Greek Texts & Translations

I have suffered the greatest misery, strangers—suffered it through unintended deeds—may the god know it! No part was of my own choice.

But in what way?

525In an evil marriage, the city bound me, unknowing, to ruin.

Is it true, as I hear, that you made your mother the partner of your bed, to its infamy?

Ah, me! These words, strangers, are like death to my ears. And those two maidens of mine—

530What will you say?

—Two daughters—two curses—

O Zeus!

—of mine, sprung from the travail of the womb that bore me too.