Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus, Thomas Francklin (Translator), 337

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Chorus
(Edi. This winged lightning from the arm of Jove 1462

Again,

Another dreadful clap ! It strikes my soul

With horror, and my hairs do stand on end
1465

With fear. Behold, again the lightnings flash !

I dread the consequence, for not in vain

These signs appear of some calamity
1470

Portentous ever, O ethereal Jove !

Oedipus at Colonus. Sophocles. Thomas Francklin (Translator). London. 1758–1759.

Current edition Experimental

English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) (English) (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759))

Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.

Editions (2)

Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 337 focus

ὦ πάντʼ ἐκείνω τοῖς ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ νόμοις

[101 a.

Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 254-509 focus

Χορός

ἀλλʼ ἴσθι, τέκνον Οἰδίπου, σέ τʼ ἐξ ἴσου

οἰκτίρομεν καὶ τόνδε συμφορᾶς χάριν·
255

τὰ δʼ ἐκ θεῶν τρέμοντες οὐ σθένοιμεν ἂν

φωνεῖν πέρα τῶν πρὸς σὲ νῦν εἰρημένων.

Οἰδίπους

τί δῆτα δόξης ἢ τί κληδόνος καλῆς

μάτην ῥεούσης ὠφέλημα γίγνεται,

εἰ τάς γʼ Ἀθήνας φασὶ θεοσεβεστάτας
260

εἶναι, μόνας δὲ τὸν κακούμενον ξένον

σῴζειν οἵας τε καὶ μόνας ἀρκεῖν ἔχειν;

κἄμοιγε ποῦ τοῦτʼ ἐστίν, οἵτινες βάθρων

ἐκ τῶνδέ μʼ ἐξάραντες εἶτʼ ἐλαύνετε,

ὄνομα μόνον δείσαντες; οὐ γὰρ δὴ τό γε
265

σῶμʼ οὐδὲ τἄργα τἄμʼ· ἐπεὶ τά γʼ ἔργα μου

πεπονθότʼ ἐστὶ μᾶλλον ἢ δεδρακότα,

εἴ σοι τὰ μητρὸς καὶ πατρὸς χρείη λέγειν,

ὧν οὕνεκʼ ἐκφοβεῖ με· τοῦτʼ ἐγὼ καλῶς

ἔξοιδα. καίτοι πῶς ἐγὼ κακὸς φύσιν,
270

ὅστις παθὼν μὲν ἀντέδρων, ὥστʼ εἰ φρονῶν

ἔπρασσον, οὐδʼ ἂν ὧδʼ ἐγιγνόμην κακός;

νῦν δʼ οὐδὲν εἰδὼς ἱκόμην ἵνʼ ἱκόμην,

ὑφʼ ὧν δʼ ἔπασχον, εἰδότων ἀπωλλύμην.

ἀνθʼ ὧν ἱκνοῦμαι πρὸς θεῶν ὑμᾶς, ξένοι,
275

ὥσπερ με κἀνεστήσαθʼ, ὧδε σώσατε,

καὶ μὴ θεοὺς τιμῶντες εἶτα τοὺς θεοὺς

μοίρας ποιεῖσθε μηδαμῶς· ἡγεῖσθε δὲ

βλέπειν μὲν αὐτοὺς πρὸς τὸν εὐσεβῆ βροτῶν,

βλέπειν δὲ πρὸς τοὺς δυσσεβεῖς, φυγὴν δέ του
280

μήπω γενέσθαι φωτὸς ἀνοσίου βροτῶν.

ξὺν οἷς σὺ μὴ κάλυπτε τὰς εὐδαίμονας

ἔργοις Ἀθήνας ἀνοσίοις ὑπηρετῶν,

ἀλλʼ ὥσπερ ἔλαβες τὸν ἱκέτην ἐχέγγυον,

ῥύου με κἀκφύλασσε· μηδέ μου κάρα
285

τὸ δυσπρόσοπτον εἰσορῶν ἀτιμάσῃς,

ἥκω γὰρ ἱερὸς εὐσεβής τε καὶ φέρων

ὄνησιν ἀστοῖς τοῖσδʼ· ὅταν δʼ ὁ κύριος

παρῇ τις, ὑμῶν ὅστις ἐστὶν ἡγεμών,

τότʼ εἰσακούων πάντʼ ἐπιστήσει· τὰ δὲ
290

μεταξὺ τούτου μηδαμῶς γίγνου κακός.

Χορός

ταρβεῖν μέν, ὦ γεραιέ, τἀνθυμήματα

πολλή ʼστʼ ἀνάγκη τἀπὸ σοῦ· λόγοισι γὰρ

οὐκ ὠνόμασται βραχέσι· τοὺς δὲ τῆσδε γῆς

ἄνακτας ἀρκεῖ ταῦτά μοι διειδέναι.
295

296

Οἰδίπους

καὶ ποῦ ʼσθʼ ὁ κραίνων τῆσδε τῆς χώρας, ξένοι;

Χορός

πατρῷον ἄστυ γῆς ἔχει· σκοπὸς δέ νιν,

ὃς κἀμὲ δεῦρʼ ἔπεμψεν, οἴχεται στελῶν.

Οἰδίπους

ἦ καὶ δοκεῖτε τοῦ τυφλοῦ τινʼ ἐντροπὴν

ἢ φροντίδʼ, ἕξειν, αὐτὸν ὥστʼ ἐλθεῖν πέλας;
300

Χορός

καὶ κάρθʼ, ὅταν περ τοὔνομʼ αἴσθηται τὸ σόν.

Οἰδίπους

τίς δʼ ἔσθʼ ὁ κείνῳ τοῦτο τοὔπος ἀγγελῶν;

Χορός

μακρὰ κέλευθος· πολλὰ δʼ ἐμπόρων ἔπη

φιλεῖ πλανᾶσθαι, τῶν ἐκεῖνος ἀΐων,

θάρσει, παρέσται. πολὺ γάρ, ὦ γέρον, τὸ σὸν
305

ὄνομα διήκει πάντας, ὥστε κεἰ βραδὺς

εὕδει, κλύων σοῦ δεῦρʼ ἀφίξεται ταχύς.

Οἰδίπους

ἀλλʼ εὐτυχὴς ἵκοιτο τῇ θʼ αὑτοῦ πόλει

ἐμοί τε· τίς γὰρ ἐσθλὸς οὐχ αὑτῷ φίλος;

Ἀντιγόνη

ὦ Ζεῦ, τί λέξω; ποῖ φρενῶν ἔλθω, πάτερ;
310

Οἰδίπους

τί δʼ ἔστι, τέκνον Ἀντιγόνη;

Ἀντιγόνη

γυναῖχʼ ὁρῶ

στείχουσαν ἡμῶν ἆσσον, Αἰτναίας ἐπὶ

πώλου βεβῶσαν· κρατὶ δʼ ἡλιοστεγὴς

κυνῆ πρόσωπα Θεσσαλίς νιν ἀμπέχει.

τί φῶ;
315

ἆρʼ ἔστιν; ἆρʼ οὐκ ἔστιν; ἢ γνώμη πλανᾷ;

καὶ φημὶ κἀπόφημι κοὐκ ἔχω τί φῶ.

τάλαινα.

οὐκ ἔστιν ἄλλη· φαιδρὰ γοῦν ἀπʼ ὀμμάτων

σαίνει με προσστείχουσα· σημαίνει δʼ ὅτι
320

μόνης τόδʼ ἐστὶ δῆλον Ἰσμήνης κάρα.

Οἰδίπους

πῶς εἶπας, ὦ παῖ;

Ἀντιγόνη

παῖδα σήν, ἐμὴν δʼ ὁρᾶν

ὅμαιμον· αὐδῇ δʼ αὐτίκʼ ἔξεστιν μαθεῖν.

Ἰσμήνη

ὦ δισσὰ πατρὸς καὶ κασιγνήτης ἐμοὶ

ἥδιστα προσφωνήμαθʼ, ὡς ὑμᾶς μόλις
325

εὑροῦσα λύπῃ δεύτερον μόλις βλέπω.

Οἰδίπους

ὦ τέκνον, ἥκεις;

Ἰσμήνη

ὦ πάτερ δύσμοιρʼ ὁρᾶν.

Οἰδίπους

τέκνον, πέφηνας;

Ἰσμήνη

οὐκ ἄνευ μόχθου γέ μοι.

Οἰδίπους

πρόσψαυσον, ὦ παῖ.

Ἰσμήνη

θιγγάνω δυοῖν ὁμοῦ.

