Oedipus
Child of a blind old man, Antigone, to what region have we come, or to what city of men? Who will entertain the wandering Oedipus today with scanty gifts?
[5]
Little do I crave, and obtain still less than that little, and with that I am content. For patience is the lesson of suffering, and of the long years upon me, and lastly of a noble mind. My child, if you see any resting-place,
[10]
either on profane ground or by groves of the gods, stop me and set me down, so that we may inquire where we are. We have come to learn as foreigners from the townsmen, and to bring to completion whatever we hear.
Antigone
Father, toil-worn Oedipus, the towers that
[15]
ring the city, to judge by sight, are far off; and this place is sacred, to judge from its appearance: laurel, olive, and vine grow thick-set; and a feathered crowd of nightingales makes music within. So sit here on this unshaped stone;
[20]
you have travelled a long way for an old man.
Oedipus
Seat me, then, and watch over the blind.
Antigone
If time can teach, I need not learn that.
Oedipus
Can you tell me, now, where we have arrived?
Antigone
Athens I know, but not this place.
Oedipus
[25]
Yes, so much every traveller told us.
Antigone
Well, shall I go and learn what the spot is called?
Oedipus
Yes, child, if indeed it is inhabited.
Antigone
It surely is inhabited. But I think there is no need—I see a man nearby.
Oedipus
[30]
Setting off and coming toward us?
Antigone
He is at our side already. Speak whatever seems timely to you, for the man is here.
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Sophocles. The Oedipus at Colonus of Sophocles. Edited with introduction and notes by Sir Richard Jebb. Sir Richard Jebb. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press. 1889.
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