Epeisodion 2
Oedipus
and I may not return, since I am guilty of a father’s blood.
600
Theseus
Why would they have you brought back, if you must dwell apart?
Oedipus
The word of the god will compel them.
Theseus
What suffering do they fear from the oracles?
Oedipus
That they must be struck down in this land.
605
Theseus
And how should bitterness come between them and me?
Oedipus
Dearest son of Aegeus, to the gods alone old age and death never come, but everything else sinks into chaos from time which overpowers all.
Earth’s strength decays, and so too the strength of the body; trust dies; distrust is born; and the same spirit is never steadfast among friends, or between city and city. For some now, for others tomorrow, sweet feelings turn to bitter, and then once more to being dear.
610
And if now the sun shines brightly between Thebes and you, yet time in his course gives birth to days and nights untold, in which from a small cause they will
615
scatter with the spear today’s pledges of concord. Then one day my slumbering and buried corpse, cold in death, will drink their warm blood, if Zeus is still Zeus, and Phoebus, the son of Zeus, speaks clear. But, since I would not break silence concerning words that must not spoken, allow me to cease where I began.
620
Only keep your own pledge good, and never will you say that in vain you welcomed Oedipus to dwell in this land—if indeed the gods do not deceive me.
625
Chorus
Lord, from the first this man has shown a
will to bring these words, or similar ones, to completion for our land.
630
Theseus
Who, then, would reject the goodwill of such a one? To whom, first, the hearth of a spear-friend is always available on our side, by reciprocal right; then too he has come as a suppliant to our gods,
paying no small recompense to this land and to me. In reverence for these claims, I will never spurn his favor, and I will establish a dwelling for him as a citizen in the land. And if it is the pleasure of the stranger to remain here, I will command you to
635
protect him; or, if it pleases him, to come with me. This choice or that, Oedipus, you may take; your desire will be mine.
640
Oedipus
O Zeus, may you be good to men such as these!
Theseus
What is your wish, then? Will you come to my house?
Oedipus
Yes, I would, if it were right. But this is the place—
Theseus
What will you do here? Speak, for I will not hinder you.
645
Oedipus
—Where I will conquer those who cast me out.
Theseus
The promised gift of your presence would be great.
Oedipus
It shall be, if you keep your pledge with me.
Theseus
Have courage concerning me; never will I betray you.
Oedipus
I will not bind you with an oath as if an evil man.
650
Theseus
Well, you would win nothing more than by my word.
Oedipus
What will you do, then?
Theseus
What is it that you fear?
Theseus
But these men here will see to that.
