Epeisodion 6
Second Messenger
in order to banish himself from the land and not to put the house under his own curse by waiting here. And yet he lacks strength, and one to guide his steps, for the anguish is more than he can bear. He will soon show this to you: look, the bars of the gates are withdrawn,
1290
and soon you will behold a sight which even he who abhors it must pity.
1295
Chorus
O dread fate for men to see, O most dreadful of all that I have set my eyes on! Unhappy one, what madness has come upon you?
Who is the unearthly foe who, with a leap of more than mortal range has made your ill-starred life his prey? Alas, alas, you hapless man! I cannot even look on you, though there is much I desire to ask, much I desire to learn,
1300
much that draws my wistful gaze: with such a shuddering do you fill me!
1305
Oedipus
Woe is me! Alas, alas, wretched that I am! Where, where am I carried in my misery?
How is my voice swept abroad on the wings of the air? Oh, my fate, how far you have sprung!
1310
Chorus
To a dread place, dire in men’s ears, dire in their sight.
