Do not ask me for— Theseus For what? Speak! Oedipus From hearing these things I know who the suppliant is. Theseus And who can he be, that I should have an objection to him? Oedipus My son, lord, a hated son whose words would vex my ear like the words of no man besides. Theseus What? Can you not listen, without doing what you do not wish to do? Why does it pain you to hear him? Oedipus Lord, that voice has become most hateful to his father. Do not constrain me to yield in this. Theseus But consider whether his suppliant state constrains you; what if you have a duty of respect for the god? Antigone Father, listen to me; I will offer counsel though I am young. Allow this man here to gratify his own feelings and the god as he wishes, and for your daughters’ sake allow our brother to come. He will not tear you by force from your resolve—never fear—with such words as will not be for your good. What harm can there be in listening to words? Deeds wickedly devised, as you know, are betrayed by speech. You sired him,