《俄狄浦斯王》剧本英文

.《俄狄浦斯王》剧本英文.txt爱情就像脚上的鞋，只有失去的时候才知道赤脚走路是什么滋味骗人有风险，说慌要谨慎。不要爱上年纪小的男人，他会把你当成爱情学校，一旦学徒圆满，便会义无反顾地离开你。《俄狄浦斯王》剧本英文版OedipustheKingBySophoclesTranslatedbyF.Storr-------------------------DramatisPersonaeOEDIPUSTHEPRIESTOFZEUSCREONCHORUSOFTHEBANELDERSTEIRESIASJOCASTAMESSENGERHERDOFLAIUS---------------------------Thebes.BeforethePalaceofOedipus.Suppliantsofallagesareseatedroundthealtaratthepalacedoors,attheirheadaPRIESTOFZEUS.TothementerOEDIPUS.----------------------------OEDIPUSMychildren,latestborntoCadmusold,Whysityehereassuppliants,inyourhandsBranchesofolivefilletedwithwool?Whatmeansthisreekofincenseeverywhere,Andeverywherelamentsandlitanies?Children,itwerenotmeetthatIshouldlearnFromothers,andamhithercome,myself,IOedipus,yourworld-renownedking.Ho!agedsire,whosevenerablelocksProclaimtheespokesmanofthiscompany,Explainyourmoodandpurport.IsitdreadOfillthatmovesyouoraboonyecrave?Myzealinyourbehalfyecannotdoubt;.. .RuthlessindeedwereIandobdurateIfsuchpetitionersasyouIspurned.PRIESTYea,Oedipus,mysovereignlordandking,ThouseesthowbothextremesofagebesiegeThypalacealtars--fledglingshardlywinged,Andgreybeardsbowedwithyears,priests,asamIOfZeus,andthesetheflowerofouryouth.Meanwhile,thecommonfolk,withwreathedboughsCrowdourtwomarket-places,orbeforeBothshrinesofPallascongregate,orwhereIsmenusgiveshisoraclesbyfire.For,asthouseestthyself,ourshipofState,Sorebuffeted,cannomoreliftherhead,Founderedbeneathawelteringsurgeofblood.Ablightisonourharvestintheear,Ablightuponthegrazingflocksandherds,Ablightonwivesintravail;andwithalArmedwithhisblazingtorchtheGodofPlagueHathswoopeduponourcityemptyingThehouseofCadmus,andthemurkyrealmOfPlutoisfullfedwithgroansandtears.Therefore,OKing,hereatthyhearthwesit,Iandthesechildren;notasdeemingtheeAnewdivinity,butthefirstofmen;Firstinthecommonaccidentsoflife,AndfirstinvisitationsoftheGods.ArtthounothewhocomingtothetownOfCadmusfreedusfromthetaxwepaidTothefellsongstress?NorhadstthoureceivedPromptingfromusorbeenbyothersschooled;No,byagodinspired(soallmendeem,Andtestify)didstthourenewourlife.Andnow,OOedipus,ourpeerlessking,Allwethyvotariesbeseechthee,findSomesuccor,whetherbyavoicefromheavenWhispered,orhaplyknownbyhumanwit.Triedcounselors,methinks,areaptestfoundTofurnishforthefuturepregnantrede.Upraise,Ochiefofmen,upraiseourState!Looktothylaurels!forthyzealofyoreOurcountry'ssaviorthouartjustlyhailed:Onevermaywethusrecordthyreign:--.. ."Heraisedusuponlytocastusdown."Upliftus,buildourcityonarock.Thyhappystarascendantbroughtusluck,Oletitnotdecline!IfthouwouldstruleThisland,asnowthoureignest,bettersureToruleapeopledthanadesertrealm.Norbattlementsnorgalleysaughtavail,Ifmentomanandguardstoguardthemtail.OEDIPUSAh!mypoorchildren,known,ah,knowntoowell,Thequestthatbringsyouhitherandyourneed.Yesickenall,wellwotI,yetmypain,Howgreatsoeveryours,outtopsitall.Yoursorrowtoucheseachmanseverally,Himandnoneother,butIgrieveatonceBothforthegeneralandmyselfandyou.Thereforeyerousenosluggardfromday-dreams.Many,mychildren,arethetearsI'vewept,Andthreadedmanyamazeofwearythought.ThusponderingoneclueofhopeIcaught,Andtrackeditup;IhavesentMenoeceus'son,Creon,myconsort'sbrother,toinquireOfPythianPhoebusathisDelphicshrine,HowImightsavetheStatebyactorword.AndnowIreckonupthetaleofdaysSincehesetforth,andmarvelhowhefares.'Tisstrange,thisendlesstarrying,passingstrange.Butwhenhecomes,thenIwerebaseindeed,IfIperformnotallthegoddeclares.PRIESTThywordsarewelltimed;evenasthouspeakestThatshoutingtellsmeCreonisathand.OEDIPUSOKingApollo!mayhisjoyouslooksBepresageofthejoyousnewshebrings!PRIESTAsIsurmise,'tiswelcome;elsehisheadHadscarcebeencrownedwithberry-ladenbays.OEDIPUSWesoonshallknow;he'snowinearshotrange.(EnterCREON.)Myroyalcousin,say,Menoeceus'child,Whatmessagehastthoubroughtusfromthegod?.. .CREONGoodnews,fore'enintolerableills,Findingrightissue,tendtonaughtbutgood.OEDIPUSHowrunstheoracle?thusfarthywordsGivemenogroundforconfidenceorfear.CREONIfthouwouldsthearmymessagepublicly,I'lltelltheestraight,orwiththeepasswithin.OEDIPUSSpeakbeforeall;theburdenthatIbearIsmoreforthesemysubjectsthanmyself.CREONLetmereportthenallthegoddeclared.KingPhoebusbidsusstraitlyextirpateAfellpollutionthatinfeststheland,Andnomoreharboraninveteratesore.OEDIPUSWhatexpiationmeanshe?What'samiss?CREONBanishment,orthesheddingbloodforblood.Thisstainofbloodmakesshipwreckofourstate.OEDIPUSWhomcanhemean,themiscreantthusdenounced?CREONBeforethoudidstassumethehelmofState,ThesovereignofthislandwasLaius.OEDIPUSIheardasmuch,butneversawtheman.CREONHefell;andnowthegod'scommandisplain:Punishhistakers-off,whoe'ertheybe.OEDIPUSWherearethey?WhereinthewideworldtofindThefar,fainttracesofabygonecrime?CREONInthisland,saidthegod;"whoseeksshallfind;Whositswithfoldedhandsorsleepsisblind."OEDIPUSWashewithinhispalace,orafield,Ortraveling,whenLaiusmethisfate?CREONAbroad;hestarted,sohetoldus,bound.. .ForDelphi,butheneverthencereturned.OEDIPUSCametherenonews,nofellow-travelerTogivesomecluethatmightbefollowedup?CREONButoneescape,whoflyingfordearlife,Couldtellofallhesawbutonethingsure.OEDIPUSAndwhatwasthat?Onecluemightleadusfar,Withbutasparkofhopetoguideourquest.CREONRobbers,hetoldus,notonebanditbutAtroopofknaves,attackedandmurderedhim.OEDIPUSDidanybanditdaresoboldastroke,UnlessindeedheweresubornedfromThebes?CREONSo'twassurmised,butnonewasfoundtoavengeHismurdermidthetroublethatensued.OEDIPUSWhattroublecanhavehinderedafullquest,Whenroyaltyhadfallenthusmiserably?CREONTheriddlingSphinxcompelledustoletslideThedimpastandattendtoinstantneeds.OEDIPUSWell,IwillstartafreshandonceagainMakedarkthingsclear.RightworthytheconcernOfPhoebus,worthythinetoo,forthedead;Ialso,asismeet,willlendmyaidToavengethiswrongtoThebesandtothegod.Notforsomefar-offkinsman,butmyself,ShallIexpelthispoisonintheblood;ForwhososlewthatkingmighthaveamindTostrikemetoowithhisassassinhand.ThereforeinrightinghimIservemyself.Up,children,hasteye,quitthesealtarstairs,Takehenceyoursuppliantwands,gosummonhitherTheThebancommons.Withthegod'sgoodhelpSuccessissure;'tisruinifwefail.(ExeuntOEDIPUSandCREON.)PRIESTCome,children,letushence;thesegraciouswordsForestalltheverypurposeofoursuit... .AndmaythegodwhosentthisoracleSaveuswithalandridusofthispest.(ExeuntPRIESTandSUPPLIANTS.)CHORUS(strophe1)Sweet-voiceddaughterofZeusfromthygold-pavedPythianshrineWaftedtoThebesdivine,Whatdostthoubringme?Mysoulisrackedandshiverswithfear.HealerofDelos,hear!Hastthousomepainunknownbefore,Orwiththecirclingyearsrenewestapenanceofyore?OffspringofgoldenHope,thouvoiceimmortal,Otellme.(antistrophe1)FirstonAtheneIcall;OZeus-borngoddess,defend!Goddessandsister,befriend,Artemis,LadyofThebes,high-thronedinthemidstofourmart!Lordofthedeath-wingeddart!YourthreefoldaidIcraveFromdeathandruinourcitytosave.Ifinthedaysofoldwhenwenighhadperished,yedraveFromourlandthefieryplague,benearusnowanddefendus!(strophe2)Ahme,whatcountlesswoesaremine!Allourhostisindecline;Weaponlessmyspiritlies.Earthhergraciousfruitsdenies;Womenwailinbarrenthroes;Lifeonlifedownstrikengoes,Swifterthanthewindbird'sflight,SwifterthantheFire-God'smight,TothewesteringshoresofNight.