Oed. When he who hath designs on me is swift
In his advance, I must bethink me swiftly.
Should I wait leisurely, his work hath gained
Achievement, while my plans have missed success.
Cr. What would you then? To thrust me from the land?
Oed. Nay, death, not exile, is my wish for thee,
When all have seen what envy brings on men.
[Cr. You’ll ne’er relent nor listen to my plea.]
Oed. You’ll ne’er be governed or repent your guilt.
Cr. Because I see thou art blind.
Oed. Not to my need.
Cr. Mine must be thought of too.
Oed. You are a villain.
Cr. How if thy thought be vain?
Oed. Authority
Must be maintained.
Cr. Not when authority
Declines to evil.
Oed. O my citizens!
Cr. I have a part in them no less than you.
Leader of Ch. Cease, princes. Opportunely I behold
Jocasta coming toward you from the palace.
Her presence may attune your jarring minds.
Enter Jocasta.
Jocasta. Unhappy that ye are, why have ye reared
Your wordy rancour ’mid the city’s harms?
Have you no shame, to stir up private broils
In such a time as this? Get thee within! (To Oed.)
And thou too, Creon! nor enlarge your griefs
To make a mountain out of nothingness.
Cr. Sister, thy husband Oedipus declares
One of two horrors he will wreak on me,
Banishment from my native land, or death.
Oed. Yea, for I caught him practising, my queen,
Against our person with malignant guile.
Cr. May comfort fail me, and a withering curse
Destroy me, if I e’er planned aught of this.
