And what to affirm, I cannot tell;

But I flutter in hope, unapt to see

Things of to-morrow, or to-day.

Why in Polybus’ son** they should find a foe,

Or he in the heirs of Labdacus,

I know no cause, or of old, or late,

In test whereof I am now to go

Against the repute of Oedipus,

To avenge a Labdakid’s unknown fate.

II. 2.

True, Zeus indeed, and Apollo, are wise,

And knowers of what concerns mankind;

But that word of a seer, a man like me,

Weighs more than mine, for a man to prize,

Is all unsure. Yea, one mans mind

May surpass another’s in subtlety;

But never will I, till I see the rest,

Assent to those who accuse him now.

I saw how the air-borne Maiden came

Against him, and proved him wise, by the test,

And good to the state; and for this, I trow,

He shall not, ever, be put to shame.

Enter CREON.

CREON

I am come hither, fellow citizens,

Having been told that Oedipus the king

Lays grievous accusations to my charge,

Which I will not endure. For if he fancies

He in our present troubles has endured

Aught at my hands, either in word or deed,

Tending to harm him, I have no desire

My life should be prolonged, bearing this blame.

The injury that such a word may do

Is no mere trifle, but more vast than any,

If I am to be called a criminal

Here in the town, and by my friends, and you.

1 SENATOR

Nay, the reproach, it may be, rather came

Through stress of anger, than advisedly.

CREON

But it was plainly said, by my advice

The prophet gave false answers.

1 SENATOR

It was said;

But how advised I know not.

CREON

Was this charge

Of a set mind, and with set countenance

Imputed against me?

1 SENATOR

I do not know.

I have no eyes for what my masters do.

But here he comes, himself, forth of the palace.

Enter OEDIPUS.

OEDIPUS

Fellow, how cam’st thou hither? Dost thou boast

So great a front of daring, as to come

Under my roof, the assassin clear of me,

And manifest pirate of my royalty?

Tell me, by heaven, did you detect in me

The bearing of a craven, or a fool,

That you laid plans to do it; or suppose

I should not recognize your work in this,

Creeping on slily, and defend myself?

Is it not folly, this attempt of yours,

Without a following, without friends, to hunt

After a throne, a thing which is achieved

By aid of followers and much revenue?

CREON

Do me this favour; hear me say as much

As you have said; and then, yourself decide.

OEDIPUS

You are quick to talk, but I am slow to learn

Of you; for I have found you contrary

And dangerous to me.

CREON

Now, this same thing

First hear, how I shall state it.

OEDIPUS

This same thing