Eksodos
Oedipus
that will certainly be baneful to my offspring and yours? What misery is lacking? Your father killed his own father, and bore you from the source of his own being!
1495
Such are the taunts that will be cast at you. And who then will wed you? The man does not live, no, it cannot be, my children, but you will wither in barren maidenhood. Son of Menoeceus, hear me: since you are the only father left to them—we, their parents, are both gone—
1500
do not allow them to wander poor and unwed, for they are your own kin, nor abase them to the level of my woes. Pity them, seeing them deprived of everything but you at such an age.
1505
Promise, noble man, and touch them with your hand. To you, children, I would have given much counsel, if your minds were mature. But now pray that you may live where occasion allows, and that the life which is your lot may be happier than your father’s.
1510
Creon
Your grief has had a sufficient scope: move on into the house.
1515
Oedipus
I must obey, though I do it in no way gladly.
Creon
Yes, for it is in season that all things are good.
Oedipus
Do you know on what terms I will go?
Creon
You will tell me, and then I will know when I have heard them.
Oedipus
See that you send me to dwell outside this land.
Creon
You ask for what the god must give.
Oedipus
But to the gods I have become most hateful.
Creon
Then you will quickly get your wish.
Oedipus
So you consent?
1520
Creon
It is not my way to say idly what I do not mean.
1520
Oedipus
Then it is time to lead me away.
Creon
Come, then, but let your children go.
Oedipus
No, do not take them from me!
Creon
Do not wish to be master in all things: the mastery which you did attain has not followed you through life.
Chorus
Residents of our native Thebes, behold, this is Oedipus,
