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22 Chorus. The words were said, but with what mind I know not.

Creon. And was it with calm eyes and judgment calm,

This charge was brought against my name and fame?

Chorus. I cannot say. To what our rulers do

I close my eyes. But here he comes himself.

Œdip. Ho, there! is't thou? And does thy boldness soar

So shameless as to come beneath my roof,

When thou, 'tis clear, dost plot against my life,

And seek'st to rob me of my sovereignty?

Is it, by all the Gods, that thou hast seen

Or cowardice or folly in my soul,

That thou hast laid thy plans? Or thoughtest thou

That I should neither see thy sinuous wiles,

Nor, knowing, ward them off? This scheme of thine,

Is it not wild, backed nor by force nor friends,

To seek the power which force and wealth must grasp?

Creon. Dost know what thou wilt do? For words of thine

Hear like words back, and as thou hearest, judge.

Œdip. Cunning of speech art thou. But I am slow

Of thee to learn, whom I have found my foe.

Creon. Of this, then, first, hear what I have to speak

Œdip. But this, then, say not, that thou art not vile.

Creon. If that thou thinkest self-willed pride avails,

Apart from judgment, know thou art not wise.

Œdip. If that thou think'st, thy kinsman injuring,

To do it unchastised, thou art not wise.

Creon. In this, I grant, thou speakest right; but tell,

What form of injury hast thou to endure?

Œdip. Did'st thou, or did'st thou not, thy counsel give,