(antistrophe2)WastedthusbydeathondeathAllourcityperisheth... .Corpsesspreadinfectionround;Nonetotendormournisfound.WailingonthealtarstairWivesandgrandamsrendtheair--Long-drawnmoansandpiercingcriesBlentwithprayersandlitanies.GoldenchildofZeus,OhearLetthineangelfaceappear!(strophe3)AndgrantthatAreswhosehotbreathIfeel,ThoughwithouttargeorsteelHestalks,whosevoiceisasthebattleshout,Mayturninsuddenrout,TotheunharboredThracianwaterssped,OrAmphitrite'sbed.Forwhatnightleavesundone,Smitbythemorrow'ssunPerisheth.FatherZeus,whosehandDothwieldthelightningbrand,Slayhimbeneaththylevinbold,wepray,Slayhim,Oslay!(antistrophe3)Othatthinearrowstoo,LyceanKing,Fromthattautbow'sgoldstring,Mightflyabroad,thechampionsofourrights;Yea,andtheflashinglightsOfArtemis,wherewiththehuntresssweepsAcrosstheLyciansteeps.TheetooIcallwithgolden-snoodedhair,Whosenameourlanddothbear,BacchustowhomthyMaenadsEvoeshout;Comewiththybrighttorch,rout,Blithegodwhomweadore,Thegodwhomgodsabhor.(EnterOEDIPUS.)OEDIPUSYepray;'tiswell,butwouldyehearmywordsAndheedthemandapplytheremedy,Yemightperchancefindcomfortandrelief.Mindyou,IspeakasonewhocomesastrangerTothisreport,nolessthantothecrime;.. .ForhowunaidedcouldItrackitfarWithoutaclue?Whichlacking(fortoolateWasIenrolledacitizenofThebes)ThisproclamationIaddresstoall:--Thebans,ifanyknowsthemanbywhomLaius,sonofLabdacus,wasslain,Isummonhimtomakecleanshrifttome.Andifheshrinks,lethimreflectthatthusConfessingheshall'scapethecapitalcharge;FortheworstpenaltythatshallbefallhimIsbanishment--unscathedheshalldepart.ButifanalienfromaforeignlandBeknowntoanyasthemurderer,Lethimwhoknowsspeakout,andheshallhaveDuerecompensefrommeandthankstoboot.Butifyestillkeepsilence,ifthroughfearForselforfriendsyedisregardmyhest,HearwhatIthenresolve;IlaymybanOntheassassinwhosoe'erhebe.Letnomaninthisland,whereofIholdThesovereignrule,harbororspeaktohim;GivehimnopartinprayerorsacrificeOrlustralrites,buthoundhimfromyourhomes.Forthisisourdefilement,sothegodHathlatelyshowntomebyoracles.ThusastheirchampionImaintainthecauseBothofthegodandofthemurderedKing.AndonthemurdererthiscurseIlay(Onhimandallthepartnersinhisguilt):--Wretch,mayhepineinutterwretchedness!Andformyself,ifwithmyprivityHegainadmittancetomyhearth,IprayThecurseIlaidonothersfallonme.Seethatyegiveeffecttoallmyhest,Formysakeandthegod'sandforourland,Adesertblastedbythewrathofheaven.For,letalonethegod'sexpresscommand,ItwereascandalyeshouldleaveunpurgedThemurderofagreatmanandyourking,Nortrackithome.AndnowthatIamlord,Successortohisthrone,hisbed,hiswife,(AndhadhenotbeenfrustrateinthehopeOfissue,commonchildrenofonewombHadforcedacloserbondtwixthimandme,.. .ButFateswoopeddownuponhim),thereforeIHisblood-avengerwillmaintainhiscauseAsthoughheweremysire,andleavenostoneUnturnedtotracktheassassinoravengeThesonofLabdacus,ofPolydore,OfCadmus,andAgenorfirstoftherace.AndforthedisobedientthusIpray:MaythegodssendthemneithertimelyfruitsOfearth,norteemingincreaseofthewomb,Butmaytheywasteandpine,asnowtheywaste,Ayeandworsestricken;buttoallofyou,Myloyalsubjectswhoapprovemyacts,MayJustice,ourally,andallthegodsBegraciousandattendyouevermore.CHORUSTheoaththouprofferest,sire,Itakeandswear.Islewhimnotmyself,norcanInameTheslayer.Forthequest,'twerewell,methinksThatPhoebus,whoproposedtheriddle,himselfShouldgivetheanswer--whothemurdererwas.OEDIPUSWellargued;butnolivingmancanhopeToforcethegodstospeakagainsttheirwill.CHORUSMayIthensaywhatseemsnextbesttome?OEDIPUSAye,iftherebeathirdbest,tellittoo.CHORUSMyliege,ifanymanseeseyetoeyeWithourlordPhoebus,'tisourprophet,lordTeiresias;heofallmenbestmightguideAsearcherofthismattertothelight.OEDIPUSHeretoomyzealhasnothinglagged,fortwiceAtCreon'sinstancehaveIsenttofetchhim,AndlongImarvelwhyheisnothere.CHORUSImindmetooofrumorslongago--Meregossip.OEDIPUSTellthem,Iwouldfainknowall.CHORUS'Twassaidhefellbytravelers... .OEDIPUSSoIheard,Butnonehasseenthemanwhosawhimfall.CHORUSWell,ifheknowswhatfearis,hewillquailAndfleebeforetheterrorofthycurse.OEDIPUSWordsscarenothimwhoblenchesnotatdeeds.CHORUSButhereisonetoarraignhim.Lo,atlengthTheybringthegod-inspiredseerinwhomAboveallothermenistruthinborn.(EnterTEIRESIAS,ledbyaboy.)OEDIPUSTeiresias,seerwhocomprehendestall,Loreofthewiseandhiddenmysteries,Highthingsofheavenandlowthingsoftheearth,Thouknowest,thoughthyblindedeyesseenaught,Whatplagueinfectsourcity;andweturnTothee,Oseer,ouronedefenseandshield.ThepurportoftheanswerthattheGodReturnedtouswhosoughthisoracle,Themessengershavedoubtlesstoldthee--howOnecoursealonecouldridusofthepest,TofindthemurderersofLaius,Andslaythemorexpelthemfromtheland.ThereforebegrudgingneitherauguryNorotherdivinationthatisthine,Osavethyself,thycountry,andthyking,Saveallfromthisdefilementofbloodshed.Ontheewerest.Thisisman'shighestend,Toothers'serviceallhispowerstolend.TEIRESIASAlas,alas,whatmiserytobewiseWhenwisdomprofitsnothing!ThisoldloreIhadforgotten;elseIwerenothere.OEDIPUSWhatailsthee?Whythismelancholymood?TEIRESIASLetmegohome;preventmenot;'twerebestThatthoushouldstbearthyburdenandImine.OEDIPUSForshame!notrue-bornThebanpatriotWouldthuswithholdthewordofprophecy... .TEIRESIASThywords,Oking,arewideofthemark,andIForfearlestItootriplikethee...OEDIPUSOhspeak,Withholdnot,Iadjurethee,ifthouknow'st,Thyknowledge.Weareallthysuppliants.TEIRESIASAye,foryeallarewitless,butmyvoiceWillne'errevealmymiseries--orthine.OEDIPUSWhatthen,thouknowest,andyetwillstnotspeak!WouldstthoubetrayusanddestroytheState?TEIRESIASIwillnotvexmyselfnorthee.WhyaskThusidlywhatfrommethoushaltnotlearn?OEDIPUSMonster!thysilencewouldincenseaflint.Willnothingloosethytongue?Cannothingmeltthee,Orshakethydoggedtaciturnity?TEIRESIASThoublam'stmymoodandseestnotthineownWherewiththouartmated;no,thoutaxestme.OEDIPUSAndwhocouldstayhischolerwhenheheardHowinsolentlythoudostflouttheState?TEIRESIASWell,itwillcomewhatwill,thoughIbemute.OEDIPUSSincecomeitmust,thydutyistotellme.TEIRESIASIhavenomoretosay;stormasthouwillst,Andgivethereintoallthypent-uprage.OEDIPUSYea,Iamwroth,andwillnotstintmywords,Butspeakmywholemind.Thoumethinksthouarthe,Whoplannedthecrime,aye,andperformedittoo,Allsavetheassassination;andifthouHadstnotbeenblind,IhadbeensworntobootThatthoualonedidstdothebloodydeed.TEIRESIASIsitso?ThenIchargetheetoabideBythineownproclamation;fromthisday.. .Speaknottotheseorme.Thouarttheman,Thoutheaccursedpolluterofthisland.OEDIPUSVileslanderer,thoublurtestforththesetaunts,Andthink'stforsoothasseertogoscotfree.TEIRESIASYea,Iamfree,stronginthestrengthoftruth.OEDIPUSWhowasthyteacher?notmethinksthyart.TEIRESIASThou,goadingmeagainstmywilltospeak.OEDIPUSWhatspeech?repeatitandresolvemydoubt.TEIRESIASDidstmissmysensewouldstthougoadmeon?OEDIPUSIbuthalfcaughtthymeaning;sayitagain.TEIRESIASIsaythouartthemurdererofthemanWhosemurdererthoupursuest.OEDIPUSThoushaltrueitTwicetorepeatsogrossacalumny.TEIRESIASMustIsaymoretoaggravatethyrage?OEDIPUSSayallthouwilt;itwillbebutwasteofbreath.TEIRESIASIsaythoulivestwiththynearestkinIninfamy,unwittinginthyshame.OEDIPUSThink'stthouforayeunscathedtowagthytongue?TEIRESIASYea,ifthemightoftruthcanaughtprevail.OEDIPUSWithothermen,butnotwiththee,forthouInear,wit,eye,ineverythingartblind.TEIRESIASPoorfooltouttergibesatmewhichallHerepresentwillcastbackontheeerelong.OEDIPUSOffspringofendlessNight,thouhastnopowerO'ermeoranymanwhoseesthesun... .TEIRESIASNo,forthyweirdisnottofallbyme.IleavetoApollowhatconcernsthegod.OEDIPUSIsthisaplotofCreon,orthineown?TEIRESIASNotCreon,thouthyselfartthineownbane.OEDIPUSOwealthandempiryandskillbyskillOutwittedinthebattlefieldoflife,Whatspiteandenvyfollowinyourtrain!See,forthiscrowntheStateconferredonme.Agift,athingIsoughtnot,forthiscrownThetrustyCreon,myfamiliarfriend,HathlaininwaittooustmeandsubornedThismountebank,thisjugglingcharlatan,Thistricksybeggar-priest,forgainaloneKeen-eyed,butinhisproperartstone-blind.Say,sirrah,hastthoueverprovedthyselfAprophet?WhentheriddlingSphinxwashereWhyhadstthounodeliveranceforthisfolk?AndyettheriddlewasnottobesolvedByguess-workbutrequiredtheprophet'sart;Whereinthouwastfoundlacking;neitherbirdsNorsignfromheavenhelpedthee,butIcame,ThesimpleOedipus;IstoppedhermouthBymotherwit,untaughtofauguries.Thisisthemanwhomthouwouldstundermine,InhopetoreignwithCreoninmystead.MethinksthatthouandthineabettorsoonWillrueyourplottodrivethescapegoatout.ThankthygreyhairsthatthouhaststilltolearnWhatchastisementsucharrogancedeserves.CHORUSTousitseemsthatboththeseerandthou,OOedipus,havespokenangrywords.ThisisnotimetowranglebutconsultHowbestwemayfulfilltheoracle.TEIRESIASKingasthouart,freespeechatleastismineTomakereply;inthisIamthypeer.IownnolordbutLoxias;himIserveAndne'ercanstandenrolledasCreon'sman... .ThusthenIanswer:sincethouhastnotsparedTotwitmewithmyblindness--thouhasteyes,Yetsee'stnotinwhatmiserythouartfallen,Norwherethoudwellestnorwithwhomformate.Dostknowthylineage?Nay,thouknow'stitnot,AndallunwittingartadoublefoeTothineownkin,thelivingandthedead;AyeandthedoggingcurseofmotherandsireOnedayshalldrivethee,likeatwo-edgedsword,Beyondourborders,andtheeyesthatnowSeeclearshallhenceforwardendlessnight.Ahwhithershallthybittercrynotreach,WhatcraginallCithaeronbutshallthenReverberatethywail,whenthouhastfoundWithwhatahymenealthouwastborneHome,buttonofairhaven,onthegale!Aye,andafloodofillsthouguessestnotShallsetthyselfandchildreninoneline.FloutthenbothCreonandmywords,fornoneOfmortalsshallbestrikenworsethanthou.OEDIPUSMustIendurethisfellow'sinsolence?Amurrainonthee!Gettheehence!BegoneAvaunt!andnevercrossmythresholdmore.TEIRESIASIne'erhadcomehadstthounotbiddenme.OEDIPUSIknownotthouwouldstutterfolly,elseLonghadstthouwaitedtobesummonedhere.TEIRESIASSuchamI--asitseemstotheeafool,Buttotheparentswhobegatthee,wise.OEDIPUSWhatsayestthou--"parents"?Whobegatme,speak?TEIRESIASThisdayshallbethybirth-day,andthygrave.OEDIPUSThoulov'sttospeakinriddlesanddarkwords.TEIRESIASInreadingriddleswhososkilledasthou?OEDIPUSTwitmewiththatwhereinmygreatnesslies.TEIRESIASAndyetthisverygreatnessprovedthybane... .OEDIPUSNomatterifIsavedthecommonwealth.TEIRESIAS'TistimeIleftthee.Come,boy,takemehome.OEDIPUSAye,takehimquickly,forhispresenceirksAndletsme;gone,thoucanstnotplaguememore.TEIRESIASIgo,butfirstwilltelltheewhyIcame.ThyfrownIdreadnot,forthoucanstnotharmme.Hearthen:thismanwhomthouhastsoughttoarrestWiththreatsandwarrantsthislongwhile,thewretchWhomurderedLaius--thatmanishere.HepassesforanalieninthelandButsoonshallproveaTheban,nativeborn.Andyethisfortunebringshimlittlejoy;Forblindofseeing,cladinbeggar'sweeds,Forpurplerobes,andleaningonhisstaff,Toastrangelandhesoonshallgropehisway.Andofthechildren,inmatesofhishome,Heshallbeprovedthebrotherandthesire,Ofherwhobarehimsonandhusbandboth,Co-partner,andassassinofhissire.Goinandponderthis,andifthoufindThatIhavemissedthemark,henceforthdeclareIhavenowitnorskillinprophecy.(ExeuntTEIRESIASandOEDIPUS.)CHORUS(strophe1)WhoishebyvoiceimmortalnamedfromPythia'srockycell,Doeroffouldeedsofbloodshed,horrorsthatnotonguecantell?AfootforflightheneedsFleeterthanstorm-swiftsteeds,Foronhisheelsdothfollow,ArmedwiththelightningsofhisSire,Apollo.Likesleuth-houndstooTheFatespursue.(antistrophe1)Yea,butnowflashedforththesummonsfromParnassus'snowypeak,.. ."Nearandfartheundiscovereddoerofthismurderseek!"NowlikeasullenbullherovesThroughforestbrakesanduplandgroves,AndvainlyseekstoflyThedoomthatevernighFlitso'erhishead,StillbytheavengingPhoebussped,Thevoicedivine,FromEarth'smidshrine.(strophe2)SoreperplexedamIbythewordsofthemasterseer.Aretheytrue,aretheyfalse?Iknownotandbridlemytongueforfear,Flutteredwithvaguesurmise;norpresentnorfutureisclear.QuarrelofancientdateorindaysstillnearknowInoneTwixttheLabdacidanhouseandourruler,Polybus'son.Proofistherenone:howthencanIchallengeourKing'sgoodname,Howinablood-feudjoinforanuntrackeddeedofshame?(antistrophe2)AllwiseareZeusandApollo,andnothingishidfromtheirken;Theyaregods;andinwitsamanmaysurpasshisfellowmen;ButthatamortalseerknowsmorethanIknow--whereHaththisbeenproven?Orhowwithoutsignassured,canIblameHimwhosavedourStatewhenthewingedsongstresscame,Testedandtriedinthelightofusall,likegoldassayed?HowcanInowassentwhenacrimeisonOedipuslaid?CREONFriends,countrymen,IlearnKingOedipusHathlaidagainstmeamostgrievouscharge,Andcometoyouprotesting.IfhedeemsThatIhaveharmedorinjuredhiminaught.. .Bywordordeedinthisourpresenttrouble,Icarenottoprolongthespanoflife,Thusill-reputed;forthecalumnyHitsnotasingleblot,butblastsmyname,IfbythegeneralvoiceIamdenouncedFalsetotheStateandfalsebyyoumyfriends.CHORUSThistaunt,itwellmaybe,wasblurtedoutInpetulance,notspokenadvisedly.CREONDidanydarepretendthatitwasIPromptedtheseertoutteraforgedcharge?CHORUSSuchthingsweresaid;withwhatintentIknownot.CREONWerenothiswitsandvisionallastrayWhenuponmehefixedthismonstrouscharge?CHORUSIknownot;tomysovereign'sactsIamblind.Butlo,hecomestoanswerforhimself.(EnterOEDIPUS.)OEDIPUSSirrah,whatmak'stthouhere?DostthoupresumeToapproachmydoors,thoubrazen-facedrogue,Mymurdererandthefilcherofmycrown?Come,answerthis,didstthoudetectinmeSometouchofcowardiceorwitlessness,Thatmadetheeundertakethisenterprise?IseemedforsoothtoosimpletoperceiveTheserpentstealingonmeinthedark,OrelsetooweaktoscotchitwhenIsaw.ThisthouartwitlessseekingtopossessWithoutafollowingorfriendsthecrown,Aprizethatfollowersandwealthmustwin.CREONAttendme.Thouhastspoken,'tismyturnTomakereply.Thenhavingheardme,judge.OEDIPUSThouartgliboftongue,butIamslowtolearnOfthee;Iknowtoowellthyvenomoushate.CREONFirstIwouldargueoutthisverypoint... .OEDIPUSOarguenotthatthouartnotarogue.CREONIfthoudostcountavirtuestubbornness,Unschooledbyreason,thouartmuchastray.OEDIPUSIfthoudostholdakinsmanmaybewronged,Andnopainsfollow,thouartmuchtoseek.CREONThereinthoujudgestrightly,butthiswrongThatthouallegest--tellmewhatitis.OEDIPUSDidstthouordidstthounotadvisethatIShouldcallthepriest?CREONYes,andIstandtoit.OEDIPUSTellmehowlongisitsinceLaius...CREONSinceLaius...?Ifollownotthydrift.OEDIPUSByviolenthandswasspiritedaway.CREONInthedimpast,amanyyearsagone.OEDIPUSDidthesameprophetthenpursuehiscraft?CREONYes,skilledasnowandinnolessrepute.OEDIPUSDidheatthattimeeverglanceatme?CREONNottomyknowledge,notwhenIwasby.OEDIPUSButwasnosearchandinquisitionmade?CREONSurelyfullquestwasmade,butnothinglearnt.OEDIPUSWhyfailedtheseertotellhisstorythen?CREONIknownot,andnotknowingholdmytongue.OEDIPUSThismuchthouknowestandcanstsurelytell.CREONWhat'smean'stthou?AllIknowIwilldeclare... .OEDIPUSButforthypromptingneverhadtheseerAscribedtomethedeathofLaius.CREONIfsohethouknowestbest;butIWouldputtheetothequestioninmyturn.OEDIPUSQuestionandprovememurdererifthoucanst.CREONThenletmeaskthee,didstthouwedmysister?OEDIPUSAfactsoplainIcannotwelldeny.CREONAndasthyconsortqueenshesharesthethrone?OEDIPUSIgrantherfreelyallherheartdesires.CREONAndwithyoutwainIsharethetriplerule?OEDIPUSYea,anditisthatprovestheeafalsefriend.CREONNotso,ifthouwouldstreasonwiththyself,AsIwithmyself.First,Ibidtheethink,WouldanymortalchooseatroubledreignOfterrorsratherthansecurerepose,Ifthesamepowerweregivenhim?Asforme,IhavenonaturalcravingforthenameOfking,preferringtodokinglydeeds,Andsothinkseverysober-mindedman.Nowallmyneedsaresatisfiedthroughthee,AndIhavenaughttofear;butwereIking,Myactswouldoftruncountertomywill.HowcouldatitlethenhavecharmsformeAbovethesweetsofboundlessinfluence?IamnotsoinfatuateastograspTheshadowwhenIholdthesubstancefast.NowallmencrymeGodspeed!wishmewell,Andeverysuitorseekstogainmyear,Ifhewouldhopetowinagracefromthee.WhyshouldIleavethebetter,choosetheworse?Thatweresheermadness,andIamnotmad.Nosuchambitionevertemptedme,NorwouldIhaveashareinsuchintrigue.Andifthoudoubtme,firsttoDelphigo,Thereascertainifmyreportwastrue.. .Ofthegod'sanswer;nextinvestigateIfwiththeseerIplottedorconspired,Andifitproveso,sentencemetodeath,Notbythyvoicealone,butmineandthine.ButOcondemnmenot,withoutappeal,Onbaresuspicion.'TisnotrighttoadjudgeBadmenatrandomgood,orgoodmenbad.IwouldasliefamanshouldcastawayThethinghecountsmostprecious,hisownlife,Asspurnatruefriend.ThouwiltlearnintimeThetruth,fortimealonerevealsthejust;Avillainisdetectedinaday.CHORUSToonewhowalkethwarilyhiswordsCommendthemselves;swiftcounselsarenotsure.OEDIPUSWhenwithswiftstridesthestealthyplotterstalksImustbequicktoowithmycounterplot.Towaithisonsetpassively,forhimIssuresuccess,formeassureddefeat.CREONWhatthen'sthywill?Tobanishmetheland?OEDIPUSIwouldnothavetheebanished,no,butdead,Thatmenmaymarkthewagesenvyreaps.CREONIseethouwiltnotyield,norcreditme.OEDIPUSNonebutafoolwouldcreditsuchasthou.CREONThouartnotwise.OEDIPUSWiseformyselfatleast.CREONWhynotformetoo?OEDIPUSWhyforsuchaknave?CREONSupposethoulackestsense.OEDIPUSYetkingsmustrule.CREONNotiftheyruleill... .OEDIPUSOhmyThebans,hearhim!CREONThyThebans?amnotIaThebantoo?CHORUSCease,princes;lotherecomes,andnonetoosoon,Jocastafromthepalace.WhosofitAspeacemakertoreconcileyourfeud?(EnterJOCASTA.)JOCASTAMisguidedprinces,whyhaveyeupraisedThiswordywrangle?Areyenotashamed,Whilethewholelandliesstriken,thustovoiceYourprivateinjuries?Goin,mylord;Gohome,mybrother,andforebeartomakeApublicscandalofapettygrief.CREONMyroyalsister,Oedipus,thylord,Hathbidmechoose(Odreadalternative!)Anoutlaw'sexileorafelon'sdeath.OEDIPUSYes,lady;IhavecaughthimpracticingAgainstmyroyalpersonhisvilearts.CREONMayIne'erspeedbutdieaccursed,ifIInanywayamguiltyofthischarge.JOCASTABelievehim,Iadjurethee,Oedipus,Firstforhissolemnoath'ssake,thenformine,Andforthineelders'sakewhowaitonthee.CHORUS(strophe1)Hearken,King,reflect,wepraythee,butnotstubbornbutrelent.OEDIPUSSaytowhatshouldIconsent?CHORUSRespectamanwhoseprobityandtrothAreknowntoallandnowconfirmedbyoath.OEDIPUSDostknowwhatgracethoucravest?CHORUSYea,Iknow... .OEDIPUSDeclareitthenandmakethymeaningplain.CHORUSBrandnotafriendwhombabblingtonguesassail;Letnotsuspicion'gainsthisoathprevail.OEDIPUSBethinkyouthatinseekingthisyeseekInverysoothmydeathorbanishment?CHORUSNo,bytheleaderofthehostdivine!(strophe2)Witness,thouSun,suchthoughtwasnevermine,Unblest,unfriendedmayIperish,IfeverIsuchwishdidcherish!ButOmyheartisdesolateMusingonourstrikenState,Doublyfall'nshoulddiscordgrowTwixtyoutwain,tocrownourwoe.OEDIPUSWell,lethimgo,nomatterwhatitcostme,Orcertaindeathorshamefulbanishment,ForyoursakeIrelent,nothis;andhim,Where'erhebe,myheartshallstillabhor.CREONThouartassulleninthyyieldingmoodAsinthineangerthouwasttruculent.Suchtempersjustlyplaguethemselvesthemost.OEDIPUSLeavemeinpeaceandgettheegone.CREONIgo,Bytheemisjudged,butjustifiedbythese.(ExeuntCREON.)CHORUS(antistrophe1)Lady,leadindoorsthyconsort;whereforelongerheredelay?JOCASTATellmefirsthowrosethefray.CHORUSRumorsbredunjustsuspiciousandinjusticeranklessore.JOCASTAWerebothatfault?.. .CHORUSBoth.JOCASTAWhatwasthetale?CHORUSAskmenomore.Thelandissoredistressed;'Twerebettersleepingillstoleaveatrest.OEDIPUSStrangecounsel,friend!Iknowthoumean'stmewell,Andyetwould'stmitigateandbluntmyzeal.CHORUS(antistrophe2)King,Isayitonceagain,WitlesswereIproved,insane,IfIlightlyputawayTheemycountry'spropandstay,Pilotwho,indangersought,ToaquiethavenbroughtOurdistractedState;andnowWhocanguideusrightbutthou?JOCASTALetmetoo,Iadjurethee,know,Oking,Whatcausehasstirredthisunrelentingwrath.OEDIPUSIwill,forthouartmoretomethanthese.Lady,thecauseisCreonandhisplots.JOCASTAButwhatprovokedthequarrel?makethisclear.OEDIPUSHepointsmeoutasLaius'murderer.JOCASTAOfhisownknowledgeoruponreport?OEDIPUSHeistoocunningtocommithimself,Andmakesamouthpieceofaknavishseer.JOCASTAThenthoumayesteasethyconscienceonthatscore.ListenandI'llconvincetheethatnomanHathscotorlotinthepropheticart.Hereistheproofinbrief.AnoracleOncecametoLaius(Iwillnotsay.. .'TwasfromtheDelphicgodhimself,butfromHisministers)declaringhewasdoomedToperishbythehandofhisownson,Achildthatshouldbeborntohimbyme.NowLaius--soatleastreportaffirmed--Wasmurderedonadaybyhighwaymen,Nonatives,ataspotwherethreeroadsmeet.Asforthechild,itwasbutthreedaysold,WhenLaius,itsanklespiercedandpinnedTogether,gaveittobecastawayByothersonthetracklessmountainside.SothenApollobroughtitnottopassThechildshouldbehisfather'smurderer,Orthedreadterrorfindaccomplishment,AndLaiusbeslainbyhisownson.Suchwastheprophet'shoroscope.Oking,Regarditnot.Whate'erthegoddeemsfitTosearch,himselfunaidedwillreveal.OEDIPUSWhatmemories,whatwildtumultofthesoulCameo'erme,lady,asIheardtheespeak!JOCASTAWhatmean'stthou?Whathasshockedandstartledthee?OEDIPUSMethoughtIheardtheesaythatLaiusWasmurderedatthemeetingofthreeroads.JOCASTASoranthestorythatiscurrentstill.OEDIPUSWheredidthishappen?Dostthouknowtheplace?JOCASTAPhocisthelandiscalled;thespotiswhereBranchroadsfromDelphiandfromDaulismeet.OEDIPUSAndhowlongisitsincethesethingsbefell?JOCASTA'TwasbutabriefwhilewerethouwastproclaimedOurcountry'srulerthatthenewswasbrought.OEDIPUSOZeus,whathastthouwilledtodowithme!JOCASTAWhatisit,Oedipus,thatmovestheeso?.. .OEDIPUSAskmenotyet;tellmethebuildandheightOfLaius?Washestillinmanhood'sprime?JOCASTATallwashe,andhishairwaslightlystrewnWithsilver;andnotunliketheeinform.OEDIPUSOwoeisme!MehtinksunwittinglyIlaidbutnowadreadcurseonmyself.JOCASTAWhatsay'stthou?WhenIlookuponthee,myking,Itremble.OEDIPUS'TisadreadpresentimentThatintheendtheseerwillprovenotblind.Onefurtherquestiontoresolvemydoubt.JOCASTAIquail;butask,andIwillanswerall.OEDIPUSHadhebutfewattendantsoratrainOfarmedretainerswithhim,likeaprince?JOCASTATheywerebutfiveinall,andoneofthemAherald;Laiusinamule-carrode.OEDIPUSAlas!'tisclearasnoondaynow.Butsay,Lady,whocarriedthisreporttoThebes?JOCASTAAserf,thesolesurvivorwhoreturned.OEDIPUSHaplyheisathandorinthehouse?JOCASTANo,forassoonashereturnedandfoundTheereigninginthesteadofLaiusslain,HeclaspedmyhandandsupplicatedmeTosendhimtothealpsandpastures,whereHemightbefarthestfromthesightofThebes.AndsoIsenthim.'TwasanhonestslaveAndwelldeservedsomebetterrecompense.OEDIPUSFetchhimatonce.Ifainwouldseetheman.JOCASTAHeshallbebrought;butwhereforesummonhim?.. .OEDIPUSLady,IfearmytonguehasoverrunDiscretion;thereforeIwouldquestionhim.JOCASTAWell,heshallcome,butmaynotItooclaimTosharetheburdenofthyheart,myking?OEDIPUSAndthoushaltnotbefrustrateofthywish.Nowmyimaginingshavegonesofar.WhohasahigherclaimthatthoutohearMytaleofdireadventures?Listenthen.MysirewasPolybusofCorinth,andMymotherMerope,aDorian;AndIwasheldtheforemostcitizen,Tillastrangethingbefellme,strangeindeed,Yetscarcedeservingalltheheatitstirred.Aroistereratsomebanquet,flownwithwine,Shouted"Thouartnottruesonofthysire."Itirkedme,butIstomachedforthenonceTheinsult;onthemorrowIsoughtoutMymotherandmysireandquestionedthem.TheywereindignantattherandomslurCastonmyparentageanddidtheirbestTocomfortme,butstillthevenomedbarbRankled,forstillthescandalspreadandgrew.SoprivilywithouttheirleaveIwentToDelphi,andApollosentmebackBaulkedoftheknowledgethatIcametoseek.Butothergrievousthingsheprophesied,Woes,lamentations,mourning,portentsdire;TowitIshoulddefilemymother'sbedAndraiseupseedtooloathsometobehold,AndslaythefatherfromwhoseloinsIsprang.Then,lady,--thoushaltheartheverytruth--AsIdrewnearthetriple-branchingroads,AheraldmetmeandamanwhosatInacardrawnbycolts--asinthytale--ThemaninfrontandtheoldmanhimselfThreatenedtothrustmerudelyfromthepath,ThenjostledbythecharioteerinwrathIstruckhim,andtheoldman,seeingthis,WatchedtillIpassedandfromhiscarbroughtdownFullonmyheadthedouble-pointedgoad.YetwasIquitswithhimandmore;onestrokeOfmygoodstaffsufficedtoflinghimclean.. .Outofthechariotseatandlaidhimprone.AndsoIslewthemeveryone.ButifBetwixtthisstrangertherewasaughtincommonWithLaius,whomoremiserablethanI,Whatmortalcouldyoufindmoregod-abhorred?Wretchwhomnosojourner,nocitizenMayharbororaddress,whomallareboundToharryfromtheirhomes.AndthissamecurseWaslaidonme,andlaidbynonebutme.YeawiththesehandsallgoryIpolluteThebedofhimIslew.Say,amIvile?AmInotutterlyunclean,awretchDoomedtobebanished,andinbanishmentForgothesightofallmydearestones,Andnevertreadagainmynativeearth;Orelsetowedmymotherandslaymysire,Polybus,whobegatmeandupreared?Ifoneshouldsay,thisisthehandiworkOfsomeinhumanpower,whocouldblameHisjudgment?But,yepureandawfulgods,Forbid,forbidthatIshouldseethatday!MayIbeblottedoutfromlivingmenEresuchaplaguespotsetonmeitsbrand!CHORUSWetoo,Oking,aretroubled;buttillthouHastquestionedthesurvivor,stillhopeon.OEDIPUSMyhopeisfaint,butstillenoughsurvivesTobidmebidethecomingofthisherd.JOCASTASupposehimhere,whatwouldstthoulearnofhim?OEDIPUSI'lltellthee,lady;ifhistaleagreesWiththine,Ishallhave'scapedcalamity.JOCASTAAndwhatofspecialimportdidIsay?OEDIPUSInthyreportofwhattheherdsmansaidLaiuswasslainbyrobbers;nowifheStillspeaksofrobbers,notarobber,ISlewhimnot;"one"with"many"cannotsquare.Butifhesaysonelonelywayfarer,Thelastlinkwantingtomyguiltisforged... .JOCASTAWell,restassured,histaleranthusatfirst,Norcanhenowretractwhatthenhesaid;NotIalonebutallourtownsfolkheardit.E'enshouldhevarysomewhatinhisstory,HecannotmakethedeathofLaiusInanywisejumpwiththeoracle.ForLoxiassaidexpresslyhewasdoomedTodiebymychild'shand,buthe,poorbabe,Heshednoblood,butperishedfirsthimself.Somuchfordivination.HenceforthIWilllookforsignsneithertorightnorleft.OEDIPUSThoureasonestwell.StillIwouldhavetheesendAndfetchthebondsmanhither.Seetoit.JOCASTAThatwillIstraightway.Come,letuswithin.Iwoulddonothingthatmylordmislikes.(ExeuntOEDIPUSandJOCASTA.)CHORUS(strophe1)MylotbestilltoleadThelifeofinnocenceandflyIrreverenceinwordordeed,TofollowstillthoselawsordainedonhighWhosebirthplaceisthebrightetherealskyNomortalbirththeyown,Olympustheirprogenitoralone:Ne'ershalltheyslumberinoblivioncold,Thegodinthemisstrongandgrowsnotold.(antistrophe1)OfinsolenceisbredThetyrant;insolencefullblown,Withemptyrichessurfeited,Scalestheprecipitousheightandgraspsthethrone.Thentoppleso'erandliesinruinprone;Nofootholdonthatdizzysteep.ButOmayHeaventhetruepatriotkeepWhoburnswithemulouszealtoservetheState.Godismyhelpandhope,onhimIwait... .(strophe2)Buttheproudsinner,orinwordordeed,ThatwillnotJusticeheed,NorreverencetheshrineOfimagesdivine,Perditionseizehisvainimaginings,If,urgedbygreedprofane,Hegraspsatill-gotgain,Andlaysanimpioushandonholiestthings.WhowhensuchdeedsaredoneCanhopeheaven'sboltstoshun?Ifsinlikethistohonorcanaspire,WhydanceIstillandleadthesacredchoir?(antistrophe2)NomoreI'llseekearth'scentraloracle,OrAbae'shallowedcell,NortoOlympiabringMyvotiveoffering.IfbeforeallGod'struthbenotbadeplain.OZeus,revealthymight,King,ifthou'rtnamedarightOmnipotent,all-seeing,asofold;ForLaiusisforgot;Hisweird,menheeditnot;Apolloisforsookandfaithgrowscold.(EnterJOCASTA.)JOCASTAMylords,yelookamazedtoseeyourqueenWithwreathsandgiftsofincenseinherhands.Ihadamindtovisitthehighshrines,ForOedipusisoverwrought,alarmedWithterrorsmanifold.HewillnotuseHispastexperience,likeamanofsense,Tojudgethepresentneed,butlendsanearToanycroakerifheaugursill.Sincethenmycounselsnaughtavail,IturnTothee,ourpresenthelpintimeoftrouble,Apollo,LordLycean,andtotheeMyprayersandsupplicationshereIbring.Lightenus,lord,andcleanseusfromthiscurse!FornowweallarecowedlikemarinersWhoseetheirhelmsmandumbstruckinthestorm.(EnterCorinthian.. .MESSENGER.)MESSENGERMymasters,tellmewherethepalaceisOfOedipus;orbetter,where'stheking.CHORUSHereisthepalaceandhebideswithin;Thisishisqueenthemotherofhischildren.MESSENGERAllhappinessattendherandthehouse,Blessedisherhusbandandhermarriage-bed.JOCASTAMygreetingstothee,stranger;thyfairwordsDeservealikeresponse.ButtellmewhyThoucomest--whatthyneedorwhatthynews.MESSENGERGoodforthyconsortandtheroyalhouse.JOCASTAWhatmayitbe?Whosemessengerartthou?MESSENGERTheIsthmiancommonshaveresolvedtomakeThyhusbandking--so'twasreportedthere.JOCASTAWhat!isnotagedPolybusstillking?MESSENGERNo,verily;he'sdeadandinhisgrave.JOCASTAWhat!ishedead,thesireofOedipus?MESSENGERIfIspeakfalsely,mayIdiemyself.JOCASTAQuick,maiden,bearthesetidingstomylord.Yegod-sentoracles,wherestandyenow!ThisisthemanwhomOedipuslongshunned,Indreadtoprovehismurderer;andnowHediesinnature'scourse,notbyhishand.