so, even if he wrongs you with the most impious of wrongs, father, it is not right for you to wrong him in return. Let him come! Other men too have evil offspring and a sharp anger, but they hear advice and are charmed from their mood by the gentle spells of friends.Look to the past, away from the present; consider all the pains that you have suffered through your father and mother. If you consider those things, I know well that you will perceive that what results from an evil anger is evil. Your reasons to reflect on this are not trivial,bereft of your unseeing eyes. Yield to us! It is not a fine thing for those seeking justice to keep asking; nor is it good that a man should be treated well, and thereafter not know how to requite it.OedipusMy child, by your pleading you overcome me; but your pleasure here is my grief.Still, let it be as is dear to you. Only, if that man is to come here, stranger, let no one ever become master over my soul.TheseusOnce only do I need hear such words, and no more, old man. I do not want to boast,but you may feel sure that your life is safe, while any of the gods preserves mine. Theseus exits.

ChorusWhoever craves the longer length of life, not content to desire a moderate span, him I will judge with no uncertainty: he clings to folly.For the long years lay in deposit many things nearer to pain than joy; but as for your delights, you will find them nowhere, when someone’s life has fallen beyond the fitting period.The Helper comes at last to all alike, when the fate of Hades is suddenly revealed, without marriage-song, or lyre, or dance: Death at the end.

ChorusNot to be born is, beyond all estimation, best; but when a man has seen the light of day, this is next best by far, that with utmost speed he should go back from where he came. For when he has seen youth go by, with its easy merry-making,