Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus, Robert Potter (Translator), 513

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Jove, high ruler of the skies,

And the Pythian god are wise ;

They the deeds of mortals know,

All whate'er is done below :

Of knowledge doth the Seer a brighter ray,

Than illumines me, display?
515

Some deeper drink of wisdom's spring;
515

But proofs, that flash conviction I demand.

The Sphinx display'd her dreadful wing,

His wisdom saved the sinking land;

Then let my grateful soul disdain

To rank the hero with the murderer's train.

Ye citizens of Thebes, th' atrocious crime,

Charged on me by the royal Edipus,

Hath reach'd my ear: my soul disdains the charge.

If in the present ills he deems that aught

Of injury to him by word or deed

By me hath been attempted, let me breathe
520

This vital air no longer, such ill fame
520

Sustaining: for no trivial damage brings

This accusation, but of import high

To me, if I shall be reputed base

By thee, and by my friends, and by the state.

Chorus
CREON, CHORUS.

From violence of passion this reproach

Creon

Haply burst forth, more than from sober thought.

Whence his persuasion that the Seer, with me

Oedipus Tyrannus. Sophocles. Robert Potter (Translator). London. 1820.

Current edition Experimental

English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) (English) (English (Robert Potter, 1788))

Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.

Editions (2)

Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 513 focus

ἄνδρες πολῖται, δείνʼ ἔπη πεπυσμένος

κατηγορεῖν μου τὸν τύραννον Οἰδίπουν

πάρειμ᾿ ἀτλητῶν. εἰ γὰρ ἐν ταῖς ξυμφοραῖς
515

ταῖς νῦν νομίζει πρός γ᾿ ἐμοῦ πεπονθέναι

λόγοισιν εἴτ' ἔργοισιν εἰς βλάβην φέρον,

οὔτοι βίου μοι τοῦ μακραίωνος πόθος,

φέροντι τήνδε βάξιν. οὐ γὰρ εἰς ἁπλοῦν

ἡ ζημία μοι τοῦ λόγου τούτου φέρει,
520

ἀλλ᾽ ἐς μέγιστον, εἰ κακὸς μὲν ἐν πόλει,

κακὸς δὲ πρὸς σοῦ καὶ φίλων κεκλήσομαι.

Χορός

ἀλλ᾽ ἦλθε μὲν δὴ τοῦτο τοὔνειδος τάχ᾽ ἂν

ὀργῇ βιασθὲν μᾶλλον ἢ γνώμῃ φρενῶν.

Κρέων

τοῦ πρὸς δ᾽ ἐφάνθη ταῖς ἐμαῖς γνώμαις ὅτι
525

πεισθεὶς ὁ μάντις τοὺς λόγους ψευδεῖς λέγοι;

Χορός

ηὐδᾶτο μὲν τάδ', οἶδα δ᾽ οὐ γνώμῃ τίνι.

Κρέων

ἐξ ὀμμάτων δ᾽ ὀρθῶν τε κἀξ ὀρθῆς φρενὸς

κατηγορεῖτο τοὐπίκλημα τοῦτό μου;

Χορός

οὐκ οἶδ᾽· ἃ γὰρ δρῶσ᾽ οἱ κρατοῦντες οὐχ ὁρῶ.
530

αὐτὸς δ᾽ ὅδ᾽ ἤδη δωμάτων ἔξω περᾷ.

Οἰδίπους

οὗτος, σὺ πῶς δεῦρ᾽ ἦλθες; ἦ τοσόνδ᾽ ἔχεις

τόλμης πρόσωπον ὥστε τὰς ἐμὰς στέγας

ἵκου, φονεὺς ὢν τοῦδε τἀνδρὸς ἐμφανῶς

λῃστής τ᾽ ἐναργὴς τῆς ἐμῆς τυραννίδος;
535

φέρ᾽ εἰπὲ πρὸς θεῶν, δειλίαν ἢ μωρίαν

ἰδών τινʼ ἐν ἐμοὶ ταῦτ᾽ ἐβουλεύσω ποιεῖν;

ἢ τοὔργον ὡς οὐ γνωρίσοιμί σου τόδε

δόλῳ προσέρπον *ἢ οὐκ ἀλεξοίμην μαθών;

ἆρ᾽ οὐχὶ μῶρόν ἐστι τοὐγχείρημά σου,
540

ἄνευ τε πλήθους καὶ φίλων τυραννίδα

θηρᾶν, ὃ πλήθει χρήμασίν θ᾽ ἁλίσκεται;