(EnterOEDIPUS.)OEDIPUSMywife,myqueen,Jocasta,whyhastthouSummonedmefrommypalace?JOCASTAHearthisman,AndasthouhearestjudgewhathasbecomeOfallthoseawe-inspiringoracles.OEDIPUSWhoisthisman,andwhathisnewsforme?.. .JOCASTAHecomesfromCorinthandhismessagethis:ThyfatherPolybushathpassedaway.OEDIPUSWhat?letmehaveit,stranger,fromthymouth.MESSENGERIfImustfirstmakeplainbeyondadoubtMymessage,knowthatPolybusisdead.OEDIPUSBytreachery,orbysicknessvisited?MESSENGEROnetouchwillsendanoldmantohisrest.OEDIPUSSoofsomemaladyhedied,poorman.MESSENGERYes,havingmeasuredthefullspanofyears.OEDIPUSOutonit,lady!whyshouldoneregardThePythianhearthorbirdsthatscreami'theair?DidtheynotpointatmeasdoomedtoslayMyfather?buthe'sdeadandinhisgraveAndhereamIwhone'erunsheathedasword;UnlessthelongingforhisabsentsonKilledhimandsoIslewhiminasense.But,astheystand,theoraclesaredead--Dust,ashes,nothing,deadasPolybus.JOCASTASay,didnotIforetellthislongago?OEDIPUSThoudidst:butIwasmisledbymyfear.JOCASTAThenletInomoreweighuponthysoul.OEDIPUSMustInotfearmymother'smarriagebed.JOCASTAWhyshouldamortalman,thesportofchance,Withnoassuredforeknowledge,beafraid?Bestliveacarelesslifefromhandtomouth.Thiswedlockwiththymotherfearnotthou.HowoftitchancesthatindreamsamanHaswedhismother!HewholeastregardsSuchbrainsickphantasieslivesmostatease.OEDIPUSIshouldhavesharedinfullthyconfidence,.. .Werenotmymotherliving;sinceshelivesThoughhalfconvincedIstillmustliveindread.JOCASTAAndyetthysire'sdeathlightsoutdarknessmuch.OEDIPUSMuch,butmyfearistouchingherwholives.MESSENGERWhomaythiswomanbewhomthusyoufear?OEDIPUSMerope,stranger,wifeofPolybus.MESSENGERAndwhatofhercancauseyouanyfear?OEDIPUSAheaven-sentoracleofdreadimport.MESSENGERAmystery,ormayastrangerhearit?OEDIPUSAye,'tisnosecret.LoxiasonceforetoldThatIshouldmatewithmineownmother,andshedWithmyownhandsthebloodofmyownsire.HenceCorinthwasformanyayeartomeAhomedistant;andItroveabroad,Butmissedthesweetestsight,myparents'face.MESSENGERWasthisthefearthatexiledtheefromhome?OEDIPUSYea,andthedreadofslayingmyownsire.MESSENGERWhy,sinceIcametogivetheepleasure,King,HaveInotridtheeofthissecondfear?OEDIPUSWell,thoushalthavedueguerdonforthypains.MESSENGERWell,IconfesswhatchieflymademecomeWashopetoprofitbythycominghome.OEDIPUSNay,Iwillne'ergonearmyparentsmore.MESSENGERMyson,'tisplain,thouknow'stnotwhatthoudoest.OEDIPUSHowso,oldman?Forheaven'ssaketellmeall.MESSENGERIfthisiswhythoudreadesttoreturn... .OEDIPUSYea,lestthegod'swordbefulfilledinme.MESSENGERLestthroughthyparentsthoushouldstbeaccursed?OEDIPUSThisandnoneotherismyconstantdread.MESSENGERDostthounotknowthyfearsarebaselessall?OEDIPUSHowbaseless,ifIamtheirveryson?MESSENGERSincePolybuswasnaughttotheeinblood.OEDIPUSWhatsay'stthou?wasnotPolybusmysire?MESSENGERAsmuchthysireasIam,andnomore.OEDIPUSMysirenomoretomethanonewhoisnaught?MESSENGERSinceIbegattheenot,nomoredidhe.OEDIPUSWhatreasonhadhethentocallmeson?MESSENGERKnowthathetooktheefrommyhands,agift.OEDIPUSYet,ifnochildofhis,helovedmewell.MESSENGERAchildlessmantillthen,hewarmedtothee.OEDIPUSAfoundlingorapurchasedslave,thischild?MESSENGERIfoundtheeinCithaeron'swoodedglens.OEDIPUSWhatledtheetoexplorethoseuplandglades?MESSENGERMybusinesswastotendthemountainflocks.OEDIPUSAvagrantshepherdjourneyingforhire?MESSENGERTrue,butthysaviorinthathour,myson.OEDIPUSMysavior?fromwhatharm?whatailedmethen?MESSENGERThoseanklejointsareevidenceenow... .OEDIPUSAh,whyremindmeofthatancientsore?MESSENGERIloosedthepinthatrivetedthyfeet.OEDIPUSYes,frommycradlethatdreadbrandIbore.MESSENGERWhencethouderiv'stthenamethatstillisthine.OEDIPUSWhodidit?Iadjurethee,tellmewhoSay,wasitfather,mother?MESSENGERIknownot.ThemanfromwhomIhadtheemayknowmore.OEDIPUSWhat,didanotherfindme,notthyself?MESSENGERNotI;anothershepherdgavetheeme.OEDIPUSWhowashe?Would'stthouknowagaintheman?MESSENGERHepassedindeedforoneofLaius'house.OEDIPUSThekingwhoruledthecountrylongago?MESSENGERThesame:hewasaherdsmanoftheking.OEDIPUSAndishelivingstillformetoseehim?MESSENGERHisfellow-countrymenshouldbestknowthat.OEDIPUSDothanybystanderamongyouknowTheherdhespeaksof,orbyseeinghimAfieldorinthecity?answerstraight!Thehourhathcometoclearthisbusinessup.CHORUSMethinkshemeansnoneotherthanthehindWhomthouanonwertfaintosee;butthatOurqueenJocastabestofallcouldtell.OEDIPUSMadam,dostknowthemanwesenttofetch?Isthesameofwhomthestrangerspeaks?JOCASTAWhoistheman?Whatmatter?Letitbe... .'Twerewasteofthoughttoweighsuchidlewords.OEDIPUSNo,withsuchguidingcluesIcannotfailTobringtolightthesecretofmybirth.JOCASTAOh,asthoucarestforthylife,giveo'erThisquest.EnoughtheanguishIendure.OEDIPUSBeofgoodcheer;thoughIbeprovedthesonOfabondwoman,aye,throughthreedescentsTriplyaslave,thyhonorisunsmirched.JOCASTAYethumorme,Ipraythee;donotthis.OEDIPUSIcannot;Imustprobethismatterhome.JOCASTA'TisforthysakeIadvisetheeforthebest.OEDIPUSIgrowimpatientofthisbestadvice.JOCASTAAhmaystthoune'erdiscoverwhothouart!OEDIPUSGo,fetchmeheretheherd,andleaveyonwomanTogloryinherprideofancestry.JOCASTAOwoeisthee,poorwretch!WiththatlastwordIleavethee,henceforthsilentevermore.(ExitJOCASTA.)CHORUSWhy,Oedipus,whystungwithpassionategriefHaththequeenthusdeparted?MuchIfearFromthisdeadcalmwillburstastormofwoes.OEDIPUSLetthestormburst,myfixedresolvestillholds,Tolearnmylineage,beitne'ersolow.Itmaybeshewithallawoman'sprideThinksscornofmybaseparentage.ButIWhorankmyselfasFortune'sfavoritechild,Thegiverofgoodgifts,shallnotbeshamed.SheismymotherandthechangingmoonsMybrethren,andwiththemIwaxandwane.ThussprungwhyshouldIfeartotracemybirth?.. .NothingcanmakemeotherthanIam.CHORUS(strophe)Ifmysoulpropheticerrnot,ifmywisdomaughtavail,Thee,Cithaeron,Ishallhail,Asthenurseandfoster-motherofourOedipusshallgreetEretomorrow'sfullmoonrises,andexalttheeasismeet.Danceandsongshallhymnthypraises,loverofourroyalrace.Phoebus,maymywordsfindgrace!(antistrophe)Child,whobarethee,nymphorgoddess?surethysurewasmorethanman,Haplythehill-roamerPan.OfdidLoxiasbegetthee,forhehauntstheuplandwold;OrCyllene'slord,orBacchus,dwelleronthehilltopscold?DidsomeHeliconianOreadgivehimthee,anew-bornjoy?Nymphswithwhomhelovetotoy?OEDIPUSElders,ifI,whoneveryetbeforeHavemettheman,maymakeaguess,methinksIseetheherdsmanwhowelonghavesought;Histime-wornaspectmatcheswiththeyearsOfyonderagedmessenger;besidesIseemtorecognizethemenwhobringhimAsservantsofmyown.Butyou,perchance,Havinginpastdaysknownorseentheherd,Maybetterbysureknowledgemysurmise.CHORUSIrecognizehim;oneofLaius'house;Asimplehind,buttrueasanyman.