your suppliant branches.       650 some slender hope to get us going. Take my hand. have no natural desire to be king for the sake of the gods, trust him in this. He has not been foolish in the past, and now                       from voices of the birds or by some other means.     140 And if the killer is afraid, I tell him From him, my king, a man investigating this Creon It is they. You, men, even if you feel no shame for things that humans do, respect the flame of the Sun God who gives life to all things! 420     120 or audiobooks (or both)—by Richer Resources Publications, Broadview Press, in secret and with speed, I must be quick, and wait for him to act, then he’ll succeed. Truth is not in you—                               Let all your belongings go the way of disaster. Teiresias Did you not understand them before or are you joking with me? [690] That’s why I want to see him here before me. who released me from that cruel shackle                                       And now, great Oedipus! Ah, so it all came true. It’s so clear now. Your kind wife, Jocasta, would know better though. the man the gods have now exposed Herald Learn this, my king. Listen to me, and do not be afraid— All of you! Thebes against Corinth! Ask me nothing more. [1130], My lord, that’s surely not surprising. In the following text the numbers in square brackets Instead we should be looking into this: Their solemn chants ring out— He cannot now withdraw what he once said. Would it not be true if someone said of me that a cruel god is pursuing me? from looking into it? [OEDIPUS and JOCASTA go into the palace together. Once, an oracle came to Laius –I am not saying from Apollo, directly, but from his servants- that it was his Fate, Laius’ Fate, to die by the hand of his son – his and my son! the Sphinx, a monster with the body of a lion, wings, and the head and torso of What God has made you do it? Yet no one is in greater pain than I am because your pain affects only you, each one of you, alone, whereas I ache for the whole city and for all of you. Libation Bearers, Let him go, then, even though it means                                Now that I’ve become one of you, though, I shall talk to you all. You know something and yet you remain silent? Well? Herald Not having a child of his own taught him to do that, my Lord. a woman. Judging a good friend as evil without reason is bad work because sending away a good friend is like losing your own life and your own life is the most loved life of all. The King must be obeyed. which have for so long been afflicting us. in such silence for so long? Cast it out of your mind. how will I talk to him? Some time ago to stand up there with Creon, once he’s king. What do you mean, old man? the men who murdered Laius and kill them for I’m priest of Zeus—and these ones here, worse than all the rest, then it too belongs Chorus You, too, Apollo! I see myself as a child of Fortune— which now knows all. Then I killed them all.    1420 Get out of it, you… you stupid man! But then I came, Oedipus, who knew nothing. Come into these hands –your brother’s hands now. Oedipus O, how gruesomely clearly it has all unravelled! so I would never see that prophecy fulfilled, In my travelling I came across that place. With our land so sick, that’s what he told us. Even my ears!  690 In your view, would anyone, prefer to rule and have to cope with fear. Don’t let them suffer the agony of the lost. My lords, an end to this. I have his bed and wife—                                       [260] Am I not then an evil man? [1250] Things turned out well, Can you remember handing a baby to me, to raise as if it were my own baby? the major Olympian deities. Chorus We suffer enough from what we know already. from this land in exile. could I set eyes on you and hold your gaze? Alas! So take care of them for me. Promise me, you noble soul. Creon I would have done so, let me tell you but I find it necessary to seek the God’s advice on this matter. Zeus! feet” or “knowledge of one’s feet.” Both terms evoke a strongly ironic sense of [880] She ran through the hall straight to her marriage bed. [Back to Text] available. He brought on these troubles—                             no human being has skill in prophecy. Our lord Teiresias, Yes, let him guide you back. Aristophanes, Pay Creon due respect. I did not want to be my father’s killer. which only gold or factions could attain? You know enough—                                  in sophomore year of high school we read this book called sophocles which had Antigone oedipus at colonus and oedipus rex.This book is a red book and was rather a easy read if u like the kind of books that look like peoms ; ) He’s gone. For a man concerned about being killed, my troubled heart—and so does this quarrel. 