Epeisodion 1
Teiresias
I was born like this—as you think, a fool, but in the opinion of the parents who bore you, quite sane.
435
Oedipus
What parents? Wait. What man is my father?
Teiresias
This day will reveal your birth and bring your ruin.
Oedipus
What riddles, what dark words you always say.
Teiresias
Are you not the best at unravelling mysteries?
440
Oedipus
Reproach me in what you will find me to be great.
Teiresias
Yet it was just that fortune that undid you.
Oedipus
But if it saved this city I care not.
Teiresias
I will take my leave. You, boy, lead me.
Oedipus
Yes, let him take you: while here, you are a hindrance, a source of trouble. When you have gone, you will vex me no more.
445
Teiresias
I will go when I have performed the errand for which I came, fearless of your frown: you can never destroy me. I tell you: the man whom you have been seeking this long while,
uttering threats and proclaiming a search into the murder of Laius, is here, ostensibly an alien sojourner, but soon to be found a native of Thebes; nor will he enjoy his fortune. A blind man, though now he sees,
450
a beggar, though now rich, he will make his way to a foreign land, feeling the ground before him with his staff. And he will be discovered to be at once brother and father of the children with whom he consorts; son and husband of the woman who bore him;
455
heir to his father’s bed, shedder of his father’s blood. So go in and evaluate this, and
if you find that I am wrong, say then that I have no wit in prophecy.
460
