Chorus 5
The elders now pity the mortals who appear to be happy, but are not. They speak of Oedipus accomplishing much in his life, such as solving the Sphinx's riddle, becoming ruler of Thebes, and being named king; and yet he is the person most afflicted with agonies and ruin. They are also surprised that his secret was silent for so long. They all feel sorry for him and cry for him, because he produced children with his mother. They also speak of the unfairness of human life, and of the cruelty of fate.
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