Parodos
[Choral 1]
Look! Who was he, then? Where is he staying? Where has he rushed from this place,
Chorus
man most insatiate of all who live? Scan the ground, look well, press the search everywhere. A wanderer that old man must have been,
120
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.
125
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;
130
and him I cannot yet discern, though I look round all the holy place, nor do I know where to find his lodging.
135
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!
140
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.
145
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!
150
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.
155
Retire! Withdraw! Let a wide space part us. Do you hear, toil-worn wanderer? If you have anything to say in converse with us,
160
leave forbidden ground, and speak where it is lawful for all; but, till then, refrain.
165
Oedipus
Daughter, to what counsel shall we incline?
170
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!
175
[Choral 2]
Never, old man, never will anyone remove you from your resting-place here against your will.
Chorus
Come still further.
Chorus
Lead him onward, maiden, for you hear us and obey.
180
Antigone
Come, follow this way with your dark steps, father, as I lead you.
