, when youth was ruined.
Ismene Well, know at least that Creon will come to you on this account—and soon, not late.
Oedipus With what purpose, daughter? Interpret that to me.
Ismene 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.
Oedipus And how can I profit them while I rest beyond their gates?
Ismene Your tomb contains a curse for them, if it should suffer misfortune.
Oedipus I need no god to help my wits so far.
Ismene For this reason, therefore, they wish to get you as their neighbor; but in a place where they will have you at their mercy.
Oedipus Will they really cover me in Theban dust?
Ismene No, the guilt of related blood forbids you, father.
Oedipus Then never will they become my masters.
Ismene Someday then this will be a grief for the Cadmeans.
Oedipus In what conjunction of events, my child?
Ismene Under the power of your anger, when they stand at your tomb.
Oedipus And who has told you this, my child?
Ismene Sacred envoys, from the Delphian hearth.
Oedipus And has Phoebus indeed spoken this concerning me?
Ismene So say the men who have come back to Thebes.
Oedipus Has either of my sons heard this?
Ismene Yes, both have heard it, and know it well.
Oedipus And then those most evil of sons, aware of this, preferred the kingship to the wish of recalling me?
Ismene It grieves me to hear this, but I must bear it.
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