Greek Texts & Translations

And where, strangers, is the lord of this realm?

He is at the city of his fathers in our land. The messenger who sent us here has gone to fetch him.

Do you think that he will have any regard or care for the blind man, 300so as to come here himself?

Yes, surely, as soon as he learns of your name.

Who is there to bring him that word?

The way is long, and many words from travellers often wander about. When he hears them, he will soon be with us, never fear. 305For your name, old man, has been loudly trumpeted through all lands, so that even if he is taking his ease, and slow to move, when he hears of you he will swiftly arrive.

Well, may he come with good fortune both for his own city and for me! What noble man is not his own friend?

310O Zeus! What shall I say? What shall I think, my father?

What is it, Antigone, my child?

I see a woman coming towards us, mounted on a colt of Etna; she wears a Thessalian bonnet to screen her face from the sun. 315What shall I say? Is it she, or is it not? Does my judgment err? Yes—no—I cannot tell—ah, me! It is no other, yes! She greets me with bright glances 320as she draws near, and makes a signal. Here is Ismene, clearly, and no other before me.

What is that you say, my child?

That I see your daughter, my sister. By her voice right away you can know her.

Father and sister, names most sweet to me! How hard it was to find you! 325And how hard now to look upon you for my tears!

My child, have you come?

Father, your fate is sad to see!

Are you with us, my child?

Not without toil, indeed, for myself.

Touch me, my daughter!

I give a hand to each at once.

330Ah my children, my sisters!

Alas, twice-wretched life!

Her life and mine?

And mine, wretched me, makes a third.

Child, why have you come?

Through concern for you, father.

Through longing to see me?

Yes, and to bring you news by my own mouth, with the only faithful servant that I had.

335And where are the young men, your brothers, in our need?

They are where they are; their circumstances now are terrible.