where the Great Goddesses maintain awful rites for mortals on whose lips the ministering Eumolpidae have laid the golden seal of silence. There, I think, the war-rousingTheseus and the two maiden sisters will soon meet within our borders, amid the war-cry of resisting men!

ChorusOr perhaps they will soon draw near to the pastures on the west of Oea’s snowy rock,fleeing on young horses or in chariots racing full speed. He will be caught!Terrible is the neighboring Ares, terrible the might of the followers of Theseus. Yes, the steel of every bridle flashes,and against their opponents charges forward our whole cavalry, who honor horse-riding Athena, and the earth-girdling Sea-god, the dear son of Rhea.

ChorusIs the battle now or yet to be?For somehow my mind presages to me that soon I will meet the maidens who have suffered fearfully, who have found fearful suffering at the hands of a kinsman. Today Zeus will bring something to completion.I predict noble struggles. Oh, to be a dove with the strength and swiftness of a whirlwind, that I might reach an airy cloud, and hang my gaze above the fight!

ChorusHear, all-ruling lord of the gods, all-seeing Zeus! Grant to the guardians of this land to achieve with triumphant might the capture that gives the prize into their hands! And may your daughter grant it too, dread Pallas Athena!And Apollo, the hunter, and his sister, who follows the spotted, swift-footed deer—I wish that they would come, a double helpto this land and to its people.

ChorusWandering stranger, you will not say your watcher was a false prophet, for I see your daughters once again drawing near.OedipusWhere? Where? What is that? What do you mean?Enter Antigone and Ismene, with Theseus and his attendants.AntigoneFather, father,I wish some god would grant that your eyes might see this excellent man, who has brought us here to you!OedipusMy child, are you really here?AntigoneYes, for these strong arms have saved us—Theseus and his dearest followers.OedipusCome here, my children, to your father!Grant me your embrace—restored beyond all hope!AntigoneWe shall grant your wish, for we crave the favor we bestow.OedipusWhere, then, where are you?AntigoneHere we are, approaching you together.OedipusDearest offspring!AntigoneEverything is dear to its parent.OedipusSupports of a man—AntigoneIll-fated as he is ill-fated.OedipusI hold my dearest. Now, if I should die, I would not be wholly wretched, since you have come to me. Press close to me on either side, children, cling to your father, and rest from your wandering, so desolate, so grievous!And tell me what has happened as briefly as you can, since brief speech suffices for young maidens.AntigoneHere is our savior: you should hear the story from him, father, since the deed was his. So short will by part be.