And what is the pledge that you would like to have firm in your mind?OedipusIn return for his benefits,I would grant him the fulfillment of the favor that I promised.

ChorusHurry, my son, come to us! If you chance to be in the glade sacrificing an ox to the sea-god Poseidon,then come! For the stranger thinks you worthy, you and your city and your friends, to receive just return for benefits. Hasten quickly, lord!

Enter Theseus.TheseusWhat din is this that once more rings forth from you all, from my people as clearly as from the stranger? Can a thunderbolt from Zeus be the cause, or rushing hail in its fierce onset? When the god sends such a storm, forebodings of every sort may find a place.OedipusLord, you have appeared at my desire, and to you some god granted noble fortune at this coming.TheseusAnd what new thing has now occurred, son of Laius?OedipusMy life hangs in the balance; and I wish to die without cheating you and this city of the promises I made.TheseusAnd what is the proof of your fate that you depend on?OedipusThe gods themselves herald the news to me, nor do they cheat me of any of the appointed signs.