Quotes from Oedipus at Colonus

Quotations follow the Robert Fagles translation (Penguin Classics, 1982) — our recommended edition.

1. 2

   Not to be born is, past all prizing, best; but, when a man hath seen the light, this is next best by far, that with all speed he should go thither, whence he hath come.

2. 3

   Child of a blind old man, Antigone, to what region have we come, or to what city of men?

3. 4

   I come as one who is sacred, one who is pious, one who brings great good to the people of this land.

4. 5

   Kind son of Aegeus, to the gods alone comes never old age or death, but all else is confounded by all-mastering time.

5. 6

   Come, cease lamentation, lift it up no more; for verily these things stand fast.

6. 7

   Whoso craves the ampler length of life, not content to desire a modest span, him will I judge with no uncertain voice; he cleaves to folly.

7. 8

   I have suffered misery, strangers,—suffered it through unwitting deeds, and of those acts—be Heaven my witness!—no part was of mine own choice.

8. 9

   I come to offer thee my woe-worn body as a gift,—not goodly to look upon; but the gains from it are better than beauty.

9. 10

   Little crave I, and win yet less than that little, and therewith am content; for patience is the lesson of suffering, and of the years in our long fellowship, and lastly of a noble mind.

10. 11

    Never canst thou overthrow that city; no, first shalt thou fall stained with bloodshed, and thy brother likewise.

11. 12

    Much speech is one thing, well-timed speech another.

12. 13

    Faith dies, distrust is born; and the same spirit is never steadfast among friends, or betwixt city and city.

13. 14

    Gains got by wrongful arts are soon lost.

14. 15

    Not in words so much as deeds would I make the lustre of my life.