Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 16.djvu/191

Rh If I had slain him, I had only gained One added triumph. Kings, indeed, are gods To their own subjects, but to Hercules, Or me, they were no more than common men. I have avenged the wrongs of mighty princes; And, therefore, little, thou mayest think, should fear To attack the bravest.

Heroes, like thyself, Are equal even to kings, I know they are: But still remember, prince, whoe'er slew Laius, His head must answer for the woes of Thebes; And thou

I slew him not; let that suffice. If I had done the deed, I would have owned, Nay boasted of it. Hear me, Œdipus, Though vulgar souls, by vulgar methods, deign To vindicate their injured honor; kings And heroes, when they speak, expect, no doubt, To be believed: perhaps thou dost suspect I murdered Laius. It becomes not thee, Of all men, to accuse me: to thy hand Devolved his sceptre and his queen. Who reaped The fruits of Laius's death, but Œdipus? Who took the spoils? Who filled his throne? Not I. That object never tempted Philoctetes: Alcides never would accept a crown: We knew no master, and desired no subjects: I have made kings, but never wished to be one. But 'tis beneath me to refute the falsehood, For innocence is lessened by defence.