Οἰδίπους

ὦ σπέρμʼ ὅμαιμον.
330

Ἰσμήνη

ὦ δυσάθλιαι τροφαί.

Οἰδίπους

ἦ τῆσδε κἀμοῦ;

Ἰσμήνη

δυσμόρου τʼ ἐμοῦ τρίτης.

Οἰδίπους

τέκνον, τί δʼ ἦλθες;

Ἰσμήνη

σῇ, πάτερ, προμηθίᾳ.

Οἰδίπους

πότερα πόθοισι;

Ἰσμήνη

καὶ λόγων γʼ αὐτάγγελος,

ξὺν ᾧπερ εἶχον οἰκετῶν πιστῷ μόνῳ.

Οἰδίπους

οἱ δʼ αὐθόμαιμοι ποῦ νεανίαι πονεῖν;
335

Ἰσμήνη

εἴσʼ οὗπέρ εἰσι· δεινὰ τἀν κείνοις τανῦν.

337

Οἰδίπους

ὦ πάντʼ ἐκείνω τοῖς ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ νόμοις

φύσιν κατεικασθέντε καὶ βίου τροφάς·

ἐκεῖ γὰρ οἱ μὲν ἄρσενες κατὰ στέγας

θακοῦσιν ἱστουργοῦντες, αἱ δὲ σύννομοι
340

τἄξω βίου τροφεῖα πορσύνουσʼ ἀεί.

σφῷν δʼ, ὦ τέκνʼ, οὓς μὲν εἰκὸς ἦν πονεῖν τάδε,

κατʼ οἶκον οἰκουροῦσιν ὥστε παρθένοι,

σφὼ δʼ ἀντʼ ἐκείνων τἀμὰ δυστήνου κακὰ

ὑπερπονεῖτον. ἡ μὲν ἐξ ὅτου νέας
345

τροφῆς ἔληξε καὶ κατίσχυσεν δέμας,

ἀεὶ μεθʼ ἡμῶν δύσμορος πλανωμένη

γερονταγωγεῖ, πολλὰ μὲν κατʼ ἀγρίαν

ὕλην ἄσιτος νηλίπους τʼ ἀλωμένη,

πολλοῖσι δʼ ὄμβροις ἡλίου τε καύμασιν
350

μοχθοῦσα τλήμων δεύτερʼ ἡγεῖται τὰ τῆς

οἴκοι διαίτης, εἰ πατὴρ τροφὴν ἔχοι.

σὺ δʼ, ὦ τέκνον, πρόσθεν μὲν ἐξίκου πατρὶ

μαντεῖʼ ἄγουσα πάντα, Καδμείων λάθρᾳ,

ἃ τοῦδʼ ἐχρήσθη σώματος, φύλαξ τέ μου
355

πιστὴ κατέστης, γῆς ὅτʼ ἐξηλαυνόμην·

νῦν δʼ αὖ τίνʼ ἥκεις μῦθον, Ἰσμήνη, πατρὶ

φέρουσα; τίς σʼ ἐξῆρεν οἴκοθεν στόλος;

ἥκεις γὰρ οὐ κενή γε, τοῦτʼ ἐγὼ σαφῶς

ἔξοιδα, μὴ οὐχὶ δεῖμʼ ἐμοὶ φέρουσά τι.
360

Ἰσμήνη

ἐγὼ τὰ μὲν παθήμαθʼ ἅπαθον, πάτερ,

ζητοῦσα τὴν σὴν ποῦ κατοικοίης τροφήν,

παρεῖσʼ ἐάσω· δὶς γὰρ οὐχὶ βούλομαι

πονοῦσά τʼ ἀλγεῖν καὶ λέγουσʼ αὖθις πάλιν.

ἃ δʼ ἀμφὶ τοῖν σοῖν δυσμόροιν παίδοιν κακὰ
365

νῦν ἐστι, ταῦτα σημανοῦσʼ ἐλήλυθα.

πρὶν μὲν γὰρ αὐτοῖς ἦν ἔρως Κρέοντί τε

θρόνους ἐᾶσθαι μηδὲ χραίνεσθαι πόλιν,

λόγῳ σκοποῦσι τὴν πάλαι γένους φθοράν,

οἵα κατέσχε τὸν σὸν ἄθλιον δόμον·
370

νῦν δʼ ἐκ θεῶν του κἀλιτηρίου φρενὸς

εἰσῆλθε τοῖν τρὶς ἀθλίοιν ἔρις κακή,

ἀρχῆς λαβέσθαι καὶ κράτους τυραννικοῦ.

χὠ μὲν νεάζων καὶ χρόνῳ μείων γεγὼς

τὸν πρόσθε γεννηθέντα Πολυνείκη θρόνων
375

ἀποστερίσκει, κἀξελήλακεν πάτρας.

ὁ δʼ, ὡς καθʼ ἡμᾶς ἔσθʼ ὁ πληθύων λόγος,

τὸ κοῖλον Ἄργος βὰς φυγὰς προσλαμβάνει

κῆδός τε καινὸν καὶ ξυνασπιστὰς φίλους

ὡς αὐτίκʼ Ἄργος ἢ τὸ Καδμείων πέδον
380

τιμῇ καθέξον ἢ πρὸς οὐρανὸν βιβῶν.

ταῦτʼ οὐκ ἀριθμός ἐστιν, ὦ πάτερ, λόγων,

ἀλλʼ ἔργα δεινά· τοὺς δὲ σοὺς ὅπου θεοὶ

πόνους κατοικτιοῦσιν οὐκ ἔχω μαθεῖν.

385

Οἰδίπους

ἤδη γὰρ ἔσχες ἐλπίδʼ ὡς ἐμοῦ θεοὺς
385

ὤραν τινʼ ἕξειν, ὥστε σωθῆναί ποτε;

Ἰσμήνη

ἔγωγε τοῖς νὺν γʼ, ὦ πάτερ, μαντεύμασιν.

Οἰδίπους

ποίοισι τούτοις; τί δὲ τεθέσπισται, τέκνον;

Ἰσμήνη

σὲ τοῖς ἐκεῖ ζητητὸν ἀνθρώποις ποτὲ

θανόντʼ ἔσεσθαι ζῶντά τʼ εὐσοίας χάριν.
390

Οἰδίπους

τίς δʼ ἂν τοιοῦδʼ ὑπʼ ἀνδρὸς εὖ πράξειεν ἄν;

Ἰσμήνη

ἐν σοὶ τὰ κείνων φασὶ γίγνεσθαι κράτη.

Οἰδίπους

ὅτʼ οὐκέτʼ εἰμί, τηνικαῦτʼ ἄρʼ εἴμʼ ἀνήρ;

Ἰσμήνη

νῦν γὰρ θεοί σʼ ὀρθοῦσι, πρόσθε δʼ ὤλλυσαν.

Οἰδίπους

γέροντα δʼ ὀρθοῦν φλαῦρον ὃς νέος πέσῃ.
395

Ἰσμήνη

καὶ μὴν Κρέοντά γʼ ἴσθι σοι τούτων χάριν

ἥξοντα βαιοῦ κοὐχὶ μυρίου χρόνου.

Οἰδίπους

ὅπως τί δράσῃ, θύγατερ; ἑρμήνευέ μοι.

Ἰσμήνη

ὥς σʼ ἄγχι γῆς στήσωσι Καδμείας, ὅπως

κρατῶσι μὲν σοῦ, γῆς δὲ μὴ ʼμβαίνῃς ὅρων.
400

Οἰδίπους

ἡ δʼ ὠφέλησις τίς θύρασι κειμένου;

Ἰσμήνη

κείνοις ὁ τύμβος δυστυχῶν ὁ σὸς βαρύς.

Οἰδίπους

κἄνευ θεοῦ τις τοῦτό γʼ ἂν γνώμῃ μάθοι.

Ἰσμήνη

τούτου χάριν τοίνυν σε προσθέσθαι πέλας

χώρας θέλουσι, μηδʼ ἵνʼ ἂν σαυτοῦ κρατοῖς.
405

Οἰδίπους

ἦ καὶ κατασκιῶσι Θηβαίᾳ κόνει;

Ἰσμήνη

ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐᾷ τοὔμφυλον αἷμά σʼ, ὦ πάτερ.

Οἰδίπους

οὐκ ἆρʼ ἐμοῦ γε μὴ κρατήσωσίν ποτε.

Ἰσμήνη

ἔσται ποτʼ ἆρα τοῦτο Καδμείοις βάρος.

