Antigone
Father, listen to me; I will offer counsel though I am young. Allow this man here to gratify his own feelings and the god as he wishes, and for your daughters' sake allow our brother to come.
[1185]
He will not tear you by force from your resolve—never fear—with such words as will not be for your good. What harm can there be in listening to words? Deeds wickedly devised, as you know, are betrayed by speech. You sired him,
[1190]
so, even if he wrongs you with the most impious of wrongs, father, it is not right for you to wrong him in return. Let him come! Other men too have evil offspring and a sharp anger, but they hear advice and are charmed from their mood by the gentle spells of friends.
[1195]
Look to the past, away from the present; consider all the pains that you have suffered through your father and mother. If you consider those things, I know well that you will perceive that what results from an evil anger is evil. Your reasons to reflect on this are not trivial,
[1200]
bereft of your unseeing eyes. Yield to us! It is not a fine thing for those seeking justice to keep asking; nor is it good that a man should be treated well, and thereafter not know how to requite it.
Oedipus
My child, by your pleading you overcome me; but your pleasure here is my grief.
[1205]
Still, let it be as is dear to you. Only, if that man is to come here, stranger, let no one ever become master over my soul.
Theseus
Once only do I need hear such words, and no more, old man. I do not want to boast,
[1210]
but you may feel sure that your life is safe, while any of the gods preserves mine.Theseus exits.
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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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