Epeisodion 1
Oedipus
Then may the gods not quench their fated strife, and may it fall to me to decide this war on which they are now setting their hands, raising spear against spear!
For then neither would he who now holds the scepter and the throne survive, nor would the exile ever return; seeing that when I, their father, was being thrust without honor from my country, they did not stop or defend me. No, they saw me sent forth homeless,
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and heard the crier proclaim my sentence of exile. Perhaps you will say that that was my own wish then, and that the city fittingly granted me that gift. Not so! For on that first day, when my heart seethed,
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and my sweetest wish was for death—indeed, death by stoning—no one was found to help me in that desire. But after a time, when all my anguish was now softened, and when I began to feel that my heart had been excessive in punishing those past errors,
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then it was that the city set about to drive me by force from the land, after all that time. And my sons, when they had the strength to bring help—sons to their own father—they would not do it. For lack of one little word from them, I was left to wander, an outcast and a beggar forever.
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Instead, it is from these, maidens as they are, insofar as nature enables them, that I obtain my daily food, and a shelter in the land, and the aid of family. Their brothers have bartered their father for the throne, the scepter of power, and the rule of the realm.
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No, never will they win Oedipus for an ally, nor will good ever come to them from this reign at Thebes; that I know, when I hear this maiden’s oracles and reflect on the old prophecies stored in my own mind, which Phoebus has fulfilled for me at last.
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Therefore let them send Creon to seek me—or whoever else is mighty in Thebes. For if you, strangers, with the help of the dread goddesses who reign among your district, are willing to defend me, you will obtain a great savior for this city,
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and troubles for my enemies.
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Chorus
You are worthy of compassion, Oedipus, both you and these maidens. And since to this plea you append your power to save our land, I wish to advise you for your advantage.
Oedipus
Dearest friends, be my patrons, and I will bring everything to completion.
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Chorus
Then make atonement to these divinities, to whom you have come first, and on whose ground you have trespassed.
Oedipus
With what rites? Instruct me, strangers.
Chorus
First, from an ever-flowing
spring bring sacred drink-offerings, borne in ritually pure hands.
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Oedipus
And when I have gotten this unmixed draught?
Chorus
There are bowls, the work of a skilled craftsman; crown their edges and the handles at either side.
Oedipus
With olive branches, or woollen cloths, or in what way?
Chorus
Take the freshly-shorn wool of a ewe-lamb.
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Oedipus
Good; and then to what last rite shall I proceed?
Chorus
Pour the drink-offerings, with your face to the dawn.
Oedipus
Shall I pour them with these vessels of which you speak?
Chorus
Yes, in three streams; but the last vessel—
Oedipus
With what shall I fill this, before I set it down? Teach me this also.
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Chorus
With water and honey; but add no wine.
Oedipus
And when the ground under the dark shade has drunk these?
Chorus
Three times lay on it nine branches of olive with both your hands, and meanwhile make this prayer.
Oedipus
I wish to hear this prayer; it is the most important part.
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Chorus
We call them Eumenides, so that with well-wishing power they may receive the suppliant as his saviors. Let this be your prayer, or of whoever prays for you. Speak inaudibly, and do not lift up your voice; then depart, without looking behind.
If you should do this, I would be bold enough to come to your aid; but otherwise, stranger, I would fear for you.
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