Is 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?