Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Plumptre 1878).djvu/121

Rh Some one to send to fetch this reverend seer?

Creon. And even now by that advice I hold!

Œdip. How long a time has passed since Laios chanced [Pauses.

Creon. Chanced to do what? I understand not yet.

Œdip. Since he was smitten with the deadly blow?

Creon. The years would measure out a long, long tale.

Œdip. And was this seer then practising his art?

Creon. Full wise as now, and equal in repute.

Œdip. Did he at that time say a word of me?

Creon. Not one, while I, at any rate, was by.

Œdip. What? Held ye not your quest upon the dead?

Creon. Of course we held it, but we nothing heard.

Œdip. How was it he, this wise one, spoke not then?

Creon. I know not, and, not knowing, hold my peace.

Œdip. Thy deed thou know'st, and with clear mind could'st speak!

Creon. What is't ? I'll not deny it, if I know.

Œdip. Were he not leagued with thee he ne'er had talked

Of felon deed by me on Laios done.

Creon. If he says this, thou know'st it. I of thee

Desire to learn, as thou hast learnt of me.

Œdip. Learn then; on me no guilt of blood shall rest.

Creon. Well, then,—my sister? dost thou own her wife?

Œdip. I cannot meet this question with denial.

Creon. Rul'st thou this land in equal right with her?

Œdip. Her every wish she doth from me receive.

Creon. And am not I co-equal with you twain?

Œdip. Yes; and just here thou show'st thyself false friend.

Creon. Not so, if thou would'st reason with thyself,

As I will reason. First reflect on this;

Supposest thou that one would rather choose