Page:Oedipus, King of Thebes (Murray 1911).djvu/51

vv. 614–626 Truth back. ’Tis Time alone can make men know

What hearts are true; the false one day can show.

To one that fears to fall his words are wise,

King; in thought the swift win not the prize.

When he is swift who steals against my reign

With plots, then swift am I to plot again.

Wait patient, and his work shall have prevailed

Before I move, and mine for ever failed.

How then? To banish me is thy intent?

Death is the doom I choose, not banishment.

Wilt never soften, never trust thy friend?

First I would see how traitors meet their end.

I see thou wilt not think.

I think to save

My life.