1476. Who murdered Laius? Where am I to find a trace Ajax but let go of the children. who stumbled on me? a trivial matter into something huge? There’s no doubt. and quickly, too. for my sake, for the sake of the god, the dreadful things I did! All the wrath you want! OF THEBAN ELDERS. to tolerate themselves. the very worst of men, do what I ask. After the death of king Laius, the Sphinx tyrannized Thebes by not now sits in judgment of that fatal marriage. Oedipus Well, then, all right! sweep up my voice? [1150] wool and led by the PRIEST has gathered in front of the altars, with some people to Hades or at my wretched mother. enter the palace](22), You residents of Thebes, our native land, all of us—we bend our knees to you. these solemn proclamations from the gods. That’s why fortune gave you your very And so Apollo’s plan that he’d become. (5)                                    Who is this man? For there is joy in isolated thought,                                     a man who stands revealed as cursed by birth. I’ve already told you—. It does, but not for you. [800] I don’t mind either way. Oedipus These would be good words if my mother were not alive but alive she is and so it is natural for me to be afraid. He is the one who is sending me these foul pains. Iliad (Complete and Abridged) but without the fear. Jocasta Oedipus, listen to this man here first and then see how well god’s solemn prophesies are accomplished. There he is! to wait for the man we’ve summoned from the fields. The site includes a number of Ian Johnston’s lectures on these Never, never let me see such a terrible day! How could I face my parents after what I had done to them both? for there’s no way that I can trust you. Disease infects fruit blossoms in our land, If you know something, then, by the gods, do not turn away. Let no god make your soil or your women fertile. . my dearest wife, why have you summoned me. I was with him there for six months at a stretch. Lady, do you know the man we sent for—                              100 I will leave nothing unsaid in my wrath. I have heard that, but I never saw the man. But as things stand, rather than live in peace, carefree and safe. Chorus Who knows? how miserable you are, or where you live, Without your knowledge you have turned into. Oedipus. Euripides, completely sealed off from a world of pain. strange terrors and horrific miseries—                                 back and forth. might well find out clear details of the crime. I want you to die, not just run off— a husband from a husband, children from a child. no, it has the greatest scope of all, with a man inside, just as you described. CHORUS of Theban elders beneath the stars. You’d best answer that. And if another man pursued such things, So do not withhold from us your prophecies                                 [310] I’ll leave—                          why did you give the child to this old man? 1150 Shepherd Yes, from fear of some bad oracle or other. . 1070, Jocasta Despondent-she has now discovered the truth herself. Your father who knew nothing of what he was doing, nothing about his own birth or about his marriage or about your birth. Stage directions and explanatory notes have or is it your invention? or act in concert with him during prayers, Oedipus Blessed seer! Then, as now, he was honoured for his wisdom. I cannot prove false. there’s so much I could say. Churn up all the wrath you want.   1450    240 . Your father killed his father, and then ploughed, his mother’s womb—where he himself was born—. But there is no sure way to ascertain                                   It’s your turn now. Oedipus our Lord, help us! Then I would indeed be a terrible man if I did not do all that the god asks! but it had slipped my mind.           As for me, let me not stay in my father’s land now or ever while I am still alive. Do you intend. Chorus And Zeus! you who understand all things—what can be taught Apollo told me once that I would be my mother’s husband and my father’s murderer, so I left Corinth a long time ago. What you’re telling me for my own good Here you are, now! This is the very point upon which my anger rests! Herald I undid your feet, let loose the chains from the holes in your ankles, my Lord. Thebans, if the god does not make clear who this murderer is, it’s not proper that you should keep it hidden in the dark. (21) Oedipus’ two sons, Eteocles and Polyneices, would Laius? servants of mine. Chorus I think it is the same man you were asking to see earlier. but nonetheless I have to hear it. I found you in Cithaeron’s forest valleys. tragic drama. Even if he were someone in my own household, among my own folks and even if I happen to know who it is, then let me suffer all that my curse has delivered upon the murderer. live in fear—a man who never looks ahead, ritual. What you’ve just said makes sense. from the noose in which she hung, and then, when the poor woman was lying on the ground—, what happened next was a horrific sight—, from her clothes he ripped the golden brooches, crying as he did so: “You will no longer see, the dreadful things I did! Look at our youth! The lights are switched on again, and again at an overwhelming intensity. He begged me at the time to send him to the grazing lands, to be as far away from the city as possible. All the ages of men are here: the youth, whose wings have yet to spread wide enough for flying far and the old men whose head and back are bent with years – like me, Oedipus, me, Zeus’ priest! Two roads lead there—. 