Chorus Look! Who was he, then? Where is he staying? Where has he rushed from this place, man most insatiate of all who live? Scan the ground, look well, press the search everywhere. A wanderer that old man must have been, a wanderer, not a dweller in the land; otherwise he never would have advanced into this untrodden grove of the maidens with whom none may strive. Their name we tremble to speak; we pass them by with eyes turned away, moving our lips, without sound or word, in still devotion. But now it is said that one has come who reveres them not at all; and him I cannot yet discern, though I look round all the holy place, nor do I know where to find his lodging.
Oedipus Behold the man you seek! In sound is my sight, as the saying goes.
Chorus Oh! Oh! Fearful he is to see, and fearful to hear!
Oedipus Do not regard me, I beg you, as a lawless man.
Chorus Zeus defend us! Who may this old man be?
Oedipus Not so wholly of the best fate that you would call him fortunate, guardians of this land! It is plain; otherwise I would not be creeping, as you see, by the eyes of others, and buoying my strength upon weakness.
Chorus Alas! Were you sightless even from birth? Evil have been your days, and many, it appears. But at least if I can help it, you shall not add this curse to your lot. You go too far—too far! That your rash steps may intrude on the field of this voiceless, grassy glade, where the waters of the mixing bowl blend their stream with the flow of honied offerings, beware, unhappiest of strangers. Retire! Withdraw! Let a wide space part us. Do you hear, toil-worn wanderer? If you have anything to say in converse with us, leave forbidden ground, and speak where it is lawful for all; but, till then, refrain.
Oedipus Daughter, to what counsel shall we incline?
Antigone My father, we must behave just as the townspeople do, listening and giving way where it is necessary.
Oedipus Then give me your hand.
Antigone I lay it in yours.
Oedipus Strangers, let me not suffer wrong when I have trusted in you, and have passed from my refuge!
Chorus Never, old man, never will anyone remove you from your resting-place here against your will.
Oedipus Further, then?
Chorus Come still further.
Oedipus Further?
Chorus Lead him onward, maiden, for you hear us and obey.
Antigone […]
Oedipus […]
Antigone Come, follow this way with your dark steps, father, as I lead you.
Oedipus […]
Chorus Stranger in a foreign land, poor man, have the courage to detest what the city steadfastly holds as not dear, and to reverence what it holds dear!
Oedipus Lead me, then, child, to a spot where I may speak and listen within piety’s domain, and let us not wage war with necessity.
Chorus There! Do not incline your steps beyond that ledge of bedrock.
Oedipus This far?
Chorus Enough, I say
Oedipus Shall I sit down?
Chorus Yes, move sideways, and crouch low on the edge of the rock.
Antigone Father, this is my task: calmly to—
Oedipus Ah me! ah me!
Antigone —fit step to step, and lean your aged frame upon my dear arm.
Oedipus Alas for my sad destruction!
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