Come, follow this way with your dark steps, father, as I lead you. Oedipus Chorus Stranger in a foreign land, poor man, have the courage to detest what the city steadfastly holds as not dear, and to reverence what it holds dear! Oedipus Lead me, then, child, to a spot where I may speak and listen within piety’s domain, and let us not wage war with necessity. Chorus There! Do not incline your steps beyond that ledge of bedrock. Oedipus This far? Chorus Enough, I say Oedipus Shall I sit down? Chorus Yes, move sideways, and crouch low on the edge of the rock. Antigone Father, this is my task: calmly to— Oedipus Ah me! ah me! Antigone —fit step to step, and lean your aged frame upon my dear arm. Oedipus Alas for my sad destruction! Antigone seats him on the rock. Chorus Ah, poor man, since now you are at ease, speak! What is your lineage among mortals? With what name are you led on your weary path? What fatherland can you tell us of? Oedipus Strangers, I am without a city, but do not— Chorus What is this that you forbid, old man? Oedipus do not, do not ask me who I am! Do not seek or probe further! Chorus What does this mean? Oedipus Horrid the birth— Chorus Speak! Oedipus My child—ah, me!—what shall I say? Chorus What is your lineage, stranger? Speak! And who is your father? Oedipus Woe is me! What will become of me, my child? Antigone Speak, for you are driven to the verge. Oedipus Then speak I will. I have no way to hide it. Chorus You two make a long delay. Come, hasten! Oedipus Do you know of a son of Laius?