Parodos
Chorus
Stranger in a foreign land,
poor man, have the courage to detest what the city steadfastly holds as not dear, and to reverence what it holds dear!
185
Oedipus
Lead me, then, child, to a spot where I may speak and listen within piety’s domain,
and let us not wage war with necessity.
190
Chorus
There! Do not incline your steps beyond that ledge of bedrock.
Oedipus
Shall I sit down?
195
Chorus
Yes, move sideways, and crouch low on the edge of the rock.
195
Antigone
Father, this is my task: calmly to—
Antigone
—fit step to step, and lean your aged frame upon my dear arm.
200
Oedipus
Alas for my sad destruction!
Chorus
Ah, poor man, since now you are at ease, speak! What is your lineage among mortals? With what name are you led on your weary path?
What fatherland can you tell us of?
205
[Choral]
Strangers, I am without a city, but do not—
Chorus
What is this that you forbid, old man?
Oedipus
do not, do not ask me who I am! Do not seek or probe further!
210
Chorus
What does this mean?
Oedipus
Horrid the birth—
Oedipus
My child—ah, me!—what shall I say?
Chorus
What is your lineage, stranger? Speak! And who is your father?
215
Oedipus
Woe is me! What will become of me, my child?
Antigone
Speak, for you are driven to the verge.
Oedipus
Then speak I will. I have no way to hide it.
Chorus
You two make a long delay. Come, hasten!
Oedipus
Do you know of a son of Laius?
220
