He came back here. or a troop of soldiers, like a royal king? the scales of justice will sink      320 Herald And, at the same time, your saviour, my boy! [100] In the following text the numbers in square brackets Save this city and yourself. If only I was lucky enough to be able to fully understand the wise and pure words, the laws of the heavenly gods, laws that were fathered by Olympus, and not merely those of some mortal whose memory can fail! But if you’ve seen him before. Sweet mountain, Kitheron! set it right again and who, in these harsh times and stilled her cryptic song. nor do our women crying out in labour that human beings commit! But you there, Rescue me. That wise interpreter of prophecies You have no notion of the quantity OEDIPUS: king of Thebes you claim you’re suffering because of me. In what country? to be the only ones to see and hear him. to conceive cursed children with that son. The city of Corinth stood on the narrow stretch of land the man the gods have now exposed By all the gods I hear something— Creon Surely you, too, must trust him now! If someone knows the killer is a stranger. as the one who murdered Laius. your father’s death is a great comfort to us. From a slave or from some relative of his? just before you took over royal power I do not fear your angry face. Can you tell me who it is? (1) And the one whose fate the god revealed—                        these killer’s hands, I now contaminate If we discover what he says. And look there! Your husband here is threatening, most seriously, to either send me away from the land of my birth or to have me executed! and paid off a double-dealing quack like this, his own advantage, who in his special art, that singing bitch, was here, you said nothing, to set the people free. Though I am blind, I know that voice so well.           1390 I left my home in Corinth. The man who gave you to me, you got me from someone else? He was as much your father as this man here,                     Such an ally I am to Apollo and to Laius. of terrible disaster sweeps around him. claimed this came from some malevolent god, Creon He says the seer uttered false predictions and that these predictions were advised by me. Chorus What frenzy took hold of you poor, luckless man? [530] like a riddle. 1160. What a hideous sight! What is it, 850 What man who listened to these words of yours In winter I’d drive my sheep down to my folds. Oedipus What were the words again? OEDIPUS THE KING . their words gave rise to uninformed suspicions, For use by any theatrical, educational or cinematic organisation, however, including a non-commercial one, permission must be sought. that I’m the murderer. if no men share a life together there. Like a wild bull he wanders now, the oracular voice intoned a name. Do you really think you can just speak out, Oedipus But how can a stranger be equal to a parent? 735. who predicted this some time ago? Ian Johnston is an Emeritus Professor at Vancouver Island Where do I go? He sowed the same womb as his father Chorus How is he now, the poor, unfortunate man? He will take care of your fall. Bacchae 646. pay due reverence to Apollo’s shrine, For he’s been gone too long, those laws engendered in the heavenly skies. so I didn’t learn what I had come to find. What are you saying? Oedipus, are withering—men now set them aside. Are you not ashamed? He lay there on his back. 1186. no, it has the greatest scope of all, [Exit CREON away from the palace, leaving OEDIPUS and Dionysus. Let me refresh his failing memory. what he’s doing. I don’t like to speak Herald He said he was one of Laius’ servants. Chorus How can I look at your Fate and praise the Fate of any other human? That is well said. If I had, you would have waited a long time. the first of men in what happens in this life Chorus He spoke well, my king. If I must leave, I will neither be able to see my family nor go back to my own country, Corinth. O Cithaeron, why did you shelter me? Again and again he hit hard at his eyes, plunging the brooches until the blood began to flow like black rain and like black hail and the clods and the gore rolled all over his great beard. Oedipus I would not be my father’s killer then, nor would those who gave birth to me would call me their son. Oedipus provided the answer (a human being), and thus saved the city. Shepherd Yes. They talked— Shepherd Yes, from fear of some bad oracle or other. who murdered Laius, son of Labdacus, [1200]        210    1720 So, too, Ajax (Tekmessa 485-507, Teukros, 1013-20, 1226-35, 1288-98), Trachiniai (49-57, 248-67, 299-302) and Oedipus (1100-85) all defend slaves, as do Euripides and others. hide me somewhere far from the land of Thebes. whose understanding grasps things properly. And now, great Oedipus! Jocasta Forget all this nonsense then. Have I heard right? Creon I had no idea he did this. Have you ever seen him before? 445. to have wisdom when it brings no benefit Amphitrite was a goddess of the sea, married to A group is not a single man. You are the wound itself! Mock my excellence, but why’s that something you would want to do? and, springing further than the longest leap, Stranger, let me hear from you in person.  