Οἰδίπους

ποίας φανείσης, ὦ τέκνον, συναλλαγῆς;
410

Ἰσμήνη

τῆς σῆς ὑπʼ ὀργῆς, σοῖς ὅταν στῶσιν τάφοις.

Οἰδίπους

ἃ δʼ ἐννέπεις, κλύουσα τοῦ λέγεις, τέκνον;

Ἰσμήνη

ἀνδρῶν θεωρῶν Δελφικῆς ἀφʼ ἑστίας.

Οἰδίπους

καὶ ταῦτʼ ἐφʼ ἡμῖν Φοῖβος εἰρηκὼς κυρεῖ;

Ἰσμήνη

ὥς φασιν οἱ μολόντες εἰς Θήβης πέδον.
415

Οἰδίπους

παίδων τις οὖν ἤκουσε τῶν ἐμῶν τάδε;

Ἰσμήνη

ἄμφω γʼ ὁμοίως, κἀξεπίστασθον καλῶς.

Οἰδίπους

κᾆθʼ οἱ κάκιστοι τῶνδʼ ἀκούσαντες, πάρος

τοὐμοῦ πόθου προύθεντο τὴν τυραννίδα;

Ἰσμήνη

ἀλγῶ κλύουσα ταῦτʼ ἐγώ, φέρω δʼ ὅμως.
420

421

Οἰδίπους

ἀλλʼ οἱ θεοί σφιν μήτε τὴν πεπρωμένην

ἔριν κατασβέσειαν, ἔν τʼ ἐμοὶ τέλος

αὐτοῖν γένοιτο τῆσδε τῆς μάχης πέρι,

ἧς νῦν ἔχονται κἀπαναίρονται δόρυ·

ὡς οὔτʼ ἂν ὃς νῦν σκῆπτρα καὶ θρόνους ἔχει
425

μείνειεν οὔτʼ ἂν οὑξεληλυθὼς πάλιν

ἔλθοι ποτʼ αὖθις· οἵ γε τὸν φύσαντʼ ἐμὲ

οὕτως ἀτίμως πατρίδος ἐξωθούμενον

οὐκ ἔσχον οὐδʼ ἤμυναν, ἀλλʼ ἀνάστατος

αὐτοῖς ἐπέμφθην κἀξεκηρύχθην φυγάς.
430

εἴποις ἂν ὡς θέλοντι τοῦτʼ ἐμοὶ τότε

πόλις τὸ δῶρον εἰκότως κατῄνεσεν.

οὐ δῆτʼ, ἐπεί τοι τὴν μὲν αὐτίχʼ ἡμέραν,

ὁπηνίκʼ ἔζει θυμός, ἥδιστον δέ μοι

τὸ κατθανεῖν ἦν καὶ τὸ λευσθῆναι πέτροις,
435

οὐδεὶς ἔρωτʼ ἐς τόνδʼ ἐφαίνετʼ ὠφελῶν·

χρόνῳ δʼ, ὅτʼ ἤδη πᾶς ὁ μόχθος ἦν πέπων,

κἀμάνθανον τὸν θυμὸν ἐκδραμόντα μοι

μείζω κολαστὴν τῶν πρὶν ἡμαρτημένων,

τὸ τηνίκʼ ἤδη τοῦτο μὲν πόλις βίᾳ
440

ἤλαυνέ μʼ ἐκ γῆς χρόνιον, οἱ δʼ ἐπωφελεῖν,

οἱ τοῦ πατρός, τῷ πατρὶ δυνάμενοι, τὸ δρᾶν

οὐκ ἠθέλησαν, ἀλλʼ ἔπους σμικροῦ χάριν

φυγάς σφιν ἔξω πτωχὸς ἠλώμην ἀεί.

ἐκ ταῖνδε δʼ, οὔσαιν παρθένοιν, ὅσον φύσις
445

δίδωσιν αὐταῖν, καὶ τροφὰς ἔχω βίου

καὶ γῆς ἄδειαν καὶ γένους ἐπάρκεσιν·

τὼ δʼ ἀντὶ τοῦ φύσαντος εἱλέσθην θρόνους

καὶ σκῆπτρα κραίνειν καὶ τυραννεύειν χθονός.

ἀλλʼ οὔ τι μὴ λάχωσι τοῦδε συμμάχου,
450

οὐδέ σφιν ἀρχῆς τῆσδε Καδμείας ποτὲ

ὄνησις ἥξει· τοῦτʼ ἐγῷδα, τῆσδέ τε

μαντεῖʼ ἀκούων συννοῶν τε τἀξ ἐμοῦ

παλαίφαθʼ ἁμοὶ Φοῖβος ἤνυσέν ποτε.

πρὸς ταῦτα καὶ Κρέοντα πεμπόντων ἐμοῦ
455

μαστῆρα, κεἴ τις ἄλλος ἐν πόλει σθένει.

ἐὰν γὰρ ὑμεῖς, ὦ ξένοι, θέληθʼ ὁμοῦ

προστάτισι ταῖς σεμναῖσι δημούχοις θεαῖς

ἀλκὴν ποεῖσθαι, τῇδε τῇ πόλει μέγαν

σωτῆρʼ ἀρεῖσθε, τοῖς δʼ ἐμοῖς ἐχθροῖς πόνους.
460

461

Χορός

ἐπάξιος μέν, Οἰδίπους, κατοικτίσαι,

αὐτός τε παῖδές θʼ αἵδʼ· ἐπεὶ δὲ τῆσδε γῆς

σωτῆρα σαυτὸν τῷδʼ ἐπεμβάλλεις λόγῳ,

παραινέσαι σοι βούλομαι τὰ σύμφορα.

Οἰδίπους

ὦ φίλταθʼ, ὡς νῦν πᾶν τελοῦντι προξένει.
465

Χορός

θοῦ νῦν καθαρμὸν τῶνδε δαιμόνων, ἐφʼ ἃς

τὸ πρῶτον ἵκου καὶ κατέστειψας πέδον.

Οἰδίπους

τρόποισι ποίοις; ὦ ξένοι, διδάσκετε.

Χορός

πρῶτον μὲν ἱερὰς ἐξ ἀειρύτου χοὰς

κρήνης ἐνεγκοῦ, διʼ ὁσίων χειρῶν θιγών.
470

Οἰδίπους

ὅταν δὲ τοῦτο χεῦμʼ ἀκήρατον λάβω;

Χορός

κρατῆρές εἰσιν, ἀνδρὸς εὔχειρος τέχνη,

ὧν κρᾶτʼ ἔρεψον καὶ λαβὰς ἀμφιστόμους.

Οἰδίπους

θαλλοῖσιν ἢ κρόκαισιν, ἢ ποίῳ τρόπῳ;

Χορός

οἰός γε νεαρᾶς νεοπόκῳ μαλλῷ λαβών.
475

Οἰδίπους

εἶεν· τὸ δʼ ἔνθεν ποῖ τελευτῆσαί με χρή;

Χορός

χοὰς χέασθαι στάντα πρὸς πρώτην ἕω.

Οἰδίπους

ἦ τοῖσδε κρωσσοῖς οἷς λέγεις χέω τάδε;

Χορός

τρισσάς γε πηγάς· τὸν τελευταῖον δʼ ὅλον.

Οἰδίπους

τοῦ τόνδε πλήσας θῶ; δίδασκε καὶ τόδε.
480

Χορός

ὕδατος, μελίσσης· μηδὲ προσφέρειν μέθυ.

Οἰδίπους

ὅταν δὲ τούτων γῆ μελάμφυλλος τύχῃ;

Χορός

τρὶς ἐννέʼ αὐτῇ κλῶνας ἐξ ἀμφοῖν χεροῖν

τιθεὶς ἐλαίας τάσδʼ ἐπεύχεσθαι λιτάς.

Οἰδίπους

τούτων ἀκοῦσαι βούλομαι· μέγιστα γάρ.
485

Χορός

ὥς σφας καλοῦμεν Εὐμενίδας, ἐξ εὐμενῶν

στέρνων δέχεσθαι τὸν ἱκέτην σωτήριον,

αἰτοῦ σύ τʼ αὐτὸς κεἴ τις ἄλλος ἀντὶ σοῦ,

ἄπυστα φωνῶν μηδὲ μηκύνων βοήν·

ἔπειτʼ ἀφέρπειν ἄστροφος. καὶ ταῦτά σοι
490

δράσαντι θαρσῶν ἂν παρασταίην ἐγώ·

ἄλλως δὲ δειμαίνοιμʼ ἄν, ὦ ξένʼ, ἀμφὶ σοι.

