Oedipus at Colonus (546-595)

Look, there comes our lord, Theseus son of Aegeus,

at the sound of your voice, to do that for which he was summoned.

Through hearing from many in the past about the bloody marring of your sight, I recognized it was you, son of Laius; and now on coming here, through sight I am more fully certain.

For your clothing and that heart-rending face alike assure me that it is you. And in all compassion I ask you, ill-fated Oedipus, with what petition to the city and to me have you taken your place here, you and the poor maiden at your side. Declare it. Dire indeed must be the fortune which you tell,

for me to stand aloof from it; since I know that I myself also was reared in exile, just as you, and that in foreign lands I wrestled with perils to my life, like no other man.

Never, then, would I turn aside from a stranger, such as you are now, or refuse to help in his deliverance. For I know well that I am a man, and that my portion of tomorrow is no greater than yours.

Theseus, in a few words your nobleness has come to such a point

that I need make only a brief reply. You have said who I am, from what father I am sprung, and from what land I have come; and so nothing else remains for me but to speak my wish, and the tale is told.

Then inform me of this very thing, so that I may learn it.

I come to offer you my care-worn body as a gift—not one fine to look on, but the gains from it are better than beauty.

And what gain do you claim to have brought?

Later you may learn it—but not yet.

At what time, then, will the benefit become clear?

When I am dead, and you have given me burial.

You crave life’s last service; but for all between you have no memory, or no care.

Indeed, for by that service I gather in all the rest.

Well then, this favor you crave from me is brief indeed.

Yet take care; the struggle here is no light one. No, indeed.

Do you mean in respect to your sons, or to me?

They will compel you to convey me there to Thebes.

But if you are willing, then exile is not becoming.

No, when I was willing, they refused.

Foolish man, anger amidst woes is not suitable.

When you have heard my story, admonish; till then, forbear.

Speak. I must not pronounce without knowledge.

I have suffered, Theseus, terrible woes upon woes.