Then make atonement to these divinities, to whom you have come first, and on whose ground you have trespassed. Oedipus With what rites? Instruct me, strangers. Chorus First, from an ever-flowing spring bring sacred drink-offerings, borne in ritually pure hands. Oedipus And when I have gotten this unmixed draught? Chorus There are bowls, the work of a skilled craftsman; crown their edges and the handles at either side. Oedipus With olive branches, or woollen cloths, or in what way? Chorus Take the freshly-shorn wool of a ewe-lamb. Oedipus Good; and then to what last rite shall I proceed? Chorus Pour the drink-offerings, with your face to the dawn. Oedipus Shall I pour them with these vessels of which you speak? Chorus Yes, in three streams; but the last vessel— Oedipus With what shall I fill this, before I set it down? Teach me this also. Chorus With water and honey; but add no wine. Oedipus And when the ground under the dark shade has drunk these? Chorus Three times lay on it nine branches of olive with both your hands, and meanwhile make this prayer. Oedipus I wish to hear this prayer; it is the most important part. Chorus 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. Oedipus Daughters, do you hear these strangers who dwell nearby? Antigone We have listened. Tell us what to do. Oedipus 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. Ismene Then I will go to perform the rite; but where I am to find the place—this I wish to learn. Chorus 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. Ismene 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. 
 Chorus Terrible it is, stranger, to arouse the old woe that has for so long been laid to rest: and yet I yearn to hear— Oedipus What now? Chorus —Of that grief-filled anguish, cureless, with which you have wrestled. Oedipus By your hospitality, do not uncover the shame that I have suffered!