Oedipus Tyrannus (473-555)

Fellow citizens, having learned that Oedipus the king lays dire charges against me, I have come in indignation.

If he thinks that in the present troubles he has suffered from me, by word or by deed, anything harmful, truly I do not desire my full term of years, when I must bear such blame as this. The wrong of this rumor

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 by you and by my friends.

But perhaps this taunt came under the stress of anger, rather than from the purpose of his heart.

Was the opinion given that my counsels had brought the seer to utter his falsehoods?

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

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

I do not know. I see not what my masters do. But here comes our lord from the house.

You, how did you get here? Are you so boldfaced that you have come to my house, you who are manifestly the murderer of its master,

the palpable thief of its crown? Come, tell me, in the name of the gods, was it cowardice or folly which you saw in me and which led you to plot this thing? Did you think that I would not notice this deed of yours creeping upon me by stealth, or that if I became aware of it I would not ward it off?

Is your attempt not foolish, to seek the throne without followers or friends—a prize which followers and wealth must win?

Mark me now: hear a fair reply in answer to your words, and then judge for yourself on the basis of knowledge.

You are apt in speech, but I have a poor wit for lessons, since I have found you a malignant foe.

Now hear first how I will explain this very thing.

One thing—that you are not false—do not bother to explain to me.

If you think that stubbornness

without sense is a virtue, you are not wise.

If you think you can wrong a kinsman and escape the penalty, you are not sane.

Justly said, I grant you: but tell me what the wrong is that you say you are suffering at my hands.

Did you, or did you not, advise me to send for that reverend seer?