Οἰδίπους

ὦ παῖδε, κλύετον τῶνδε προσχώρων ξένων;

Ἀντιγόνη

ἠκούσαμέν τε χὤ τι δεῖ πρόστασσε δρᾶν.

Οἰδίπους

ἐμοὶ μὲν οὐχ ὁδωτά· λείπομαι γὰρ ἐν
495

τῷ μὴ δύνασθαι μήδʼ ὁρᾶν, δυοῖν κακοῖν·

σφῷν δʼ ἁτέρα μολοῦσα πραξάτω τάδε.

ἀρκεῖν γὰρ οἶμαι κἀντὶ μυρίων μίαν

ψυχὴν τάδʼ ἐκτίνουσαν, ἢν εὔνους παρῇ.

ἀλλʼ ἐν τάχει τι πράσσετον· μόνον δέ με
500

μὴ λείπετʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἂν σθένοι τοὐμὸν δέμας

ἔρημον ἕρπειν οὐδʼ ὑφηγητοῦ δίχα.

Ἰσμήνη

ἀλλʼ εἶμʼ ἐγὼ τελοῦσα· τὸν τόπον δʼ ἵνα

χρῆσταί μʼ ἐφευρεῖν, τοῦτο βούλομαι μαθεῖν.

Χορός

τοὐκεῖθεν ἄλσους, ὦ ξένη, τοῦδʼ· ἢν δέ του
505

σπάνιν τινʼ ἴσχῃς, ἔστʼ ἔποικος ὃς φράσει.

Ἰσμήνη

χωροῖμʼ ἂν ἐς τόδʼ· Ἀντιγόνη, σὺ δʼ ἐνθάδε

φύλασσε πατέρα τόνδε· τοῖς τεκοῦσι γὰρ

οὐδʼ εἰ πονεῖ τις, δεῖ πόνου μνήμην ἔχειν.

Translations (4)

English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 337 focus

CH

Great Heaven forfend!

German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 337 focus

Ha, dieses Paar von Brüdern, das Aegyptos' Art

So ganz in Sinn und Leben sich zum Muster nahm!

Dort bleibt das Volk der Männer allezeit daheim¹

Am Webestuhle sizen, und die Frau'n ergeh'n
335

Sich draußen, schaffend, was die Noth des Lebens heischt.

So walten jene, welchen hier um mich zu sein

Oblag, o Kinder, Mädchen gleich, im Haus daheim;

Ihr aber müht statt ihrer euch um mein Geschick,

Das jammervolle; diese, seit aus junger Zucht
340

Sie frisch heranwuchs und erstarkt am Körper war,

Irrt' auf der herben Wanderfahrt mit mir herum,

Kastlos den Greis geleitend; oft umhergescheucht

Durch wilde Wälder, ohne Nahrung, unbeschuht,

Ost auch mit Regenschauern und der Sonne Brand
345

Mühselig ringend, achtet sie des Hauses Hut

Und Fülle nichtig, hat der Vater Pflege nur.

(zu Ismene)

Du, Tochter, brachtest früher schon dem Vater stets,

Geheim vor Kadmos' Volke, jeden Götterspruch,

Der über dieses Haupt erscholl; du standest ihm
350

Zur Seite treulich, als man ihn vom Land verstieß.

Und welche Kunde bringst du jezt dem Vater, Kind?

Was trieb vom Heimatherde dich zur Fahrt hinaus?

Nicht leer ja kommst du, (dessen bin ich ganz gewiß,)

Nicht, ohne daß du Schrecken mir verkündigest.
355

Ismene.

Ich mag die Leiden, Vater, die ich selbst erlitt,

Seitdem ich deinen Aufenthalt zu suchen ging,

Dir nicht beschreiben; denn ich will nicht doppelt Schmerz

Empfinden, duldend und sodann verkündigend.

Das Mißgeschick nur, das die beiden Armen jezt
360

Bedrängt, die Brüder, komm' ich her dir kundzuthun.

Erst war ihr Wille, Kreon auf dem leeren Thron

Zu lassen; denn sie wollten nicht durch Blut die Stadt

Entweih'n, des Fluches eingedenk, der lange schon

Vernichtend ruht auf deinem unglückvollen Haus.
365

Jezt riß ein Gott und frevelhafter Uebermuth

Die dreimal Unglücksel'gen fort in wilden Streit,

Sich anzumaßen Königsmacht und Herrschgewalt.

Und Polyneikes, deinen Erstgeborenen,

Beraubt der Andre, welcher ihm an Jahren weicht,
370

Des Thrones, treibt ihn aus dem Vaterlande fort.

Doch der (von dieser Sage voll ist unsre Stadt)

Entfloh nach Argos' Thalen, knüpft ein neues Band²

Der Ehe, schließt mit Freunden einen Waffenbund,

Als müss' ihm Argos Kadmos' Stadt sofort mit Ruhm³
375

Gewinnen, oder fallend sie verherrlichen.

Dies, Vater, sind nicht eitle leere Worte, nein,

Sind schwere Thaten; wo die Götter deine Noth

Erbarmend enden werden, das erkenn' ich nicht.

Oedipus.

English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 337 focus

Oedipus

Where are you then?

English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904)) — 254-507 focus

Chorus

Feel sure, daughter of Oedipus, that we pity you and him alike

for your misfortune; but dreading the punishment of the gods, we could not say anything beyond what we have now said to you.
255

Oedipus

What help comes, then, of repute or fair fame, if it ends in idle breath;

seeing that Athens , as men say, is god-fearing beyond all, and alone has the power to shelter the outraged stranger, and alone the power to help him?
And where are these things for me, when, after making me rise up from this rocky seat, you then drive me from the land, afraid of my name alone?
260

Not, surely, afraid of my person or of my acts; since my acts, at least, have been in suffering rather than doing—if I must mention the tale of my mother and my father, because of which you fear me. That know I full well.
265

And yet how was I innately evil? I, who was merely requiting a wrong, so that, had I been acting with knowledge, even then I could not be accounted evil. But, as it was, all unknowing I went where I went—while they who wronged me knowingly sought my ruin.
270

Therefore, strangers, I beseech you by the gods: just as you made me leave my seat, so protect me, and do not, while you render honor to the gods, consider those gods to be fools. But rather consider that they look on the god-fearing man
275

and on the godless, and that never yet has an impious man found escape.
With the help of those gods, do not becloud the prosperity of Athens by paying service to unholy deeds. As you have received the suppliant under your pledge,
280

rescue me and guard me to the end; nor dishonor me when you look on this face unlovely to behold, for I have come to you as one sacred and pious, bearing comfort for this people. But when the master has come,
285

whoever is your leader, then you will hear and know all; meanwhile show yourselves in no way evil.
290

Chorus

The thoughts you urge, old man, must move awe; they have been set forth in grave words.

But I am content that the rulers of our country should judge in this case.
295

296

Oedipus

And where, strangers, is the lord of this realm?

Chorus

He is at the city of his fathers in our land. The messenger who sent us here has gone to fetch him.

Oedipus

Do you think that he will have any regard or care for the blind man,

so as to come here himself?
300

Chorus

Yes, surely, as soon as he learns of your name.

Oedipus

Who is there to bring him that word?

Chorus

The way is long, and many words from travellers often wander about. When he hears them, he will soon be with us, never fear.

For your name, old man, has been loudly trumpeted through all lands, so that even if he is taking his ease, and slow to move, when he hears of you he will swiftly arrive.
305

Oedipus

Well, may he come with good fortune both for his own city and for me! What noble man is not his own friend?

Antigone

O Zeus! What shall I say? What shall I think, my father?
310

Oedipus

What is it, Antigone, my child?

Antigone

I see a woman coming towards us, mounted on a colt of Etna ; she wears a Thessalian bonnet to screen her face from the sun.

What shall I say? Is it she, or is it not? Does my judgment err? Yes—no—I cannot tell—ah, me! It is no other, yes! She greets me with bright glances
315

as she draws near, and makes a signal. Here is Ismene, clearly, and no other before me.
320

Oedipus

What is that you say, my child?

Antigone

That I see your daughter, my sister. By her voice right away you can know her.

Ismene

Father and sister, names most sweet to me! How hard it was to find you!

And how hard now to look upon you for my tears!
325

Oedipus

My child, have you come?

Ismene

Father, your fate is sad to see!

Oedipus

Are you with us, my child?

Ismene

Not without toil, indeed, for myself.