(EnterHERDSMAN.)OEDIPUSCorinthian,stranger,Iaddresstheefirst,Isthisthemanthoumeanest!.. .MESSENGERThisishe.OEDIPUSAndnowoldman,lookupandanswerallIaskthee.WastthouonceofLaius'house?HERDSMANIwas,athrall,notpurchasedbuthome-bred.OEDIPUSWhatwasthybusiness?howwastthouemployed?HERDSMANThebestpartofmylifeItendedsheep.OEDIPUSWhatwerethepasturesthoudidstmostfrequent?HERDSMANCithaeronandtheneighboringalps.OEDIPUSThenthereThoumusthaveknownyonman,atleastbyfame?HERDSMANYonman?inwhatway?whatmandostthoumean?OEDIPUSThemanhere,havingmethiminpasttimes...HERDSMANOff-handIcannotcallhimwelltomind.MESSENGERNowonder,master.ButIwillreviveHisbluntedmemories.SurehecanrecallWhattimetogetherbothwedroveourflocks,Hetwo,Ione,ontheCithaeronrange,Forthreelongsummers;IhismatefromspringTillroseArcturus;theninwintertimeIledminehome,hehistoLaius'folds.DidthesethingshappenasIsay,orno?HERDSMAN'Tislongago,butallthousay'stistrue.MESSENGERWell,thoumastthenremembergivingmeAchildtorearasmyownfoster-son?HERDSMANWhydostthouaskthisquestion?Whatofthat?MESSENGERFriend,hethatstandsbeforetheewasthatchild.HERDSMANAplagueuponthee!Holdthywantontongue!.. .OEDIPUSSoftly,oldman,rebukehimnot;thywordsAremoredeservingchastisementthanhis.HERDSMANObestofmasters,whatismyoffense?OEDIPUSNotansweringwhatheasksaboutthechild.HERDSMANHespeaksatrandom,babbleslikeafool.OEDIPUSIfthoulack'stgracetospeak,I'llloosethytongue.HERDSMANFormercy'ssakeabusenotanoldman.OEDIPUSArrestthevillain,seizeandpinionhim!HERDSMANAlack,alack!WhathaveIdone?whatwouldstthoufurtherlearn?OEDIPUSDidstgivethismanthechildofwhomheasks?HERDSMANIdid;andwouldthatIhaddiedthatday!OEDIPUSAnddiethoushaltunlessthoutellthetruth.HERDSMANBut,ifItellit,Iamdoublylost.OEDIPUSTheknavemethinkswillstillprevaricate.HERDSMANNay,IconfessedIgaveitlongago.OEDIPUSWhencecameit?wasitthine,orgiventothee?HERDSMANIhaditfromanother,'twasnotmine.OEDIPUSFromwhomoftheseourtownsmen,andwhathouse?HERDSMANForbearforGod'ssake,master,asknomore.OEDIPUSIfImustquestiontheeagain,thou'rtlost.HERDSMANWellthen--itwasachildofLaius'house.OEDIPUSSlave-bornoroneofLaius'ownrace?.. .HERDSMANAhme!Istandupontheperilousedgeofspeech.OEDIPUSAndIofhearing,butIstillmusthear.HERDSMANKnowthenthechildwasbyreputehisown,Butshewithin,thyconsortbestcouldtell.OEDIPUSWhat!she,shegaveitthee?HERDSMAN'Tisso,myking.OEDIPUSWithwhatintent?HERDSMANTomakeawaywithit.OEDIPUSWhat,sheitsmother.HERDSMANFearingadreadweird.OEDIPUSWhatweird?HERDSMAN'Twastoldthatheshouldslayhissire.OEDIPUSWhatdidstthougiveitthentothisoldman?HERDSMANThroughpity,master,forthebabe.IthoughtHe'dtakeittothecountrywhencehecame;Buthepreserveditfortheworstofwoes.Forifthouartinsoothwhatthismansaith,Godpitythee!thouwasttomiseryborn.OEDIPUSAhme!ahme!allbroughttopass,alltrue!Olight,mayIbeholdtheenevermore!Istandawretch,inbirth,inwedlockcursed,Aparricide,incestuously,triplycursed!(ExitOEDIPUS.)CHORUS(strophe1)RacesofmortalmanWhoselifeisbutaspan,Icountyebuttheshadowofashade!ForhewhomostdothknowOfbliss,hathbuttheshow;.. .Amoment,andthevisionspaleandfade.Thyfall,OOedipus,thypiteousfallWarnsmenonebornofwomenblesttocall.(antistrophe1)Forheofmarksmenbest,OZeus,outshottherest,Andwontheprizesupremeofwealthandpower.ByhimthevulturemaidWasquelled,herwitcherylaid;Heroseoursaviorandtheland'sstrongtower.WehailedtheekingandfromthatdayadoredOfmightyThebestheuniversallord.(strophe2)Oheavyhandoffate!Whonowmoredesolate,Whosetalemoresadthanthine,whoselotmoredire?OOedipus,discrownedhead,Thycradlewasthymarriagebed;Oneharboragesufficedforsonandsire.HowcouldthesoilthyfatherearedsolongEnduretobearinsilencesuchawrong?(antistrophe2)All-seeingTimehathcaughtGuilt,andtojusticebroughtThesonandsirecommingledinonebed.OchildofLaius'ill-starredraceWouldIhadne'erbeheldthyface;Iraisefortheeadirgeaso'erthedead.Yet,soothtosay,throughtheeIdrewnewbreath,AndnowthroughtheeIfeelaseconddeath.(EnterSECONDMESSENGER.)SECONDMESSENGERMostgraveandreverendsenatorsofThebes,WhatDeedsyesoonmusthear,whatsightsbeholdHowwillyemourn,if,true-bornpatriots,YereverencestilltheraceofLabdacus!NotIsternorallPhasis'flood,Iween,Couldwashawaytheblood-stainsfromthishouse,.. .Theillsitshroudsorsoonwillbringtolight,Illswroughtofmalice,notunwittingly.Theworsttobearareself-inflictedwounds.CHORUSGrievousenoughforallourtearsandgroansOurpastcalamities;whatcanstthouadd?SECONDMESSENGERMytaleisquicklytoldandquicklyheard.OursovereignladyqueenJocasta'sdead.CHORUSAlas,poorqueen!howcameshebyherdeath?SECONDMESSENGERByherownhand.Andallthehorrorofit,Nothavingseen,yetcannotcomprehend.Nathless,asfarasmypoormemoryserves,Iwillrelatetheunhappylady'swoe.WheninherfrenzyshehadpassedinsideThevestibule,shehurriedstraighttowinThebridal-chamber,clutchingatherhairWithbothherhands,and,oncewithintheroom,Sheshutthedoorsbehindherwithacrash."Laius,"shecried,andcalledherhusbanddeadLong,longago;herthoughtwasofthatchildByhimbegot,thesonbywhomthesireWasmurderedandthemotherlefttobreedWithherownseed,amonstrousprogeny.ThenshebewailedthemarriagebedwhereonPoorwretch,shehadconceivedadoublebrood,Husbandbyhusband,childrenbyherchild.WhathappenedafterthatIcannottell,Norhowtheendbefell,forwithashriekBurstonusOedipus;alleyeswerefixedOnOedipus,asupanddownhestrode,Norcouldwemarkheragonytotheend.Forstalkingtoandfro"Asword!"hecried,"Whereisthewife,nowife,theteemingwombThatboreadoubleharvest,meandmine?"Andinhisfrenzysomesupernalpower(Nomortal,surely,noneofuswhowatchedhim)Guidedhisfootsteps;withaterribleshriek,Asthoughonebeckonedhim,hecrashedagainstThefoldingdoors,andfromtheirstaplesforced.. .Thewrenchedboltsandhurledhimselfwithin.Thenwebeheldthewomanhangingthere,Arunningnooseentwinedaboutherneck.Butwhenhesawher,withamaddenedroarHeloosedthecord;andwhenherwretchedcorpseLaystretchedonearth,whatfollowed--O'twasdread!HetorethegoldenbroochesthatupheldHerqueenlyrobes,upraisedthemhighandsmoteFullonhiseye-balls,utteringwordslikethese:"Nomoreshallyebeholdsuchsightsofwoe,DeedsIhavesufferedandmyselfhavewrought;HenceforwardquenchedindarknessshallyeseeThoseyeshouldne'erhaveseen;nowblindtothoseWhom,whenIsaw,Ivainlyyearnedtoknow."Suchwastheburdenofhismoan,whereto,Notoncebutoft,hestruckwithhishandupliftHiseyes,andateachstroketheensanguinedorbsBedewedhisbeard,notoozingdropbydrop,Butoneblackgorydownpour,thickashail.Suchevils,issuingfromthedoublesource,Havewhelmedthemboth,confoundingmanandwife.TillnowthestoriedfortuneofthishouseWasfortunateindeed;butfromthisdayWoe,lamentation,ruin,death,disgrace,Allillsthatcanbenamed,all,allaretheirs.CHORUSButhathhestillnorespitefromhispain?SECONDMESSENGERHecries,"UnbarthedoorsandletallThebesBeholdtheslayerofhissire,hismother's--"Thatshamefulwordmylipsmaynotrepeat.Hevowstoflyself-banishedfromtheland,NorstaytobringuponhishousethecurseHimselfhaduttered;buthehasnostrengthNoronetoguidehim,andhistorture'smoreThanmancansuffer,asyourselveswillsee.Forlo,thepalaceportalsareunbarred,AndsoonyeshallbeholdasightsosadThathewhomustabhorredwouldpityit.