The Maids in awe of whom each mortal cowers, Whose name no voice betrays nor cry, And as we pass them with averted eye, We move hushed lips in reverent piety. But now some godless man, ’Tis rumoured, here abides; The precincts through I scan, Yet wot not where he hides, The wretch profane! I search and search in vain.
Oedipus: I am that man; I know you near Ears to the blind, they say, are eyes.
Chorus: O dread to see and dread to hear!
Oedipus: Oh sirs, I am no outlaw under ban.
Chorus: Who can he be—Zeus save us!—this old man?
Oedipus: No favourite of fate, That ye should envy his estate, O, Sirs, would any happy mortal, say, Grope by the light of other eyes his way, Or face the storm upon so frail a stay?
Chorus: Antistrophe 1
Wast thou then sightless from thy birth? Evil, methinks, and long Thy pilgrimage on earth. Yet add not curse to curse and wrong to wrong. I warn thee, trespass not Within this hallowed spot, Lest thou shouldst find the silent grassy glade Where offerings are laid, Bowls of spring water mingled with sweet mead. Thou must not stay, Come, come away, Tired wanderer, dost thou heed? (We are far off, but sure our voice can reach.) If aught thou would’st beseech, Speak where ’tis right; till then refrain from speech.
Oedipus: Daughter, what counsel should we now pursue?
Antigone: We must obey and do as here they do.
Oedipus: Thy hand then!
Antigone: Here, O father, is my hand,
Oedipus: O Sirs, if I come forth at your command, Let me not suffer for my confidence.
Chorus: Strophe 2
Against thy will no man shall drive thee hence.
Oedipus: Shall I go further?
Chorus: Aye.
Oedipus: What further still?
Chorus: Lead maiden, thou canst guide him where we will.
Antigone: …
Oedipus: …
Antigone: … Follow with blind steps, father, as I lead.
Oedipus: …
Chorus: In a strange land strange thou art; To her will incline thy heart; Honour whatso’er the State Honours, all she frowns on hate.
Oedipus: Guide me child, where we may range Safe within the paths of right; Counsel freely may exchange Nor with fate and fortune fight.