Oedipus

Touch me, my daughter!

Ismene

I give a hand to each at once.

Oedipus

Ah my children, my sisters!
330

Ismene

Alas, twice-wretched life!

Oedipus

Her life and mine?

Ismene

And mine, wretched me, makes a third.

Oedipus

Child, why have you come?

Ismene

Through concern for you, father.

Oedipus

Through longing to see me?

Ismene

Yes, and to bring you news by my own mouth, with the only faithful servant that I had.

Oedipus

And where are the young men, your brothers, in our need?
335

Ismene

They are where they are; their circumstances now are terrible.

337

Oedipus

True image of the ways of Egypt that they show in their spirit and their life! For there the men sit weaving in the house,

but the wives go forth to win the daily bread. And in your case, my daughters, those to whom these toils belonged keep the house at home like maidens, while you two, in their place, bear your poor father’s woes.
340

The one, from the time when her youth was past and she came into her strength, has always been this old man’s guide in weary wanderings, often roaming, hungry and barefoot, through the wild woods, often battered by rains and scorching sun.
345

And the comforts of home, poor girl, she holds in the second place, so long as her father should have her care.
And you, my child, in former days came forth, bringing your father, unknown to the Cadmeans, all the oracles that had been given concerning Oedipus.
350

You became a faithful guardian on my behalf, when I was being driven from the land. Now, in turn, what new tidings have you brought your father, Ismene? On what mission have you set forth from home? For you do not come empty-handed, I know well,
355

or without some cause of fear for me.
360

Ismene

The sufferings that I bore, father, in seeking where you dwelt, I will pass by; I would not renew the pain in the recital.

But the evils that now beset your ill-fated sons—it is of these that I have come to tell. At first it was their decision that the throne should be left to Creon, and the city spared pollution, when they thought calmly about the ancient blight on our race,
365

and how it has clung to your unfortunate house. But now, moved by some god and by sinful heart, an evil strife has seized them—thrice-deluded!—to grasp at rule and the power of a tyrant. And the younger son has stripped the elder, Polyneices, of the throne,
370

and has driven him from his fatherland. But he, as the widespread rumor says among us, has gone to the valley of Argos as an exile, and is taking to himself a new marriage connection, and warriors for his friends, intending that Argos soon get hold of the Cadmean land,
375

or send its praises to the sky. These are not empty words, my father, but terrible deeds; and where the gods will have pity on your grief, I cannot tell.
380

385

Oedipus

What, had you come to hope that the gods would ever have concern enough for me to give me rescue?
385

Ismene

Yes, that is my hope, father, from the present oracles.

Oedipus

What are they? What has been prophesied, my child?

Ismene

That you will be desired some day, in life and death, by the men of that land,

for their safety’s sake.
390

Oedipus

And who could profit from such a one as I?

Ismene

Their power, it is said, proves to be in your hands.

Oedipus

When I no longer exist, then I am a man?

Ismene

Yes, for the gods now raise you up; but before they worked your ruin.

Oedipus

It is a paltry thing to raise up age, when youth was ruined.
395

Ismene

Well, know at least that Creon will come to you on this account—and soon, not late.

Oedipus

With what purpose, daughter? Interpret that to me.

Ismene

To plant you near the Cadmean land, so that they may have you in their power,

while you may not set foot within their borders.
400

Oedipus

And how can I profit them while I rest beyond their gates?

Ismene

Your tomb contains a curse for them, if it should suffer misfortune.

Oedipus

I need no god to help my wits so far.

Ismene

For this reason, therefore, they wish to get you as their neighbor;

but in a place where they will have you at their mercy.
405

Oedipus

Will they really cover me in Theban dust?

Ismene

No, the guilt of related blood forbids you, father.

Oedipus

Then never will they become my masters.

Ismene

Someday then this will be a grief for the Cadmeans.

Oedipus

In what conjunction of events, my child?
410

Ismene

Under the power of your anger, when they stand at your tomb.

Oedipus

And who has told you this, my child?

Ismene

Sacred envoys, from the Delphian hearth.

Oedipus

And has Phoebus indeed spoken this concerning me?

Ismene

So say the men who have come back to Thebes .
415

Oedipus

Has either of my sons heard this?

Ismene

Yes, both have heard it, and know it well.

Oedipus

And then those most evil of sons, aware of this, preferred the kingship to the wish of recalling me?

Ismene

It grieves me to hear this, but I must bear it.
420

421

Oedipus

Then may the gods not quench their fated strife, and may it fall to me to decide this war on which they are now setting their hands, raising spear against spear!

For then neither would he who now holds the scepter and the throne survive, nor would the exile ever return; seeing that when I, their father, was being thrust without honor from my country, they did not stop or defend me. No, they saw me sent forth homeless,
425

and heard the crier proclaim my sentence of exile.
Perhaps you will say that that was my own wish then, and that the city fittingly granted me that gift. Not so! For on that first day, when my heart seethed,
430

and my sweetest wish was for death—indeed, death by stoning—no one was found to help me in that desire. But after a time, when all my anguish was now softened, and when I began to feel that my heart had been excessive in punishing those past errors,
435

then it was that the city set about to drive me by force from the land, after all that time. And my sons, when they had the strength to bring help—sons to their own father—they would not do it. For lack of one little word from them, I was left to wander, an outcast and a beggar forever.
440

Instead, it is from these, maidens as they are, insofar as nature enables them, that I obtain my daily food, and a shelter in the land, and the aid of family. Their brothers have bartered their father for the throne, the scepter of power, and the rule of the realm.
445

No, never will they win Oedipus for an ally, nor will good ever come to them from this reign at Thebes ; that I know, when I hear this maiden’s oracles and reflect on the old prophecies stored in my own mind, which Phoebus has fulfilled for me at last.
450

Therefore let them send Creon to seek me—or whoever else is mighty in Thebes . For if you, strangers, with the help of the dread goddesses who reign among your district, are willing to defend me, you will obtain a great savior for this city,
455

and troubles for my enemies.
460

461

Chorus

You are worthy of compassion, Oedipus, both you and these maidens. And since to this plea you append your power to save our land, I wish to advise you for your advantage.

Oedipus

Dearest friends, be my patrons, and I will bring everything to completion.
465

Chorus

Then make atonement to these divinities, to whom you have come first, and on whose ground you have trespassed.

Oedipus

With what rites? Instruct me, strangers.

Chorus

First, from an ever-flowing

spring bring sacred drink-offerings, borne in ritually pure hands.
470

Oedipus

And when I have gotten this unmixed draught?

Chorus

There are bowls, the work of a skilled craftsman; crown their edges and the handles at either side.

Oedipus

With olive branches, or woollen cloths, or in what way?

Chorus

Take the freshly-shorn wool of a ewe-lamb.
475

Oedipus

Good; and then to what last rite shall I proceed?

Chorus

Pour the drink-offerings, with your face to the dawn.

Oedipus

Shall I pour them with these vessels of which you speak?

Chorus

Yes, in three streams; but the last vessel—

Oedipus

With what shall I fill this, before I set it down? Teach me this also.
480

Chorus

With water and honey; but add no wine.

Oedipus

And when the ground under the dark shade has drunk these?

Chorus

Three times lay on it nine branches of olive with both your hands, and meanwhile make this prayer.

Oedipus

I wish to hear this prayer; it is the most important part.
485

Chorus

We call them Eumenides, so that with well-wishing power they may receive the suppliant as his saviors. Let this be your prayer, or of whoever prays for you. Speak inaudibly, and do not lift up your voice; then depart, without looking behind.

If you should do this, I would be bold enough to come to your aid; but otherwise, stranger, I would fear for you.
490

Oedipus

Daughters, do you hear these strangers who dwell nearby?

Antigone

We have listened. Tell us what to do.

Oedipus

I cannot make the trip; for I am disabled by lack of strength and lack of sight, twin evils. But let one of you two go and do these things. For I think that one soul suffices to pay this debt for ten thousand, if it comes with good will.
495

Act, then, with speed. But do not abandon me, for my body would not have the strength to move, without help or a guiding hand.
500

Ismene

Then I will go to perform the rite; but where I am to find the place—this I wish to learn.

Chorus

On the further side of this grove, stranger. And if you have need of anything, there is a guardian of the place. He will direct you.
505

Ismene

Off to my task. But you, Antigone, watch our father here. In the case of parents, if we toil, we must not keep a memory of it. Ismene exits.