160 [560].             1120 my troubled heart—and so does this quarrel. By all the gods, since you are acting now That I cannot bear, so I have come here. Sophocles' Oedipus the King paves the way as the first in the series to appear in paperback. roped round her neck. Chorus I think, King that both of you spoke in anger. like one whose mouth pours forth laments. Go in and think on this. All right,                                 unless he had financial help from Thebes? Alas for me! You think I am a fool, but to your parents, to banish me from my fathers’ country who roams the mountainsides? Do not keep on investigating this. War: An Introduction to Homer’s Iliad, Essays and Arguments: A I would not have come to kill my father, What? But now he’s dead and lies beneath the earth, I speak That’s what was said and people still believe. Jocasta My king! In fact, Creon should have returned by now and I’m beginning to worry. Those who hurry to judge, judge badly. Chorus The laments fill the air, the loud cries of pain, full of loss – against all this, worthy daughter of Zeus, send us your sweet aid. They greet me with a smile, they come to me whenever they need something from you because they know they can depend on me. Come, first among all mortals! In due time                            A suppliant returning from Apollo’s shrine [1500] nor will they sleep and be forgotten. Creon Speak, Oedipus. This polluting stain. Ah, my children, where are you? is like a man who parts with his own life. But never let my father’s city be condemned. Children from a common mother might have linked shed my father’s blood When you gave me to him,          It was I! As soon as he sees everyone, particularly the other shepherd and Oedipus, he snarls and tries to withdraw but the king’s servants stop him. may he come to us with his flaming torchlight, there are rumours—but inconclusive ones                                    [290] will be destroyed more wretchedly than you. and I am here.   610     I speak to you as a stranger to this place and, as I am told, to the evil deed. I cannot face the city nor its high towers, the sacred shrines of our gods –not even them did I leave out of my curse, I the glorious king, the king of Thebes, most repugnant of all mortals! You fill me with such horror, What do you mean? by you and by my friends. 1370 But I urge you— . and thus will never stand with Creon, [60] If he says this, He was big—with hair starting to turn white. Do you hear? the polluting stain this land has harboured. the story had become known everywhere. Translated by Ian Johnston Vancouver Island University Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada . that he has suffered injury from me, is not customary and shows little love Lysistrata and undergo no further punishment. All right, then. Chorus Creon, perhaps this condemnation was uttered in the heat of anger rather than from the thinking mind. How swiftly the wind carried you about me! in supplication to me, while the city At dinner there a man who was quite drunk. the enemy of your own relatives, Ever! since Laius was carried off and disappeared, conceiving you where he, too, was conceived. Creon But your reasoning should be made perfect in my mind also. [940]. But I think Fate swooped down onto his head. That’s right, old man.      530 Stranger, SERVANTS and ATTENDANTS on Oedipus and Jocasta. I cannot look at you. with a dreadful groan he took her body That’s when we all saw the poor woman hanging by a thick, platted rope. I would not have come, but you summoned me. They shared. Alas! (19) Cyllene’s king is the god Hermes, who was born on Mount Would I had never known you! Laius? . [950] 1223. For this outrage, Teiresias, you shall pay with tears; you, Teiresias and he, the chief plotter. 480    . before he’s passed beyond life free from pain. They are men now and they will be able to look after themselves. I beg you, my lord, consent to this— [360]. My lord, since you extend your oath to me, Creon Tell me then Oedipus. Oedipus Quite right, old man; but no mortal can force a god’s mouth. the mortal man the gods despise the most. Creon And tell me also, are you two not equal rulers of Thebes? [1140]. how you gave me a child, an infant boy, so I would never see that prophecy fulfilled, In my travelling I came across that place. I think he will remember all too well Where did it happen? Chorus The city is dying from her countless pains, gods! So poor in fortune? how, with gods’ help, you gave us back our lives. How can it have two such effects at once? short of killing him with your own hands. We are your suppliants— This group of Thebans comprise all ages and both sexes. It’s your turn now. That is to say, I think that even the worst events could bring good fortune if fortune wills it! What sort of cleansing? You know enough—                                  The site includes a number of Ian Johnston’s lectures on these Creon, to Pythian Apollo’s shrine,                                                  [70] when there was nothing sweet for me to see? . as he returns, may fine shining fortune, Oedipus Do you think you will always be happy uttering words like these? Yes, I heard as much. the house of Oedipus, your king? sick as you are, there is not one of you                                to the sacred stone, earth’s very centre, Chorus Let’s see what the witness has to tell us first. How she died after that I don’t fully know. with no bronze shield but howling battle cries, Teiresias Who? what else I did when I came here to Thebes? Let me show you proof of this. At that I let the stars guide my path and left Corinth behind me. which may be false, when he has sworn an oath Leave so that you won’t cause me any more grief. So! Let all your belongings go the way of disaster. I fear a disastrous storm                              [20] Don’t ask for anything more. Polybus! I am wade awake to your misfortune. Let this miserable man hold onto one of you! And I say to you then, old man, that in my mind I have you as one of those who has helped in Laius’ murder! That old happiness if you don’t speak the truth.     1460 The site includes a number of Ian Johnston’s lectures on these I will learn little. No more! and quickly, too. (10) Cithaeron is the sacred mountain outside Thebes. You spat upon it with cold and uncaring heart! you see how people here of every age Oedipus Creon? have no natural desire to be king [1160]. No one, my children. But these men here know I’m a reasonable man. Give it some time.    720 to steer our ship of state, Laius ruled this land. [800] bore you to your father Pan,                                               When Laius fell in bloody death, where was he— But I urge you—. you are still loyal to the house of Labdacus!           no more, no less. those laws engendered in the heavenly skies, Apollo and Zeus are truly wise— Creon All but one of them fled and he could only say one thing. It’s too much for me! no questions yet. the one who killed his father, who left her She went in, slamming both doors shut behind her Alas! to chase after the king’s place without friends, 570 O Zeus, what have you done? He will be blind, although he now can see. Oedipus What could have stopped you? Jocasta But why? self-aggrandizement and greed; the second is necessary for the protection of the I ask you then to continue with your proclamation but there is no need for you speak to me nor to them (indicating the chorus)from now on, because… because the wound that has ravaged this city, is you! Also, if someone knows that the murderer is from another country, let him not be silent also because not only will I give him a reward but his help will be remembered. What words have I told you? Enter the CHORUS What are you saying? I am not ignorant of what you yearn for. By man and by gods? You are the one. let this not evade you and your ageless might.      1810 I call the god who binds his hair with gold, 883. I want to ask you many things—there’s much. He should well and truly be here by now! Chorus Wretched mortals! Teiresias Me? Yes. O you three guardians against death, some fledglings barely strong enough to fly 1140   or where Ismenus prophesies with fire. we could find many things, if we possessed See for yourselves. (13) Herald I have come from Corinth, my Lady and my message will definitely give you joy… but then again sadness, too… I think. Herald It’s that shame that gave you your name. Jocasta He has just arrived from Corinth to tell us that your father, Polybus is dead. how Oedipus, for all his fame as a man of knowledge, is ignorant about his signed up as his man. the house of Labdacus and Polybus’s son, that Oedipus, our king, has levelled charges, In these present troubles, if he believes. Some scholars liken Oedipus the King to a detective story since the title character attempts to piece together clues about the mysterious inception of the plague. Well, I retaliated in good measure—                                              [810] It seems to me the man is trying to stall. I would not work with him. against my orders, here’s what I shall do— Besides, before our child was three days old, Do not preach me all that. [1330] I’ve taken care of that—it’s not something They are Antigone and Ismene and they are sobbing softly. When you’re mature enough for marriage, Knowledgeable! There’s no doubt. To you I’ll speak, lady,                           [700] [1210] Oedipus the King, lines 1–337 Summary Oedipus the King, lines 1–337. if you two add new problems to the ones No, no. Better to be dead, I should think, than to be alive and blind. to Hades or at my wretched mother. Once he returned and understood that you She was hanging there, swaying, with twisted cords. Oedipus And you, old man. a fugitive, never see my people, I shall try everything to catch his murderer, the murderer of Laius, son of Polydorus and of Labdacus and of ancient Aginorus. Forget everything and listen to me. a lovely voyage, but the harbour’s doomed? Now, at least according to the story, In your view, would anyone without a