(EnterOEDIPUSblinded.)CHORUSWoefulsight!morewoefulnoneThesesadeyeshavelookedupon.Whencethismadness?Nonecantell.. .Whodidcastontheehisspell,prowlingallthylifearound,Leapingwithademonbound.Haplesswretch!howcanIbrookOnthymiserytolook?ThoughtogazeontheeIyearn,Muchtoquestion,muchtolearn,Horror-struckawayIturn.OEDIPUSAhme!ahwoeisme!AhwhitheramIborne!HowlikeaghostforlornMyvoiceflitsfrommeontheair!On,onthedemongoads.Theend,ahwhere?CHORUSAnendtoodreadtotell,toodarktosee.OEDIPUS(strophe1)Dark,dark!Thehorrorofdarkness,likeashroud,Wrapsmeandbearsmeonthroughmistandcloud.Ahme,ahme!Whatspasmsathwartmeshoot,Whatpangsofagonizingmemory?CHORUSNomarvelifinsuchaplightthoufeel'stThedoubleweightofpastandpresentwoes.OEDIPUS(antistrophe1)Ahfriend,stillloyal,constantstillandkind,Thoucarestfortheblind.Iknowtheenear,andthoughbereftofeyes,ThyvoiceIrecognize.CHORUSOdoerofdreaddeeds,howcouldstthoumarThyvisionthus?Whatdemongoadedthee?OEDIPUS(strophe2)Apollo,friend,Apollo,heitwasThatbroughttheseillstopass;ButtherighthandthatdealttheblowWasmine,noneother.How,How,couldIlongerseewhensight.. .Broughtnodelight?CHORUSAlas!'tisasthousayest.OEDIPUSSay,friends,cananylookorvoiceOrtouchoflovehenceforthmyheartrejoice?Haste,friends,nofonddelay,TakethetwicecursedawayFarfromallken,Themanabhorredofgods,accursedofmen.CHORUSOthydespairwellsuitsthydesperatecase.WouldIhadneverlookeduponthyface!OEDIPUS(antistrophe2)Mycurseonhimwhoe'erunrivedThewaif'sfellfettersandmyliferevived!Hemeantmewell,yethadheleftmethere,Hehadsavedmyfriendsandmeaworldofcare.CHORUSItoohadwisheditso.OEDIPUSThenhadInevercometoshedMyfather'sbloodnorclimbedmymother'sbed;Themonstrousoffspringofawombdefiled,Co-mateofhimwhogenderedme,andchild.Wasevermanbeforeafflictedthus,LikeOedipus.CHORUSIcannotsaythatthouhastcounseledwell,Forthouwertbetterdeadthanlivingblind.OEDIPUSWhat'sdonewaswelldone.ThoucanstnevershakeMyfirmbelief.Atrucetoargument.For,hadIsight,IknownotwithwhateyesIcouldhavemetmyfatherintheshades,Ormypoormother,sinceagainstthetwainIsinned,asinnogallowscouldatone.Aye,but,yesay,thesightofchildrenjoysAparent'seyes.What,bornasminewereborn?No,suchasightcouldneverbringmejoy;Northisfaircitywithitsbattlements,.. .Itstemplesandthestatuesofitsgods,SightsfromwhichI,nowwretchedstofall,OncerankedtheforemostThebaninallThebes,Bymyownsentenceamcutoff,condemnedBymyownproclamation'gainstthewretch,ThemiscreantbyheavenitselfdeclaredUnclean--andoftheraceofLaius.Thusbrandedasafelonbymyself,HowhadIdaredtolookyouintheface?Nay,hadIknownawaytochokethespringsOfhearing,IhadnevershrunktomakeAdungeonofthismiserableframe,Cutofffromsightandhearing;for'tisblisstobideinregionssorrowcannotreach.Whydidstthouharborme,Cithaeron,whyDidstthounottakeandslayme?ThenIneverHadshowntomenthesecretofmybirth.OPolybus,OCorinth,Omyhome,Homeofmyancestors(sowastthoucalled)HowfairanurslingthenIseemed,howfoulThecankerthatlayfesteringinthebud!Nowistheblightrevealedofrootandfruit.Yetriplehigh-roads,andthouhiddenglen,Coppice,andpasswheremeetthethree-branchedways,Yedrankmyblood,thelife-bloodthesehandsspilt,Myfather's;doyecalltomindperchanceThosedeedsofmineyewitnessedandtheworkIwroughtthereafterwhenIcametoThebes?Ofatalwedlock,thoudidstgivemebirth,And,havingborneme,sowedagainmyseed,Minglingthebloodoffathers,brothers,children,Brides,wivesandmothers,anincestuousbrood,Allhorrorsthatarewroughtbeneaththesun,Horrorssofoultonamethemwereunmeet.O,Iadjureyou,hidemeanywhereFarfromthisland,orslaymestraight,orcastmeDowntothedepthsofoceanoutofsight.Comehither,deigntotouchanabjectwretch;Drawnearandfearnot;ImyselfmustbearTheloadofguiltthatnonebutIcanshare.(EnterCREON.)CREONLo,hereisCreon,theonemantograntThyprayerbyactionoradvice,forheIslefttheState'ssoleguardianinthystead... .OEDIPUSAhme!whatwordstoaccosthimcanIfind?Whatcausehashetotrustme?InthepastIhavebeeprovedhisrancorousenemy.CREONNotinderision,Oedipus,IcomeNortoupbraidtheewiththypastmisdeeds.(ToBYSTANDERS.)Butshameuponyou!ifyefeelnosenseOfhumandecencies,atleastrevereTheSunwhoselightbeholdsandnurturesall.LeavenotthusnakedlyforalltogazeatAhorrorneitherearthnorrainfromheavenNorlightwillsuffer.Leadhimstraightwithin,Foritisseemlythatakinsman'swoesBeheardbykinandseenbykinalone.OEDIPUSOlisten,sincethypresencecomestomeAshockofgladsurprise--sonoblethou,AndIsovile--Ograntmeonesmallboon.Iaskitnotonmybehalf,butthine.CREONAndwhatthefavorthouwouldstcraveofme?OEDIPUSForthfromthybordersthrustmewithallspeed;SetmewithinsomevastydesertwhereNomortalvoiceshallgreetmeanymore.CREONThishadIdonealready,butIdeemedItfirstbehoovedmetoconsultthegod.OEDIPUSHiswillwassetforthfully--todestroyTheparricide,thescoundrel;andIamhe.CREONYea,sohespake,butinourpresentplight'Twerebettertoconsultthegodanew.OEDIPUSDareyeinquireconcerningsuchawretch?CREONYea,forthyselfwouldstcreditnowhisword.OEDIPUSAye,andontheeinallhumilityIlaythischarge:letherwholieswithinReceivesuchburialasthoushaltordain;.. .Suchrites'tisthine,asbrother,toperform.Butformyself,OneverletmyThebes,Thecityofmysires,bedoomedtobearTheburdenofmypresencewhileIlive.No,letmebeadwelleronthehills,OnyondermountCithaeron,famedasmine,MytombpredestinedformebymysireAndmother,whiletheylived,thatImaydieSlainastheysoughttoslayme,whenalive.ThismuchIknowfullsurely,nordiseaseShallendmydays,noranycommonchance;ForIhadne'erbeensnatchedfromdeath,unlessIwaspredestinedtosomeawfuldoom.Sobeit.IrecknothowFatedealswithmeButmyunhappychildren--formysonsBenotconcerned,OCreon,theyaremen,Andforthemselves,where'ertheybe,canfend.Butformydaughterstwain,poorinnocentmaids,WhoeversatbesidemeattheboardSharingmyviands,drinkingofmycup,Forthem,Ipraythee,care,and,ifthouwillst,OmightIfeeltheirtouchandmakemymoan.Hearme,Oprince,mynoble-heartedprince!CouldIbutblindlytouchthemwithmyhandsI'dthinktheystillweremine,aswhenIsaw.(ANTIGONEandISMENEareledin.)WhatsayI?canitbemyprettyonesWhosesobsIhear?HasCreonpitiedmeAndsentmemytwodarlings?Canthisbe?CREON'Tistrue;'twasIprocuredtheethisdelight,Knowingthejoytheyweretotheeofold.OEDIPUSGodspeedthee!andasmeedforbringingthemMayProvidencedealwiththeekindlierThanithasdealtwithme!Ochildrenmine,Whereareye?Letmeclaspyouwiththesehands,Abrother'shands,afather's;handsthatmadeLack-lustersocketsofhisoncebrighteyes;Handsofamanwhoblindly,recklessly,Becameyoursirebyherfromwhomhesprang.ThoughIcannotbeholdyou,ImustweepInthinkingoftheevildaystocome,Theslightsandwrongsthatmenwillputuponyou.Where'eryegotofeastorfestival,.. .Nomerrymakingwillitproveforyou,Butoftabashedintearsyewillreturn.Andwhenyecometomarriageableyears,Where'stheboldwooerswhowilljeopardizeTotakeuntohimselfsuchdisreputeAstomychildren'schildrenstillmustcling,Forwhatofinfamyislackinghere?"Theirfatherslewhisfather,sowedtheseedWherehehimselfwasgendered,andbegatThesemaidensatthesourcewherefromhesprang."Sucharethegibesthatmenwillcastatyou.Whothenwillwedyou?None,Iween,butyeMustpine,poormaids,insinglebarrenness.OPrince,Menoeceus'son,tothee,Iturn,Withtheitreststofatherthem,forweTheirnaturalparents,bothofus,arelost.Oleavethemnottowanderpoor,unwed,Thykin,norletthemsharemylowestate.Opitythemsoyoung,andbutfortheeAlldestitute.Thyhanduponit,Prince.Toyou,mychildrenIhadmuchtosay,Wereyebutripetohear.Letthissuffice:Prayyemayfindsomehomeandlivecontent,Andmayyourlotprovehappierthanyoursire's.CREONThouhasthadenoughofweeping;passwithin.OEDIPUSImustobey,Though'tisgrievous.CREONWeepnot,everythingmusthaveitsday.OEDIPUSWellIgo,butonconditions.CREONWhatthytermsforgoing,say.OEDIPUSSendmefromthelandanexile.CREONAskthisofthegods,notme.OEDIPUSButIamthegods'abhorrence.CREONThentheysoonwillgrantthyplea... .OEDIPUSLeadmehence,then,Iamwilling.CREONCome,butletthychildrengo.OEDIPUSRobmenotofthesemychildren!CREONCravenotmasteryinall,Forthemasterythatraisedtheewasthybaneandwroughtthyfall.CHORUSLookye,countrymenandThebans,thisisOedipusthegreat,HewhoknewtheSphinx'sriddleandwasmightiestinourstate.Whoofallourtownsmengazednotonhisfamewithenviouseyes?Now,inwhataseaoftroublessunkandoverwhelmedhelies!Thereforewaittoseelife'sendingerethoucountonemortalblest;Waittillfreefrompainandsorrowhehasgainedhisfinalrest.THEEND..