Chor. O way-worn stranger, thou wilt not reproach
Thy watchman as false prophet, for I see
These maidens now approaching us once more.
Œdip. Where? where? How say'st thou?
Antig. [Rushing to Œdipus.] My father, Ο my father!
Oh! that some God would grant thee but to see1100
This best of men who brings us back to thee.
Œdip. Are you both here, my child?
Antig. Yes, Theseus' hands
And those of his dear comrades rescued us.
Œdip. My child, draw near thy father, give to me
To clasp the form I little hoped would come.
Antig. Thou shalt have what thou ask'st. That boon thou seek'st
Is what we yearn for.
Œdip. Where then, where are ye?
Antig. Together, close to thee.
Œdip. Ο dearest offspring!
Antig. Dear to a father is each child of his.
Œdip. Props of my age are ye!
Antig. Sad age, sad props.
Œdip. I have you then, ye dear ones, nor would death1110
Be wholly dreary, ye twain standing near.
Support me, then, on this side and on that,
Close clinging to your father. Rest awhile
From all the sad lone wanderings of the past,
And tell me briefly how the deed was done:
For at your age the fewest words are best.
Antig. Here is the man who saved us; hear thou him,
Whose is the deed, and then my task is light.
Œdip. [To Theseus.] Oh, wonder not, my friend, if I prolong
My tedious speech, now these, beyond my hopes,1120
Appear again; for well I know this joy