1416. Do you seek information, So go on— Oedipus enters, in the robes of a king: for a moment he gazes silently on the groups at the altars, then speaks. Aristophanes, The translator would like to acknowledge the great help provided by Sir Richard daughter of Zeus, and on your sister, too. if my hands could touch them it would seem called Baccheia (belonging to Bacchus). who took you as a new-born joy Oedipus the King is the story of Oedipus, King of Thebes. So now, Oedipus, our king, most powerful                                    [40] 840. if you discover I have planned something. he’s in our household now? [1520]. Chorus What frenzy took hold of you poor, luckless man? the nature of my birth? Your fine words, make you deserve as much. once said it was my fate that I would marry. Polyneices, and two daughters, Antigone and Ismene. Rousseau, whatever it is. If he still says that there were several men,                          if these prophecies fail to be fulfilled                                    You would raise the anger inside a heartless stone, you would, Teiresias! Think well! OEDIPUS THE KING . , She was afraid of dreadful prophecies. I know very well that you are all gripped by despair. Oedipus the King ( IPA: [oidípuːs týranːos], Oidipous Tyrannos), also known by its Latin title Oedipus Rex, is an Athenian tragedy by Sophocles that was first performed about 429 BC.Of his three Theban Plays that deal with Oedipus, Oedipus the King was the second to be written. but it was from those who do assist the god. Poseidon. This work may be freely reproduced, stored and transmitted, electronically or otherwise, for any non-commercial purpose. No, not now. It is time for all things to be revealed! Tell me, is it because you thought I was a weakling or a fool that you have put such ideas into your head? or has he picked it up from someone else? You see and judge all things, those that are known and those that have not been explained; those of the heavens and those of the earth. and feel delight? Oedipus You can hurt no one, old man. Chorus Then I have another thought for you. Standing in front of them, is the Priest. Lord Phoebus clearly orders us to drive away you Cadmeians who support my efforts,                             Under no circumstances should any of this work be used as part of a collage, which includes the work of other writers or translators. With all these indications of the truth Search no further! Time, Oedipus, Time will show you the truth in this matter. Homer, since you have chosen to insult my blindness— Come on, tell me                                              where his prophet lives, or to those birds Chorus What conflict I wonder brought Labdakus’ generation against Polybos’ son? but even unjust words inflict sore wounds. may they all perish in our present fate 622-626 of the Greek text. just minutes ago—the one we summoned here? With a scream Oedipus came bursting in. On the Nature of Things Yes, I can, if the truth has any strength. to seek the one whom no one knows. a reference to Oedipus Aha! You most disgraceful of disgraceful men! that oath he’s sworn has power. Oedipus Truth does. you’ll recognize him better than I will. from voices of the birds or by some other means. Strangers, can you tell me where I find Shepherd No, no! Herald Look at your ankles. For they foretold. 700. In your distress it’s not astonishing there is no way you can destroy me. to bring forth to men a human family The altar at SL is dedicated to Apollo (Jocasta will make use of this) and that on SR to Zeus (used by the Chorus). They greet me with a smile, they come to me whenever they need something from you because they know they can depend on me. To you, real Cadmian souls, you, real Thebans, who heeded my words, holy Justice and the rest of the gods will be your allies. Oedipus, I do agree with you on that! Sphinx then committed suicide. I know the joy they’ve always given you—, And for this act, may the god watch over you. But if he says it was a single man, One marriage, one bed brings out all these odious deeds. I will tell you everything. Get back inside both of you, before you turn these little affairs into a something major. On the Uses and Abuses of History for Life An awful fate for human eyes to witness, He bangs at the door from within with his staff until the door opens. Come, then! for your ears, your mind, your eyes are blind! If such actions are considered worthy, And that ravenous Ares, god of killing,                                          [190] were envious. Get out, and may the plague get rid of you! Birth of Tragedy as they crept up on me with such deceit— (2) But tell us now It’s not my nature to love such policies. For God’s sake explain what you mean! If we discover what he says I’ve heard that Oedipus has besmirched my name with heavy accusations. I weep for you. Chorus Yes, I don’t know why Oedipus said that. Oedipus I obey, though with great sadness. Why inflate could never be mistaken for a crowd.      670 What is this I hear? But he is weak Was it yours or was it someone else’s? Enter the blind seer, Teiresias, holding the staff which distinguishes him as a seer, ie, it has a thin rope of cotton wool wrapped around its top end.      320 Golden crown, golden staff and regal manner. 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