Theseus Through hearing from many in the past about the bloody marring of your sight, I recognized it was you, son of Laius; and now on coming here, through sight I am more fully certain. For your clothing and that heart-rending face alike assure me that it is you. And in all compassion I ask you, ill-fated Oedipus, with what petition to the city and to me have you taken your place here, you and the poor maiden at your side. Declare it. Dire indeed must be the fortune which you tell, for me to stand aloof from it; since I know that I myself also was reared in exile, just as you, and that in foreign lands I wrestled with perils to my life, like no other man. Never, then, would I turn aside from a stranger, such as you are now, or refuse to help in his deliverance. For I know well that I am a man, and that my portion of tomorrow is no greater than yours.
Oedipus Theseus, in a few words your nobleness has come to such a point that I need make only a brief reply. You have said who I am, from what father I am sprung, and from what land I have come; and so nothing else remains for me but to speak my wish, and the tale is told.
Theseus Then inform me of this very thing, so that I may learn it.
Oedipus I come to offer you my care-worn body as a gift—not one fine to look on, but the gains from it are better than beauty.
Theseus And what gain do you claim to have brought?
Oedipus Later you may learn it—but not yet.
Theseus At what time, then, will the benefit become clear?
Oedipus When I am dead, and you have given me burial.
Theseus You crave life’s last service; but for all between you have no memory, or no care.
Oedipus Indeed, for by that service I gather in all the rest.
Theseus Well then, this favor you crave from me is brief indeed.
Oedipus Yet take care; the struggle here is no light one. No, indeed.
Theseus Do you mean in respect to your sons, or to me?
Oedipus They will compel you to convey me there to Thebes.
Theseus But if you are willing, then exile is not becoming.
Oedipus No, when I was willing, they refused.
Theseus Foolish man, anger amidst woes is not suitable.
Oedipus When you have heard my story, admonish; till then, forbear.
Theseus Speak. I must not pronounce without knowledge.
Oedipus I have suffered, Theseus, terrible woes upon woes.
Theseus Will you speak of the ancient trouble of your race?
Oedipus No, indeed; all Greeks speak of that.
Theseus How, then, do you suffer beyond what is mortal?
Oedipus The circumstance is this: from my country I have been driven by my own sons; and I may not return, since I am guilty of a father’s blood.
Theseus Why would they have you brought back, if you must dwell apart?
Oedipus The word of the god will compel them.
Theseus What suffering do they fear from the oracles?
Oedipus That they must be struck down in this land.
Theseus And how should bitterness come between them and me?
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