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Rh away—a longer time than should be—but when he comes I shall not be an honest man unless I do whatever the god commands.

. You have spoken at the right time. They have just signalled to us that Creon has arrived.

. O King Apollo, may he bring brighter fortune, for his face is shining.

. He brings good news, for he is crowned with bay.

. We shall know soon. Brother-in-law, Menoeceus’ son, what news from the god?

. Good news; for pain turns to pleasure when we have set the crooked straight.

. But what is the oracle—so far the news is neither good nor bad.

. If you would hear it with all these about you, I am ready to speak. Or do we go within?

. Speak before all. The sorrow I endure is less for my own life than these.

. Then, with your leave, I speak. Our lord Phoebus bids us drive out a defiling thing that has been cherished in this land.

. By what purification?

. King Laius was our king before you came to pilot us.

. I know—but not of my own knowledge, for I never saw him.