Commentary

Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))

mvp-comment-1011-1 While the MS. words ἴδε μάλα μέγας ἐρείπεται correspond with the first verse of the strophe (1447), the second verse here exceeds its strophic counterpart by uu . Hermann supplied νέα in the strophe: Heinrich Schmidt omits ὅδε here. We need not do either. The erasure in L at μάλα μέγας shows that some disturbance had occurred; and this may have concerned the order of words. If we write

μέγας, ἴδε, μάλ’ ὅδ’ ἐρείπεται

κτύπος ἄφατος διόβολος

, we get an exact correspondence, without either adding to the strophe or taking from the antistrophe.

mvp-comment-1011-2 ἐρείπεται ¹

mvp-comment-1011-3 κτύπος … διόβολος ²

mvp-comment-1011-4 ἄκραν ³

mvp-comment-1012-1 ἔπτηξα ⁴

mvp-comment-1012-2 θυμόν ⁵

mvp-comment-1012-3 οὐρανία ⁶

mvp-comment-1013-1 τί … ἀφήσει τέλος ⁷

mvp-comment-1013-2 μὰν ⁸

mvp-comment-1014-1 L has δέδεια τόδ’ , which might easily have grown out of δέδοικα δ’ (Nauck). The latter is recommended by metre, giving an exact correspondence if in 1454 we read στρέφων : cp. on 1453

f. With δέδια τόδ’ it is necessary to suppose a very improbable resolution of - into uu ; see Metrical Analysis.

mvp-comment-1015-1 ἀφορμᾷ ⁹

mvp-comment-1015-2 ξυμφορᾶς ¹⁰

mvp-comment-1016-1 ὦ μέγας αἰθήρ ¹¹

Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus

1462. mvp-comment-777-1 ἴδε μάλα Lo! now again. μάλα emphasizing the repetition, as in μάλ᾽ αὖθις, cp. Aesch. Cho. 870, ἔα, ἔα μάλα: S. c. Τ. 915, δόμων μάλ᾽ ἀχὰν ἐς οὖς προπέμπει δαΐκτωρ γόος: Pers. 1045, οἱ μάλα καὶ τόδ᾽ ἀλγῶ: Hdt. 1. 181, καὶ ἕτερος μάλα ἐπὶ τούτου.

1462. mvp-comment-777-2 μέγας . . διόβολος There comes mightily crashing down the unutterable roar of the Zeus-hurled bolt. As in πτερωτὸς βροντή supra, the thunder has the attributes of the lightning.

1462. mvp-comment-777-3 ἄφατος, of an overwhelming sensation, as in O. T. 1314, νέφος.. ἐπιπλόμενον ἄφατον.

1464. mvp-comment-778-1 ἐς.. φόβαν (1) And fear hath crept even to the very hair of my head. ἄκραν, adverbial. Or (2) to the very tips of my hair; with a suggestion of the hair standing on end.

1466. mvp-comment-779-1 ἔπτηξα θυμόν 'I am cowed at heart. On the aorist used when the speaker reflects on his own state, see Essay on Language § 32. p. 55, and cp. esp. Αj. 693. ἔφριξ᾽ ἔρωτι. The MS. reading οὐρανία, which is metrically indefensible, can be best accounted for as a mistaken gloss on οὐρανοῦ, which, however, is not really a descriptive genitive (like ἄστρων .. εὐφρόνη in El. 19), but = from heaven, from the region of the sky. Meineke conj. οὐρανόν, i. e. Lights up the heaven.

1467. mvp-comment-780-1 μάν gives to the question a wondering expression.

1469. mvp-comment-781-1 τί.. τέλος 'What event will it bring forth?" Cp. φωνήν, ἀράς, χροιὰς ἀφιέναι.

1469. mvp-comment-781-2 δέδια τόδ' The reading of l. 1454 being uncertain, it is better not to alter this the corresponding line, for the sake of the metre only, seeing that IC is not an impossible rhythm. Hence it is better to retain τόδ', which has a good meaning (τὸ τῆς βροντῆς χρήμα) and also gives a reason for the neuter gender of ἅλιον.

1469-1470. mvp-comment-782-1 οὐ γὰρ.. ξυμφορᾶς For it never goes forth resultless, never without grave issues. For the repetition of οὐκ, see Essay on Language § 29. p. 48. Heath conj. οὐδ᾽.

1471. mvp-comment-783-1 ὦ μέγας αἰθήρ Tremendous power of the sky. Cp. Aj. 173, ὦ μεγάλα φάτις, in a similar expression of awe and dread.

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Οἰδίπους καὶ ποῦ ʼσθʼ ὁ κραίνων τῆσδε τῆς χώρας, ξένοι;

Χορός πατρῷον ἄστυ γῆς ἔχει· σκοπὸς δέ νιν, ὃς κἀμὲ δεῦρʼ ἔπεμψεν, οἴχεται στελῶν.

Οἰδίπους ἦ καὶ δοκεῖτε τοῦ τυφλοῦ τινʼ ἐντροπὴν ἢ φροντίδʼ, ἕξειν, αὐτὸν ὥστʼ ἐλθεῖν πέλας; 300

Χορός καὶ κάρθʼ, ὅταν περ τοὔνομʼ αἴσθηται τὸ σόν.

Οἰδίπους τίς δʼ ἔσθʼ ὁ κείνῳ τοῦτο τοὔπος ἀγγελῶν;

Οἰδίπους ἀλλʼ εὐτυχὴς ἵκοιτο τῇ θʼ αὑτοῦ πόλει ἐμοί τε· τίς γὰρ ἐσθλὸς οὐχ αὑτῷ φίλος;

Ἀντιγόνη ὦ Ζεῦ, τί λέξω; ποῖ φρενῶν ἔλθω, πάτερ; 310

Οἰδίπους τί δʼ ἔστι, τέκνον Ἀντιγόνη;

Οἰδίπους πῶς εἶπας, ὦ παῖ;

Ἀντιγόνη παῖδα σήν, ἐμὴν δʼ ὁρᾶν ὅμαιμον· αὐδῇ δʼ αὐτίκʼ ἔξεστιν μαθεῖν.

Ἰσμήνη ὦ δισσὰ πατρὸς καὶ κασιγνήτης ἐμοὶ ἥδιστα προσφωνήμαθʼ, ὡς ὑμᾶς μόλις 325 εὑροῦσα λύπῃ δεύτερον μόλις βλέπω.

Οἰδίπους ὦ τέκνον, ἥκεις;

Ἰσμήνη ὦ πάτερ δύσμοιρʼ ὁρᾶν.

Οἰδίπους τέκνον, πέφηνας;

Ἰσμήνη οὐκ ἄνευ μόχθου γέ μοι.

Οἰδίπους πρόσψαυσον, ὦ παῖ.

Ἰσμήνη θιγγάνω δυοῖν ὁμοῦ.

Οἰδίπους ὦ σπέρμʼ ὅμαιμον. 330

Ἰσμήνη ὦ δυσάθλιαι τροφαί.

Οἰδίπους ἦ τῆσδε κἀμοῦ;

Ἰσμήνη δυσμόρου τʼ ἐμοῦ τρίτης.

Οἰδίπους τέκνον, τί δʼ ἦλθες;

Ἰσμήνη σῇ, πάτερ, προμηθίᾳ.

Οἰδίπους πότερα πόθοισι;

Ἰσμήνη καὶ λόγων γʼ αὐτάγγελος, ξὺν ᾧπερ εἶχον οἰκετῶν πιστῷ μόνῳ.

Οἰδίπους οἱ δʼ αὐθόμαιμοι ποῦ νεανίαι πονεῖν; 335

Ἰσμήνη εἴσʼ οὗπέρ εἰσι· δεινὰ τἀν κείνοις τανῦν.

Οἰδίπους ἤδη γὰρ ἔσχες ἐλπίδʼ ὡς ἐμοῦ θεοὺς 385 ὤραν τινʼ ἕξειν, ὥστε σωθῆναί ποτε;

Ἰσμήνη ἔγωγε τοῖς νὺν γʼ, ὦ πάτερ, μαντεύμασιν.

Οἰδίπους ποίοισι τούτοις; τί δὲ τεθέσπισται, τέκνον;

Ἰσμήνη σὲ τοῖς ἐκεῖ ζητητὸν ἀνθρώποις ποτὲ θανόντʼ ἔσεσθαι ζῶντά τʼ εὐσοίας χάριν. 390

Οἰδίπους τίς δʼ ἂν τοιοῦδʼ ὑπʼ ἀνδρὸς εὖ πράξειεν ἄν;

Ἰσμήνη ἐν σοὶ τὰ κείνων φασὶ γίγνεσθαι κράτη.

