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? 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, 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 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; 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 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 Setting off and coming toward us? Antigone He is at our side already. Speak whatever seems timely to you, for the man is here. Oedipus Stranger, hearing from this maiden, who has sight both for herself and for me, that you have arrived as a scout of good fortune for the solving of our doubts— Enter a stranger, a man of Colonus . Stranger Now, before you question me at length, leave this seat. You occupy ground which is unholy to tread upon. Oedipus And what is this ground? To which of the gods is it sacred? Stranger Ground inviolable, on which no one may dwell. The dread goddesses hold it, the daughters of Earth and Darkness. Oedipus Who are they? Whose awful name might I hear and invoke in prayer? Stranger The all-seeing Eumenides the people here would call them: but other names please elsewhere. Oedipus Then graciously may they receive their suppliant! Nevermore will I depart from my seat in this land. Stranger What does this mean? Oedipus The watchword of my fate. Stranger I dare not remove you without warrant from the city, until I report what I am doing. Oedipus Now by the gods, stranger, do not deny me, hapless wanderer as you see,