horde of men, to seek a goal                               If he still says that it was a “group” then I’m clearly not the murderer. Creon Shall I speak out here, in front of all these people, or shall we go inside? Wife, who told you all this? Do you know, Oedipus that you are the enemy of your people, both, here on Earth as well as below in Hades? It was Apollo. I’ll never speak another word again. What shall I say? children from the child of that same womb, wives and mothers—the most atrocious act, that human beings commit! But once Laius was dead. Oedipus. . For now I get everything I want from you. so full of grief? For God’s sake explain what you mean! Things turned out well, but nonetheless it gives the sweetest joy. for the sake of the gods, trust him in this. worse than all the rest, then it too belongs And I urge you now [1080] And may Phoebus, who sent this oracle,                             Come, allow yourself to touch a wretched man. how miserable you are, or where you live, They all look into the distance and see Creon approaching. [180] Creon Enough now. [10] What can you say. not one alone—this disaster swallows up      100 Oedipus And who taught you to utter these words? Hippolytus The other groups I do not know. I know full well that he’ll remember that he and I would get together for three six monthly periods, from Spring till the star Arctouros would appear, in Autumn. . Oedipus Nor would I have called you here had I known you would be talking sheer, stupid nonsense! Whose greeting can I hear. Here in Thebes, so said the god. Get out of it, you… you stupid man! What’s this? Oedipus May Apollo reward you for this good deed, Creon! would not be enraged—you insult the city! Stage becomes dark again, long enough for the chorus of elders to come and stand around the altars. Me, the father-killer! But it was a very long time ago.  30 I’d make a dungeon of this wretched body, Tell me what brings you here. shorter line above in the reckoning.      250 [Back Chorus Send him away either to the vast watery chambers of Amphitriti or to the storm-eaten, hostile shores of Thrace because here, what the night leaves untouched, the day destroys. Oedipus Who is it? As well as a reward, he’ll earn my thanks. Herald Can you speak of it or is it one of those that must stay unspoken? That’s what makes your friendship so deceitful. Tell me because I weigh every word! Let me make my home up in the mountains not merely on your own authority, In a land called Phocis. something most astonishing took place, He set up that treasonous prophet. Look at me. No one, my darlings and so, you will stay unmarried and without children. a double load of pain. Herald Look at your ankles. . everything I touched—so it has always been. in heaven and here on the earth—you know, no companion who made the journey with him you wanted to see earlier. 1360 By all means, speak! gave me, for I did not seek it out— from seeking out the facts of my own birth. Laius, about fifteen or sixteen years before the start of the play. 1740  [1470], [Some SERVANTS lead ANTIGONE and ISMENE out of the You have failed to be a faithful relative! (11) Hi guys,‍♀️ This is one of my biggest works Enjoy this legendary play by Sophocles Hope you like it [Back to Text] Cadmeians. It does, but not for you. one unknown person acting on his own Nowhere is Apollo honoured publicly, what you did to yourself is for the best. Those who are unreliable give rash advice. that you had done this work all by yourself. Let me rather vanish from the sight of men, But you must sustain your hope until you hear, I do have some hope left, at least enough. He was as much your father as this man here. Meditations on First Philosophy He is dressed in the same manner as was Oedipus when he had first appeared on the stage. Kafka, Selected Shorter Writings and treat you better than he treated me. shorter line above in the reckoning. The truth prefer to rule and have to cope with fear strange terrors and horrific miseries—                                 name, I, for one, You must know I’ve been shedding many tears You must bear your burden. The main doors are directly facing the audience. Alas, the pains I bear are numberless— I pray, too,    950 [1010] He begged me at the time to send him to the grazing lands, to be as far away from the city as possible. Fume on about it, just what I make of this. CREON: Oedipus’s brother-in-law While stage is dark, we hear the soft but ominous sounds of ancient drums and a flute, mingled with the many loud groans of hunger and pain as well as calls for Oedipus’ help: Oedipus! not by Creon’s words. Oedipus the King (text) Fagles translation. I’ll do everything I can. What is missing in all this shame? and that our choral dance and song Because you are blind not only in the eyes but in the ears and in your mind as well. Don’t fail to do that. Look closely. (6) Come boy, give me your hand. My forebodings now have grown so great If you stay, you will provoke me. Cast me out as quickly as you can, Oedipus We’ll know soon enough. Jocasta By all the gods, Oedipus! my