Then make atonement to these divinities, to whom you have come first, and on whose ground you have trespassed.OedipusWith what rites? Instruct me, strangers.ChorusFirst, from an ever-flowingspring bring sacred drink-offerings, borne in ritually pure hands.OedipusAnd when I have gotten this unmixed draught?ChorusThere are bowls, the work of a skilled craftsman; crown their edges and the handles at either side.OedipusWith olive branches, or woollen cloths, or in what way?ChorusTake the freshly-shorn wool of a ewe-lamb.OedipusGood; and then to what last rite shall I proceed?ChorusPour the drink-offerings, with your face to the dawn.OedipusShall I pour them with these vessels of which you speak?ChorusYes, in three streams; but the last vessel—OedipusWith what shall I fill this, before I set it down? Teach me this also.ChorusWith water and honey; but add no wine.OedipusAnd when the ground under the dark shade has drunk these?ChorusThree times lay on it nine branches of olive with both your hands, and meanwhile make this prayer.OedipusI wish to hear this prayer; it is the most important part.ChorusWe 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.OedipusDaughters, do you hear these strangers who dwell nearby?AntigoneWe have listened. Tell us what to do.OedipusI 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.IsmeneThen I will go to perform the rite; but where I am to find the place—this I wish to learn.ChorusOn 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.IsmeneOff 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.

ChorusTerrible it is, stranger, to arouse the old woe that has for so long been laid to rest: and yet I yearn to hear—OedipusWhat now?Chorus—Of that grief-filled anguish, cureless, with which you have wrestled.OedipusBy your hospitality, do not uncover the shame that I have suffered!