Greek Texts & Translations

Child of a blind old man, Antigone, to what region have we come, or to what city of men? Who will entertain the wandering Oedipus today with scanty gifts? 5Little do I crave, and obtain still less than that little, and with that I am content. For patience is the lesson of suffering, and of the long years upon me, and lastly of a noble mind. My child, if you see any resting-place, 10either on profane ground or by groves of the gods, stop me and set me down, so that we may inquire where we are. We have come to learn as foreigners from the townsmen, and to bring to completion whatever we hear.

Father, toil-worn Oedipus, the towers that 15ring the city, to judge by sight, are far off; and this place is sacred, to judge from its appearance: laurel, olive, and vine grow thick-set; and a feathered crowd of nightingales makes music within. So sit here on this unshaped stone; 20you have travelled a long way for an old man.

Seat me, then, and watch over the blind.

If time can teach, I need not learn that.

Can you tell me, now, where we have arrived?

Athens I know, but not this place.

25Yes, so much every traveller told us.

Well, shall I go and learn what the spot is called?

Yes, child, if indeed it is inhabited.

It surely is inhabited. But I think there is no need—I see a man nearby.

30Setting off and coming toward us?

He is at our side already. Speak whatever seems timely to you, for the man is here.