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500—531] wins knowledge above mine, of this there can be no sure test; though man may surpass man in lore. Yet, until I see the word made good, never will I assent when men blame Oedipus. Before all eyes, the winged maiden came against him of old, and he was seen to be wise; he bore the test, in welcome service to our State; never, therefore, by the verdict of my heart shall he be adjudged guilty of crime.

Fellow-citizens, having learned that Oedipus the king lays dire charges against me, I am here, indignant. If, in the present troubles, he thinks that he has suffered from me, by word or deed, aught that tends to harm, in truth I crave not my full term of years, when I must bear such blame as this. The wrong of this rumour 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 too by thee and by my friends.

. Nay, but this taunt came under stress, perchance, of anger, rather than from the purpose of the heart.

. And the saying was uttered, that my counsels won the seer to utter his falsehoods?

. Such things were said—I know not with what meaning.

. And was this charge laid against me with steady eyes and steady mind?

. I know not; I see not what my masters do: but here comes our lord forth from the house.