Greek Texts & Translations

385What, had you come to hope that the gods would ever have concern enough for me to give me rescue?

Yes, that is my hope, father, from the present oracles.

What are they? What has been prophesied, my child?

That you will be desired some day, in life and death, by the men of that land, 390for their safety's sake.

And who could profit from such a one as I?

Their power, it is said, proves to be in your hands.

When I no longer exist, then I am a man?

Yes, for the gods now raise you up; but before they worked your ruin.

395It is a paltry thing to raise up age, when youth was ruined.

Well, know at least that Creon will come to you on this account—and soon, not late.

With what purpose, daughter? Interpret that to me.

To plant you near the Cadmean land, so that they may have you in their power, 400while you may not set foot within their borders.

And how can I profit them while I rest beyond their gates?

Your tomb contains a curse for them, if it should suffer misfortune.

I need no god to help my wits so far.

For this reason, therefore, they wish to get you as their neighbor; 405but in a place where they will have you at their mercy.

Will they really cover me in Theban dust?

No, the guilt of related blood forbids you, father.

Then never will they become my masters.

Someday then this will be a grief for the Cadmeans.

410In what conjunction of events, my child?

Under the power of your anger, when they stand at your tomb.

And who has told you this, my child?

Sacred envoys, from the Delphian hearth.

And has Phoebus indeed spoken this concerning me?

415So say the men who have come back to Thebes.

Has either of my sons heard this?

Yes, both have heard it, and know it well.

And then those most evil of sons, aware of this, preferred the kingship to the wish of recalling me?

420It grieves me to hear this, but I must bear it.