Οἰδίπους ὅτʼ οὐκέτʼ εἰμί, τηνικαῦτʼ ἄρʼ εἴμʼ ἀνήρ;

Ἰσμήνη νῦν γὰρ θεοί σʼ ὀρθοῦσι, πρόσθε δʼ ὤλλυσαν.

Οἰδίπους γέροντα δʼ ὀρθοῦν φλαῦρον ὃς νέος πέσῃ. 395

Ἰσμήνη καὶ μὴν Κρέοντά γʼ ἴσθι σοι τούτων χάριν ἥξοντα βαιοῦ κοὐχὶ μυρίου χρόνου.

Οἰδίπους ὅπως τί δράσῃ, θύγατερ; ἑρμήνευέ μοι.

Ἰσμήνη ὥς σʼ ἄγχι γῆς στήσωσι Καδμείας, ὅπως κρατῶσι μὲν σοῦ, γῆς δὲ μὴ ʼμβαίνῃς ὅρων. 400

Οἰδίπους ἡ δʼ ὠφέλησις τίς θύρασι κειμένου;

Ἰσμήνη κείνοις ὁ τύμβος δυστυχῶν ὁ σὸς βαρύς.

Οἰδίπους κἄνευ θεοῦ τις τοῦτό γʼ ἂν γνώμῃ μάθοι.

Ἰσμήνη τούτου χάριν τοίνυν σε προσθέσθαι πέλας χώρας θέλουσι, μηδʼ ἵνʼ ἂν σαυτοῦ κρατοῖς. 405

Οἰδίπους ἦ καὶ κατασκιῶσι Θηβαίᾳ κόνει;

Ἰσμήνη ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐᾷ τοὔμφυλον αἷμά σʼ, ὦ πάτερ.

Οἰδίπους οὐκ ἆρʼ ἐμοῦ γε μὴ κρατήσωσίν ποτε.

Ἰσμήνη ἔσται ποτʼ ἆρα τοῦτο Καδμείοις βάρος.

Οἰδίπους ποίας φανείσης, ὦ τέκνον, συναλλαγῆς; 410

Ἰσμήνη τῆς σῆς ὑπʼ ὀργῆς, σοῖς ὅταν στῶσιν τάφοις.

Οἰδίπους ἃ δʼ ἐννέπεις, κλύουσα τοῦ λέγεις, τέκνον;

Ἰσμήνη ἀνδρῶν θεωρῶν Δελφικῆς ἀφʼ ἑστίας.

Οἰδίπους καὶ ταῦτʼ ἐφʼ ἡμῖν Φοῖβος εἰρηκὼς κυρεῖ;

Ἰσμήνη ὥς φασιν οἱ μολόντες εἰς Θήβης πέδον. 415

Οἰδίπους παίδων τις οὖν ἤκουσε τῶν ἐμῶν τάδε;

Ἰσμήνη ἄμφω γʼ ὁμοίως, κἀξεπίστασθον καλῶς.

Οἰδίπους κᾆθʼ οἱ κάκιστοι τῶνδʼ ἀκούσαντες, πάρος τοὐμοῦ πόθου προύθεντο τὴν τυραννίδα;

Ἰσμήνη ἀλγῶ κλύουσα ταῦτʼ ἐγώ, φέρω δʼ ὅμως. 420

Οἰδίπους ὦ φίλταθʼ, ὡς νῦν πᾶν τελοῦντι προξένει. 465

Χορός θοῦ νῦν καθαρμὸν τῶνδε δαιμόνων, ἐφʼ ἃς τὸ πρῶτον ἵκου καὶ κατέστειψας πέδον.

Οἰδίπους τρόποισι ποίοις; ὦ ξένοι, διδάσκετε.

Χορός πρῶτον μὲν ἱερὰς ἐξ ἀειρύτου χοὰς κρήνης ἐνεγκοῦ, διʼ ὁσίων χειρῶν θιγών. 470

Οἰδίπους ὅταν δὲ τοῦτο χεῦμʼ ἀκήρατον λάβω;

Χορός κρατῆρές εἰσιν, ἀνδρὸς εὔχειρος τέχνη, ὧν κρᾶτʼ ἔρεψον καὶ λαβὰς ἀμφιστόμους.

Οἰδίπους θαλλοῖσιν ἢ κρόκαισιν, ἢ ποίῳ τρόπῳ;

Χορός οἰός γε νεαρᾶς νεοπόκῳ μαλλῷ λαβών. 475

Οἰδίπους εἶεν· τὸ δʼ ἔνθεν ποῖ τελευτῆσαί με χρή;

Χορός χοὰς χέασθαι στάντα πρὸς πρώτην ἕω.

Οἰδίπους ἦ τοῖσδε κρωσσοῖς οἷς λέγεις χέω τάδε;

Χορός τρισσάς γε πηγάς· τὸν τελευταῖον δʼ ὅλον.

Οἰδίπους τοῦ τόνδε πλήσας θῶ; δίδασκε καὶ τόδε. 480

Χορός ὕδατος, μελίσσης· μηδὲ προσφέρειν μέθυ.

Οἰδίπους ὅταν δὲ τούτων γῆ μελάμφυλλος τύχῃ;

Χορός τρὶς ἐννέʼ αὐτῇ κλῶνας ἐξ ἀμφοῖν χεροῖν τιθεὶς ἐλαίας τάσδʼ ἐπεύχεσθαι λιτάς.

Οἰδίπους τούτων ἀκοῦσαι βούλομαι· μέγιστα γάρ. 485

Οἰδίπους ὦ παῖδε, κλύετον τῶνδε προσχώρων ξένων;

Ἀντιγόνη ἠκούσαμέν τε χὤ τι δεῖ πρόστασσε δρᾶν.

Ἰσμήνη ἀλλʼ εἶμʼ ἐγὼ τελοῦσα· τὸν τόπον δʼ ἵνα χρῆσταί μʼ ἐφευρεῖν, τοῦτο βούλομαι μαθεῖν.

Οἰδίπους

καὶ ποῦ ʼσθʼ ὁ κραίνων τῆσδε τῆς χώρας, ξένοι;

Χορός

πατρῷον ἄστυ γῆς ἔχει· σκοπὸς δέ νιν,

ὃς κἀμὲ δεῦρʼ ἔπεμψεν, οἴχεται στελῶν.

Οἰδίπους

ἦ καὶ δοκεῖτε τοῦ τυφλοῦ τινʼ ἐντροπὴν

ἢ φροντίδʼ, ἕξειν, αὐτὸν ὥστʼ ἐλθεῖν πέλας;
300

Χορός

καὶ κάρθʼ, ὅταν περ τοὔνομʼ αἴσθηται τὸ σόν.

Οἰδίπους

τίς δʼ ἔσθʼ ὁ κείνῳ τοῦτο τοὔπος ἀγγελῶν;

Οἰδίπους

ἀλλʼ εὐτυχὴς ἵκοιτο τῇ θʼ αὑτοῦ πόλει

ἐμοί τε· τίς γὰρ ἐσθλὸς οὐχ αὑτῷ φίλος;

Ἀντιγόνη

ὦ Ζεῦ, τί λέξω; ποῖ φρενῶν ἔλθω, πάτερ;
310

Οἰδίπους

τί δʼ ἔστι, τέκνον Ἀντιγόνη;

Οἰδίπους

πῶς εἶπας, ὦ παῖ;

Ἀντιγόνη

παῖδα σήν, ἐμὴν δʼ ὁρᾶν

ὅμαιμον· αὐδῇ δʼ αὐτίκʼ ἔξεστιν μαθεῖν.

Ἰσμήνη

ὦ δισσὰ πατρὸς καὶ κασιγνήτης ἐμοὶ

ἥδιστα προσφωνήμαθʼ, ὡς ὑμᾶς μόλις
325

εὑροῦσα λύπῃ δεύτερον μόλις βλέπω.

Οἰδίπους

ὦ τέκνον, ἥκεις;

Ἰσμήνη

ὦ πάτερ δύσμοιρʼ ὁρᾶν.

Οἰδίπους

τέκνον, πέφηνας;

Ἰσμήνη

οὐκ ἄνευ μόχθου γέ μοι.

Οἰδίπους

πρόσψαυσον, ὦ παῖ.

Ἰσμήνη

θιγγάνω δυοῖν ὁμοῦ.

Οἰδίπους

ὦ σπέρμʼ ὅμαιμον.
330

Ἰσμήνη

ὦ δυσάθλιαι τροφαί.

