Oedipus Tyrannus (557-600)

Even now I am of the same mind.

How long is it, then, since Laius . . .

Did what? I do not understand.

was swept out of sight by deadly violence?

The count of years would run far into the past.

Did this seer possess this skill in those days?

He was wise as now, and held in equal honor.

Did he make mention of me at that time?

Never, certainly, when I was within hearing.

Did you never investigate the murder?

Due search we made, of course, though we learned nothing.

And how was it that this sage did not tell this story then.

I do not know: where I lack insight it is my custom to be silent.

This much, at least, you know, and could declare with insight enough.

What is that? If I know it, I will not deny it.

That, if he had not conferred with you, he would not have named me as Laius’ slayer.

If he says this, you know best: but I deem it just

to learn from you as much as you have from me now.

Learn your fill. I will never be found guilty of the bloodshed.

Say, then—have you married my sister?

The question allows no denial.

And you rule the land as she does, with equal sway.

She obtains from me all that she wishes.

And do I not rank as a third peer of you two?

It is just in this that you are seen to be a false friend.

Not so, if you would reason with your heart as I do with mine. Weigh this first—whether you think that anyone would

choose to rule amid terrors rather than in unruffled peace, granted that he is to have the same powers. Now I, for one, have by nature no yearning to rule as a king rather than to do kingly deeds, and neither does any man I know who has a sound mind.

For now I attain all everything from you without fear, but, if I were ruler myself, I would have to do much that went against my own pleasure. How, then, could royalty be sweeter to me to have than painless rule and influence? I am not yet so misguided

that I desire other honors than those which bring profit. Now, every man has a greeting for me; now, all that have a request of you crave to speak with me, since in me lies all their hope of success. Why then should I give up these things and take those others?

No mind will become false while it is wise. No, I am no lover of such a policy, and if another put it into action, I could never bear to go along with him. And, in proof of this, first go to Pytho, and ask whether I brought a true report of the oracle.