Oedipus at Colonus (466-515)

Then make atonement to these divinities, to whom you have come first, and on whose ground you have trespassed.

With what rites? Instruct me, strangers.

First, from an ever-flowing

spring bring sacred drink-offerings, borne in ritually pure hands.

And when I have gotten this unmixed draught?

There are bowls, the work of a skilled craftsman; crown their edges and the handles at either side.

With olive branches, or woollen cloths, or in what way?

Take the freshly-shorn wool of a ewe-lamb.

Good; and then to what last rite shall I proceed?

Pour the drink-offerings, with your face to the dawn.

Shall I pour them with these vessels of which you speak?

Yes, in three streams; but the last vessel—

With what shall I fill this, before I set it down? Teach me this also.

With water and honey; but add no wine.

And when the ground under the dark shade has drunk these?

Three times lay on it nine branches of olive with both your hands, and meanwhile make this prayer.

I wish to hear this prayer; it is the most important part.

We call them Eumenides, so that with well-wishing power they may receive the suppliant as his saviors. Let this be your prayer, or of whoever prays for you. Speak inaudibly, and do not lift up your voice; then depart, without looking behind.

If you should do this, I would be bold enough to come to your aid; but otherwise, stranger, I would fear for you.

Daughters, do you hear these strangers who dwell nearby?

We have listened. Tell us what to do.

I cannot make the trip; for I am disabled by lack of strength and lack of sight, twin evils. But let one of you two go and do these things. For I think that one soul suffices to pay this debt for ten thousand, if it comes with good will.

Act, then, with speed. But do not abandon me, for my body would not have the strength to move, without help or a guiding hand.

Then I will go to perform the rite; but where I am to find the place—this I wish to learn.

On the further side of this grove, stranger. And if you have need of anything, there is a guardian of the place. He will direct you.

Off to my task. But you, Antigone, watch our father here. In the case of parents, if we toil, we must not keep a memory of it. Ismene exits.