OEDIPUS AT COLONUS
Thou treadest, the Brass-footed Threshold named,
Is Athen’s bastion, and the neighbouring lands
Claim as their chief and patron yonder knight
Colonus, and in common bear his name.
Such, stranger, is the spot, to fame unknown,
But dear to us its native worshippers.
Oedipus
Thou sayest there are dwellers in these parts?
Stranger
Surely; they bear the name of yonder god.
Oedipus
Ruled by a king or by the general voice?
Stranger
The lord of Athens is our over-lord.
Oedipus
Who is this monarch, great in word and might?
Stranger
Theseus, the son of Aegeus our late king.
Oedipus
Might one be sent from you to summon him?
Stranger
Wherefore? To tell him aught or urge his coming?
Oedipus
Say a slight service may avail him much.
Stranger
How can he profit from a sightless man?
Oedipus
The blind man’s words will be instinct with sight.
