Creon Fellow citizens, having learned that Oedipus the king lays dire charges against me, I have come in indignation. If he thinks that in the present troubles he has suffered from me, by word or by deed, anything harmful, truly I do not desire my full term of years, when I must bear such blame as this. The wrong of this rumor touches me not in one point alone, but has the largest scope, if I am to be called a traitor in the city, a traitor by you and by my friends.
Chorus But perhaps this taunt came under the stress of anger, rather than from the purpose of his heart.
Creon Was the opinion given that my counsels had brought the seer to utter his falsehoods?
Chorus Such things were said—I do not know with what meaning.
Creon And was this charge laid against me with steady eyes and steady mind?
Chorus I do not know. I see not what my masters do. But here comes our lord from the house.
Oedipus You, how did you get here? Are you so boldfaced that you have come to my house, you who are manifestly the murderer of its master, the palpable thief of its crown? Come, tell me, in the name of the gods, was it cowardice or folly which you saw in me and which led you to plot this thing? Did you think that I would not notice this deed of yours creeping upon me by stealth, or that if I became aware of it I would not ward it off? Is your attempt not foolish, to seek the throne without followers or friends—a prize which followers and wealth must win?
Creon Mark me now: hear a fair reply in answer to your words, and then judge for yourself on the basis of knowledge.
Oedipus You are apt in speech, but I have a poor wit for lessons, since I have found you a malignant foe.
Creon Now hear first how I will explain this very thing.
Oedipus One thing—that you are not false—do not bother to explain to me.
Creon If you think that stubbornness without sense is a virtue, you are not wise.
Oedipus If you think you can wrong a kinsman and escape the penalty, you are not sane.
Creon Justly said, I grant you: but tell me what the wrong is that you say you are suffering at my hands.
Oedipus Did you, or did you not, advise me to send for that reverend seer?
Creon Even now I am of the same mind.
Oedipus How long is it, then, since Laius . . .
Creon Did what? I do not understand.
Oedipus was swept out of sight by deadly violence?
Creon The count of years would run far into the past.
Oedipus Did this seer possess this skill in those days?
Creon He was wise as now, and held in equal honor.
Oedipus Did he make mention of me at that time?
Creon Never, certainly, when I was within hearing.
Oedipus Did you never investigate the murder?
Creon Due search we made, of course, though we learned nothing.
Oedipus And how was it that this sage did not tell this story then.
Creon I do not know: where I lack insight it is my custom to be silent.
Oedipus This much, at least, you know, and could declare with insight enough.
Creon What is that? If I know it, I will not deny it.
Oedipus That, if he had not conferred with you, he would not have named me as Laius’ slayer.
Creon If he says this, you know best: but I deem it just to learn from you as much as you have from me now.
Oedipus Learn your fill. I will never be found guilty of the bloodshed.
Creon Say, then—have you married my sister?
Oedipus The question allows no denial.
Creon And you rule the land as she does, with equal sway.
Oedipus She obtains from me all that she wishes.
Creon And do I not rank as a third peer of you two?
Oedipus It is just in this that you are seen to be a false friend.
Cite This Text