children, if your minds were now mature, there’s so much I could say. Name what evil word you want and it won’t be missing from this scene. After the death of king Laius, the Sphinx tyrannized Thebes by not I do not think the Ister or the Phasis rivers, could cleanse this house. And so Apollo’s plan that he’d become                                          [840]. letting anyone into or out of the city, unless the person could answer the As for my two sons, Creon, there’s no need, But my two poor daughters have never known, or lacked their father’s presence. shed light on darkness. Nietzsche, It was Apollo, friends. You are still my trusted friend! They are men, and, no matter where Download: A 68k text-only version is available for download. let Ares be destroyed! with the woman who had given birth to him. uttered at earth’s central navel stone. I say that you yourself pollution of this kind in such a public way, so pleasing to our king. Where are my feet taking me? No, no, I’m not. then these troubles, so difficult to bear, Don’t hold back your vision. Those who are unreliable give rash advice. so in that sense I brought about his death. goddesses of blood revenge. unless he had financial help from Thebes? Chorus Yes, I know him well. O Delian healer, for whom we cry aloud Oedipus And which man is the god talking about? Oedipus O, how gruesomely clearly it has all unravelled! Oedipus, I have not come here to mock                             thoughtlessly and say what I don’t mean. Can’t you keep quiet about it! Herald Good news, madam – for you and for your husband. It conceals too much The palace stands three or four steps above the rest of the stage and on either side of it there is a small but obvious altar. Alas, you poor miserable man! To the shepherd Am I right or am I not? Oedipus Someone please tie his hands behind his back! I know of no one who would chose the former and nor do I. (13) Polybus was the ruler of Corinth, who raised Oedipus and How could he if I came from someone else? That’s right. Don’t fail to do that. The worse for me! Oedipus I’ve heard that too. that I want things which bring no benefits. . Son of Menoeceus, with both parents gone. A crowd of citizens carrying laurel branches garlanded with Men are each other’s better in only one thing: wisdom. Shouts and waves his hands about, hoping to touch one of the men in the chorus. Not until I discover the whole truth! including the following: Discourse on the Revolutionary Upheavals on the Surface of the Earth, A Conversation Between D’Alembert and Diderot, Universal History of Nature and Theory of Heaven, On the Uses and Abuses of History for Life, Discourse on the Origin and Foundations of Inequality Among Men. (3) past or present, between those two, within me makes me strong. no longer is alive. O my destiny, to set the people free. 462. Do you want to send us and our country to absolute destruction? And I know the people coming with him, may he come to us with his flaming torchlight, you’ll get your wish. Creon, I beg you, their true parents are lost and you are their only relative. Shall I tell you more, If Teiresias What is mine is hers. the next best course of action? Don’t get angry with him, old man. our gods’ sacred shrines, bearing in my hands Chorus If only! as if I were with them when I still could see.  810 is badly shaken—she cannot raise her head to answer you—and I control that right, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA and William Heinemann Ltd, London. O child of Laius, how I wish But my mother’s bed— I will. I’d be doing many things against my will. As for those who do not follow what I urge. Look at us! When the ruling king had fallen in this way, what bad trouble blocked your path, preventing you, she sang her cryptic song and so forced us, shed light on darkness. Let me teach you something, my brother-in-law, Creon: Such plots, plots to overthrow a king need the strength of people and purse; Only stupid men don’t know this! I will leave nothing unsaid in my wrath. Burn him, master of the thunderbolts. This polluting stain 520 I would not look for confirmation anywhere. for this disease infects no one but me. and for your husband, too. Castle Wetterstein which other people have no right to know? for these citizens is even greater                                          I weep for you. There’s no doubt. Thebans, if the god does not make clear who this murderer is, it’s not proper that you should keep it hidden in the dark. For whoever killed this man, stand up from these altar steps and raise, your suppliant branches. He is also guided by the hand of a young boy and by the two men whom Oedipus has sent to fetch him. The general public may download and distribute this text without permission and without.... Make this god of war turn his back and leave this land which... Him save for exile is before us all, until, as natives here existed anything,! Drive you to utter lies myself branded by such ferocious agonies you know if you know something I will afresh... 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