Κρέων

Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 513-648 focus

Κρέων

ἄνδρες πολῖται, δείνʼ ἔπη πεπυσμένος

κατηγορεῖν μου τὸν τύραννον Οἰδίπουν,

πάρειμʼ ἀτλητῶν. εἰ γὰρ ἐν ταῖς ξυμφοραῖς
515

ταῖς νῦν νομίζει πρός γʼ ἐμοῦ πεπονθέναι

λόγοισιν εἴτʼ ἔργοισιν εἰς βλάβην φέρον,

οὔτοι βίου μοι τοῦ μακραίωνος πόθος,

φέροντι τήνδε βάξιν. οὐ γὰρ εἰς ἁπλοῦν

ἡ ζημία μοι τοῦ λόγου τούτου φέρει,
520

ἀλλʼ ἐς μέγιστον, εἰ κακὸς μὲν ἐν πόλει,

κακὸς δὲ πρὸς σοῦ καὶ φίλων κεκλήσομαι.

Χορός

ἀλλʼ ἦλθε μὲν δὴ τοῦτο τοὔνειδος τάχʼ ἂν

ὀργῇ βιασθὲν μᾶλλον ἢ γνώμῃ φρενῶν.

Κρέων

τοὔπος δʼ ἐφάνθη, ταῖς ἐμαῖς γνώμαις ὅτι
525

πεισθεὶς ὁ μάντις τοὺς λόγους ψευδεῖς λέγοι;

Χορός

ηὐδᾶτο μὲν τάδʼ, οἶδα δʼ οὐ γνώμῃ τίνι.

Κρέων

ἐξ ὀμμάτων δʼ ὀρθῶν τε κἀξ ὀρθῆς φρενὸς

κατηγορεῖτο τοὐπίκλημα τοῦτό μου;

Χορός

οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἃ γὰρ δρῶσʼ, οἱ κρατοῦντες οὐχ ὁρῶ.
530

αὐτὸς δʼ ὅδʼ ἤδη δωμάτων ἔξω περᾷ.

Οἰδίπους

οὗτος σύ, πῶς δεῦρʼ ἦλθες; ἦ τοσόνδʼ ἔχεις

τόλμης πρόσωπον ὥστε τὰς ἐμὰς στέγας

ἵκου, φονεὺς ὢν τοῦδε τἀνδρὸς ἐμφανῶς

λῃστής τʼ ἐναργὴς τῆς ἐμῆς τυραννίδος;
535

φέρʼ εἰπὲ πρὸς θεῶν, δειλίαν ἢ μωρίαν

ἰδών τινʼ ἔν μοι ταῦτʼ ἐβουλεύσω ποεῖν;

ἢ τοὔργον ὡς οὐ γνωριοῖμί σου τόδε

δόλῳ προσέρπον ἢ οὐκ ἀλεξοίμην μαθών;

ἆρʼ οὐχὶ μῶρόν ἐστι τοὐγχείρημά σου,
540

ἄνευ τε πλήθους καὶ φίλων τυραννίδα

θηρᾶν, ὃ πλήθει χρήμασίν θʼ ἁλίσκεται;

543

Κρέων

οἶσθʼ ὡς πόησον; ἀντὶ τῶν εἰρημένων

ἴσʼ ἀντάκουσον, κᾆτα κρῖνʼ αὐτὸς μαθών.

Οἰδίπους

λέγειν σὺ δεινός, μανθάνειν δʼ ἐγὼ κακὸς
545

σοῦ· δυσμενῆ γὰρ καὶ βαρύν σʼ ηὕρηκʼ ἐμοί.

Κρέων

τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ νῦν μου πρῶτʼ ἄκουσον ὡς ἐρῶ.

Οἰδίπους

τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ μή μοι φράζʼ, ὅπως οὐκ εἶ κακός.

Κρέων

εἴ τοι νομίζεις κτῆμα τὴν αὐθαδίαν

εἶναί τι τοῦ νοῦ χωρίς, οὐκ ὀρθῶς φρονεῖς.
550

Οἰδίπους

εἴ τοι νομίζεις ἄνδρα συγγενῆ κακῶς

δρῶν οὐχ ὑφέξειν τὴν δίκην, οὐκ εὖ φρονεῖς.

Κρέων

ξύμφημί σοι ταῦτʼ ἔνδικʼ εἰρῆσθαι· τὸ δὲ

πάθημʼ ὁποῖον φὴς παθεῖν, δίδασκέ με.

Οἰδίπους

ἔπειθες ἢ οὐκ ἔπειθες, ὡς χρείη μʼ ἐπὶ
555

τὸν σεμνόμαντιν ἄνδρα πέμψασθαί τινα;

Κρέων

καὶ νῦν ἔθʼ αὑτός εἰμι τῷ βουλεύματι.

Οἰδίπους

πόσον τινʼ ἤδη δῆθʼ ὁ Λάϊος χρόνον

Κρέων

δέδρακε ποῖον ἔργον; οὐ γὰρ ἐννοῶ.

