Greek Texts & Translations

And what gain do you claim to have brought?

580Later you may learn it—but not yet.

At what time, then, will the benefit become clear?

When I am dead, and you have given me burial.

You crave life's last service; but for all between you have no memory, or no care.

585Indeed, for by that service I gather in all the rest.

Well then, this favor you crave from me is brief indeed.

Yet take care; the struggle here is no light one. No, indeed.

Do you mean in respect to your sons, or to me?

They will compel you to convey me there to Thebes.

590But if you are willing, then exile is not becoming.

No, when I was willing, they refused.

Foolish man, anger amidst woes is not suitable.

When you have heard my story, admonish; till then, forbear.

Speak. I must not pronounce without knowledge.

595I have suffered, Theseus, terrible woes upon woes.

Will you speak of the ancient trouble of your race?

No, indeed; all Greeks speak of that.

How, then, do you suffer beyond what is mortal?

The circumstance is this: from my country I have been driven by my own sons; 600and I may not return, since I am guilty of a father's blood.

Why would they have you brought back, if you must dwell apart?

The word of the god will compel them.

What suffering do they fear from the oracles?

605That they must be struck down in this land.

And how should bitterness come between them and me?