Oedipus Where? Where? What is that? What do you mean?
Antigone I wish some god would grant that your eyes might see this excellent man, who has brought us here to you!
Oedipus My child, are you really here?
Antigone Yes, for these strong arms have saved us—Theseus and his dearest followers.
Oedipus Come here, my children, to your father! Grant me your embrace—restored beyond all hope!
Antigone We shall grant your wish, for we crave the favor we bestow.
Oedipus Where, then, where are you?
Antigone Here we are, approaching you together.
Oedipus Dearest offspring!
Antigone Everything is dear to its parent.
Oedipus Supports of a man—
Antigone Ill-fated as he is ill-fated.
Oedipus I hold my dearest. Now, if I should die, I would not be wholly wretched, since you have come to me. Press close to me on either side, children, cling to your father, and rest from your wandering, so desolate, so grievous! And tell me what has happened as briefly as you can, since brief speech suffices for young maidens.
Antigone Here is our savior: you should hear the story from him, father, since the deed was his. So short will my part be.
Oedipus Stranger, do not be amazed at my persistence, if I prolong my words to my children, found again beyond my hope. I well know that my present joy in them has come to me from you, and you alone, for you—and not any other mortal—have rescued them. May the gods grant to you my wish, both to you yourself and to this land; for among you, above all mankind, I have found piety, the spirit of decency, and lips that tell no lie. I know these things, and I repay them with these words; for what I have, I have through you, and no one else. Stretch out to me your right hand, lord, that I may touch it; and if it is right, let me kiss your cheek. But what am I saying? Wretched as I have become, how could I wish you to touch a man in whom every stain of evils has made its dwelling? I will not touch you—nor will I allow it, if you do consent. They alone, who know them, can share these burdens. Receive my greeting where you stand, and in the future too give me your righteous care, as you have given it up to this hour.
Cite This Text