Οἰδίπους

ἦ τῆσδε κἀμοῦ;

Ἰσμήνη

δυσμόρου τʼ ἐμοῦ τρίτης.

Οἰδίπους

τέκνον, τί δʼ ἦλθες;

Ἰσμήνη

σῇ, πάτερ, προμηθίᾳ.

Οἰδίπους

πότερα πόθοισι;

Ἰσμήνη

καὶ λόγων γʼ αὐτάγγελος,

ξὺν ᾧπερ εἶχον οἰκετῶν πιστῷ μόνῳ.

Οἰδίπους

οἱ δʼ αὐθόμαιμοι ποῦ νεανίαι πονεῖν;
335

Ἰσμήνη

εἴσʼ οὗπέρ εἰσι· δεινὰ τἀν κείνοις τανῦν.

Οἰδίπους

ἤδη γὰρ ἔσχες ἐλπίδʼ ὡς ἐμοῦ θεοὺς
385

ὤραν τινʼ ἕξειν, ὥστε σωθῆναί ποτε;

Ἰσμήνη

ἔγωγε τοῖς νὺν γʼ, ὦ πάτερ, μαντεύμασιν.

Οἰδίπους

ποίοισι τούτοις; τί δὲ τεθέσπισται, τέκνον;

Ἰσμήνη

σὲ τοῖς ἐκεῖ ζητητὸν ἀνθρώποις ποτὲ

θανόντʼ ἔσεσθαι ζῶντά τʼ εὐσοίας χάριν.
390

Οἰδίπους

τίς δʼ ἂν τοιοῦδʼ ὑπʼ ἀνδρὸς εὖ πράξειεν ἄν;

Ἰσμήνη

ἐν σοὶ τὰ κείνων φασὶ γίγνεσθαι κράτη.

Οἰδίπους

ὅτʼ οὐκέτʼ εἰμί, τηνικαῦτʼ ἄρʼ εἴμʼ ἀνήρ;

Ἰσμήνη

νῦν γὰρ θεοί σʼ ὀρθοῦσι, πρόσθε δʼ ὤλλυσαν.

Οἰδίπους

γέροντα δʼ ὀρθοῦν φλαῦρον ὃς νέος πέσῃ.
395

Ἰσμήνη

καὶ μὴν Κρέοντά γʼ ἴσθι σοι τούτων χάριν

ἥξοντα βαιοῦ κοὐχὶ μυρίου χρόνου.

Οἰδίπους

ὅπως τί δράσῃ, θύγατερ; ἑρμήνευέ μοι.

Ἰσμήνη

ὥς σʼ ἄγχι γῆς στήσωσι Καδμείας, ὅπως

κρατῶσι μὲν σοῦ, γῆς δὲ μὴ ʼμβαίνῃς ὅρων.
400

Οἰδίπους

ἡ δʼ ὠφέλησις τίς θύρασι κειμένου;

Ἰσμήνη

κείνοις ὁ τύμβος δυστυχῶν ὁ σὸς βαρύς.

Οἰδίπους

κἄνευ θεοῦ τις τοῦτό γʼ ἂν γνώμῃ μάθοι.

Ἰσμήνη

τούτου χάριν τοίνυν σε προσθέσθαι πέλας

χώρας θέλουσι, μηδʼ ἵνʼ ἂν σαυτοῦ κρατοῖς.
405

Οἰδίπους

ἦ καὶ κατασκιῶσι Θηβαίᾳ κόνει;

Ἰσμήνη

ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐᾷ τοὔμφυλον αἷμά σʼ, ὦ πάτερ.

Οἰδίπους

οὐκ ἆρʼ ἐμοῦ γε μὴ κρατήσωσίν ποτε.

Ἰσμήνη

ἔσται ποτʼ ἆρα τοῦτο Καδμείοις βάρος.

Οἰδίπους

ποίας φανείσης, ὦ τέκνον, συναλλαγῆς;
410

Ἰσμήνη

τῆς σῆς ὑπʼ ὀργῆς, σοῖς ὅταν στῶσιν τάφοις.

Οἰδίπους

ἃ δʼ ἐννέπεις, κλύουσα τοῦ λέγεις, τέκνον;

Ἰσμήνη

ἀνδρῶν θεωρῶν Δελφικῆς ἀφʼ ἑστίας.

Οἰδίπους

καὶ ταῦτʼ ἐφʼ ἡμῖν Φοῖβος εἰρηκὼς κυρεῖ;

Ἰσμήνη

ὥς φασιν οἱ μολόντες εἰς Θήβης πέδον.
415

Οἰδίπους

παίδων τις οὖν ἤκουσε τῶν ἐμῶν τάδε;

Ἰσμήνη

ἄμφω γʼ ὁμοίως, κἀξεπίστασθον καλῶς.

Οἰδίπους

κᾆθʼ οἱ κάκιστοι τῶνδʼ ἀκούσαντες, πάρος

τοὐμοῦ πόθου προύθεντο τὴν τυραννίδα;

Ἰσμήνη

ἀλγῶ κλύουσα ταῦτʼ ἐγώ, φέρω δʼ ὅμως.
420

Οἰδίπους

ὦ φίλταθʼ, ὡς νῦν πᾶν τελοῦντι προξένει.
465

Χορός

θοῦ νῦν καθαρμὸν τῶνδε δαιμόνων, ἐφʼ ἃς

τὸ πρῶτον ἵκου καὶ κατέστειψας πέδον.

Οἰδίπους

τρόποισι ποίοις; ὦ ξένοι, διδάσκετε.

Χορός

πρῶτον μὲν ἱερὰς ἐξ ἀειρύτου χοὰς

κρήνης ἐνεγκοῦ, διʼ ὁσίων χειρῶν θιγών.
470

Οἰδίπους

ὅταν δὲ τοῦτο χεῦμʼ ἀκήρατον λάβω;

Χορός

κρατῆρές εἰσιν, ἀνδρὸς εὔχειρος τέχνη,

ὧν κρᾶτʼ ἔρεψον καὶ λαβὰς ἀμφιστόμους.

Οἰδίπους

θαλλοῖσιν ἢ κρόκαισιν, ἢ ποίῳ τρόπῳ;

Χορός

οἰός γε νεαρᾶς νεοπόκῳ μαλλῷ λαβών.
475

Οἰδίπους

εἶεν· τὸ δʼ ἔνθεν ποῖ τελευτῆσαί με χρή;

Χορός

χοὰς χέασθαι στάντα πρὸς πρώτην ἕω.

Οἰδίπους

ἦ τοῖσδε κρωσσοῖς οἷς λέγεις χέω τάδε;

Χορός

τρισσάς γε πηγάς· τὸν τελευταῖον δʼ ὅλον.

Οἰδίπους

τοῦ τόνδε πλήσας θῶ; δίδασκε καὶ τόδε.
480

Χορός

ὕδατος, μελίσσης· μηδὲ προσφέρειν μέθυ.

Οἰδίπους

ὅταν δὲ τούτων γῆ μελάμφυλλος τύχῃ;

Χορός

τρὶς ἐννέʼ αὐτῇ κλῶνας ἐξ ἀμφοῖν χεροῖν

τιθεὶς ἐλαίας τάσδʼ ἐπεύχεσθαι λιτάς.

Οἰδίπους

τούτων ἀκοῦσαι βούλομαι· μέγιστα γάρ.
485

Οἰδίπους

ὦ παῖδε, κλύετον τῶνδε προσχώρων ξένων;

Ἀντιγόνη

ἠκούσαμέν τε χὤ τι δεῖ πρόστασσε δρᾶν.

Ἰσμήνη

ἀλλʼ εἶμʼ ἐγὼ τελοῦσα· τὸν τόπον δʼ ἵνα

χρῆσταί μʼ ἐφευρεῖν, τοῦτο βούλομαι μαθεῖν.

Χορός

τοὐκεῖθεν ἄλσους, ὦ ξένη, τοῦδʼ· ἢν δέ του
505

σπάνιν τινʼ ἴσχῃς, ἔστʼ ἔποικος ὃς φράσει.

Ἰσμήνη

χωροῖμʼ ἂν ἐς τόδʼ· Ἀντιγόνη, σὺ δʼ ἐνθάδε

φύλασσε πατέρα τόνδε· τοῖς τεκοῦσι γὰρ

οὐδʼ εἰ πονεῖ τις, δεῖ πόνου μνήμην ἔχειν.

CH

Great Heaven forfend!