Come, follow this way with your dark steps, father, as I lead you.OedipusChorusStranger 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!OedipusLead me, then, child, to a spot where I may speak and listen within piety’s domain,and let us not wage war with necessity.

ChorusThere! Do not incline your steps beyond that ledge of bedrock.OedipusThis far?ChorusEnough, I sayOedipusShall I sit down?ChorusYes, move sideways, and crouch low on the edge of the rock.AntigoneFather, this is my task: calmly to—OedipusAh me! ah me!Antigone—fit step to step, and lean your aged frame upon my dear arm.OedipusAlas for my sad destruction!Antigone seats him on the rock.ChorusAh, 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?

OedipusStrangers, I am without a city, but do not—ChorusWhat is this that you forbid, old man?Oedipusdo not, do not ask me who I am! Do not seek or probe further!ChorusWhat does this mean?OedipusHorrid the birth—ChorusSpeak!OedipusMy child—ah, me!—what shall I say?ChorusWhat is your lineage, stranger? Speak! And who is your father?OedipusWoe is me! What will become of me, my child?AntigoneSpeak, for you are driven to the verge.OedipusThen speak I will. I have no way to hide it.ChorusYou two make a long delay. Come, hasten!OedipusDo you know of a son of Laius?