Greek Texts & Translations

Stranger, hearing from this maiden, who has sight both for herself and for me, 35that you have arrived as a scout of good fortune for the solving of our doubts—

Now, before you question me at length, leave this seat. You occupy ground which is unholy to tread upon.

And what is this ground? To which of the gods is it sacred?

Ground inviolable, on which no one may dwell. The dread 40goddesses hold it, the daughters of Earth and Darkness.

Who are they? Whose awful name might I hear and invoke in prayer?

The all-seeing Eumenides the people here would call them: but other names please elsewhere.

Then graciously may they receive their suppliant! 45Nevermore will I depart from my seat in this land.

What does this mean?

The watchword of my fate.

I dare not remove you without warrant from the city, until I report what I am doing.

Now by the gods, stranger, do not deny me, hapless wanderer as you see, 50the honor of the knowledge for which I beg you.

Tell me, and you will not be without honor from me.

What, then, is the place that we have entered?

All that I myself know, you will hear and learn. This whole place is sacred; 55august Poseidon holds it, and in it lives the fire-bearing god, the Titan Prometheus. But as for the spot on which you tread, it is called the bronze threshold of this land, the support of Athens. And the neighboring fields claim Colonus, the horse-rider, for their ancient ruler; 60and all the people bear his name in common as their own. Such, you see, stranger, are these haunts. They receive their honor not through story, but rather through our living with them.

Are there indeed dwellers in this region?

65Yes indeed, the namesakes of that god there [Colonus].

Have they a king? Or does speaking [in assembly] rest with the masses?

These parts are ruled by the king in the city.

And who is he that is sovereign in counsel and in might?

Theseus he is called, son of Aegeus who was before him.

70Could a messenger go to him from among you?

With what aim? To speak, or to prepare his coming?

So that by a small service he may find a great gain.

And what help can come from one who cannot see?

In all that I speak there will be vision.