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Teiresias enters, led by his daughter. They are accompanied by Menoeceus.
Teiresias
Lead on, my daughter; for you are an eye [835] to my blind feet, as a star is to sailors; lead my steps on to level ground; then go before, so that I do not stumble, for your father has no strength; keep safe for me in your maiden hand the auguries I took when I observed omens from birds, [840] seated in my holy prophet's chair. Tell me, Menoeceus, son of Creon, how much further toward the city is it, to your father? For my knees grow weary, I have come a long way and can scarcely go on. Creon
[845] Take heart, Teiresias, for you have reached your harbor and are near your friends; take him by the hand, my child; for just as every chariot has to wait for outside help to lighten it, so does the step of old age. Teiresias
Enough; I have arrived; why, Creon, do you summon me so urgently? Creon
[850] I have not forgotten that; but first collect your strength and regain your breath, shaking off the fatigue of your journey. Teiresias
I am indeed worn out, for I arrived here only yesterday from the court of the Erechtheidae; they too were at war, fighting with Eumolpus. [855] I gave the victory to Cecrops' sons, and I received this golden crown, as you see, the first-fruits of the enemy's spoils. Creon
I take your crown of victory as an omen. We, as you know, are exposed to the waves [860] of war with the Danaids, and great is the struggle for Thebes. Eteocles, our king, is already gone in full armor to meet Mycenae's champions; and he has bidden me inquire of you our best course to save the city.
Euripides. The Complete Greek Drama, edited by Whitney J. Oates and Eugene O'Neill, Jr. in two volumes. 2. The Phoenissae, translated by E. P. Coleridge. New York. Random House. 1938.
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