Creon
Mark me now: hear a fair reply in answer to your words, and then judge for yourself on the basis of knowledge.
Oedipus
[545]
You are apt in speech, but I have a poor wit for lessons, since I have found you a malignant foe.
Creon
Now hear first how I will explain this very thing.
Oedipus
One thing—that you are not false—do not bother to explain to me.
Creon
If you think that stubbornness
[550]
without sense is a virtue, you are not wise.
Oedipus
If you think you can wrong a kinsman and escape the penalty, you are not sane.
Creon
Justly said, I grant you: but tell me what the wrong is that you say you are suffering at my hands.
Oedipus
[555]
Did you, or did you not, advise me to send for that reverend seer?
Creon
Even now I am of the same mind.
Oedipus
How long is it, then, since Laius . . .
Creon
Did what? I do not understand.
Oedipus
[560]
was swept out of sight by deadly violence?
Creon
The count of years would run far into the past.
Oedipus
Did this seer possess this skill in those days?
Creon
He was wise as now, and held in equal honor.
Oedipus
Did he make mention of me at that time?
Creon
[565]
Never, certainly, when I was within hearing.
Oedipus
Did you never investigate the murder?
Creon
Due search we made, of course, though we learned nothing.
Oedipus
And how was it that this sage did not tell this story then.
Creon
I do not know: where I lack insight it is my custom to be silent.
Oedipus
[570]
This much, at least, you know, and could declare with insight enough.
Creon
What is that? If I know it, I will not deny it.
Oedipus
That, if he had not conferred with you, he would not have named me as Laius' slayer.
Creon
If he says this, you know best: but I deem it just
[575]
to learn from you as much as you have from me now.
Oedipus
Learn your fill. I will never be found guilty of the bloodshed.
Creon
Say, then—have you married my sister?
Oedipus
The question allows no denial.
Creon
And you rule the land as she does, with equal sway.
Oedipus
[580]
She obtains from me all that she wishes.
Creon
And do I not rank as a third peer of you two?
Oedipus
It is just in this that you are seen to be a false friend.
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Sophocles. The Oedipus Tyrannus of Sophocles. Edited with introduction and notes by Sir Richard Jebb. Sir Richard Jebb. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press. 1887.
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