Recently the message has flashed forth from snowy Parnassus ordering all to search for the unknown man. He wanders under cover of the wild wood, among caves and rocks, fierce as a bull, wretched and forlorn on his joyless path, still seeking to separate himself from the doom revealed at the central shrine of the earth.But that doom lives forever, forever flits around him.

ChorusThe wise augur moves me, neither approving nor denying, with dread, with dread indeed.I am at a loss what to say. I am flustered in my expectations, seeing neither the present nor the future clearly. Never in past days or in these have I heard how the house of Labdacus or the son of Polybus had any quarrel with one another thatI could bring as proof in assailing the public reputation of Oedipus, seeking to avenge the line of Labdacusfor the undiscovered murder.

ChorusZeus and Apollo indeed are keen of thought and know the affairs of the earth.But there is no sure test of whether a mortal seer attains more knowledge than I do, though man may surpass man in wisdom. But until I see the word made good, I will never assent when men blame Oedipus. Before all eyes the winged maiden came against him once upon a time, and he was seen to be wise,and bore the test in welcome service to the state. Never, therefore, will he be adjudged guilty of evil.

CreonFellow 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 rumortouches 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.ChorusBut perhaps this taunt came under the stress of anger, rather than from the purpose of his heart.CreonWas the opinion given that my counsels had brought the seer to utter his falsehoods?ChorusSuch things were said—I do not know with what meaning.CreonAnd was this charge laid against me with steady eyes and steady mind?ChorusI do not know. I see not what my masters do. But here comes our lord from the house.Oedipus enters.OedipusYou, 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?CreonMark me now: hear a fair reply in answer to your words, and then judge for yourself on the basis of knowledge.OedipusYou are apt in speech, but I have a poor wit for lessons, since I have found you a malignant foe.CreonNow hear first how I will explain this very thing.OedipusOne thing—that you are not false—do not bother to explain to me.CreonIf you think that stubbornnesswithout sense is a virtue, you are not wise.OedipusIf you think you can wrong a kinsman and escape the penalty, you are not sane.CreonJustly said, I grant you: but tell me what the wrong is that you say you are suffering at my hands.OedipusDid you, or did you not, advise me to send for that reverend seer?