Οἰδίπους

ἄφαντος ἔρρει θανασίμῳ χειρώματι;
560

Κρέων

μακροὶ παλαιοί τʼ ἂν μετρηθεῖεν χρόνοι.

Οἰδίπους

τότʼ οὖν ὁ μάντις οὗτος ἦν ἐν τῇ τέχνῃ;

Κρέων

σοφός γʼ ὁμοίως κἀξ ἴσου τιμώμενος.

Οἰδίπους

ἐμνήσατʼ οὖν ἐμοῦ τι τῷ τότʼ ἐν χρόνῳ;

Κρέων

οὔκουν ἐμοῦ γʼ ἑστῶτος οὐδαμοῦ πέλας.
565

Οἰδίπους

ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔρευναν τοῦ κτανόντος ἔσχετε;

Κρέων

παρέσχομεν, πῶς δʼ οὐχί; κοὐκ ἠκούσαμεν.

Οἰδίπους

πῶς οὖν τόθʼ οὗτος ὁ σοφὸς οὐκ ηὔδα τάδε;

Κρέων

οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἐφʼ οἷς γὰρ μὴ φρονῶ σιγᾶν φιλῶ.

Οἰδίπους

τοσόνδε γʼ οἶσθα καὶ λέγοις ἂν εὖ φρονῶν.
570

Κρέων

ποῖον τόδʼ; εἰ γὰρ οἶδά γʼ, οὐκ ἀρνήσομαι.

Οἰδίπους

ὁθούνεκʼ, εἰ μὴ σοὶ ξυνῆλθε, τάσδʼ ἐμὰς

οὐκ ἄν ποτʼ εἶπε Λαΐου διαφθοράς.

Κρέων

εἰ μὲν λέγει τάδʼ, αὐτὸς οἶσθʼ· ἐγὼ δὲ σοῦ

μαθεῖν δικαιῶ ταὔθʼ ἅπερ κἀμοῦ σὺ νῦν.
575

Οἰδίπους

ἐκμάνθανʼ· οὐ γὰρ δὴ φονεὺς ἁλώσομαι.

Κρέων

τί δῆτʼ; ἀδελφὴν τὴν ἐμὴν γήμας ἔχεις;

Οἰδίπους

ἄρνησις οὐκ ἔνεστιν ὧν ἀνιστορεῖς.

Κρέων

ἄρχεις δʼ ἐκείνῃ ταὐτὰ γῆς ἴσον νέμων;

Οἰδίπους

ἃν ᾖ θέλουσα πάντʼ ἐμοῦ κομίζεται.
580

Κρέων

οὔκουν ἰσοῦμαι σφῷν ἐγὼ δυοῖν τρίτος;

Οἰδίπους

ἐνταῦθα γὰρ δὴ καὶ κακὸς φαίνει φίλος.

583

Κρέων

οὔκ, εἰ διδοίης γʼ ὡς ἐγὼ σαυτῷ λόγον.

σκέψαι δὲ τοῦτο πρῶτον, εἴ τινʼ ἂν δοκεῖς

ἄρχειν ἑλέσθαι ξὺν φόβοισι μᾶλλον ἢ
585

ἄτρεστον εὕδοντʼ, εἰ τά γʼ αὔθʼ ἕξει κράτη.

ἐγὼ μὲν οὖν οὔτʼ αὐτὸς ἱμείρων ἔφυν

τύραννος εἶναι μᾶλλον ἢ τύραννα δρᾶν,

οὔτʼ ἄλλος ὅστις σωφρονεῖν ἐπίσταται.

νῦν μὲν γὰρ ἐκ σοῦ πάντʼ ἄνευ φόβου φέρω,
590

εἰ δʼ αὐτὸς ἦρχον, πολλὰ κἂν ἄκων ἔδρων.

πῶς δῆτʼ ἐμοὶ τυραννὶς ἡδίων ἔχειν

ἀρχῆς ἀλύπου καὶ δυναστείας ἔφυ;

οὔπω τοσοῦτον ἠπατημένος κυρῶ

ὥστʼ ἄλλα χρῄζειν ἢ τὰ σὺν κέρδει καλά.
595

νῦν πᾶσι χαίρω, νῦν με πᾶς ἀσπάζεται,

νῦν οἱ σέθεν χρῄζοντες ἐκκαλοῦσί με·

τὸ γὰρ τυχεῖν αὐτοῖσι πᾶν ἐνταῦθʼ ἔνι.

πῶς δῆτʼ ἐγὼ κεῖνʼ ἂν λάβοιμʼ ἀφεὶς τάδε;

οὐκ ἂν γένοιτο νοῦς κακὸς καλῶς φρονῶν.
600

ἀλλʼ οὔτʼ ἐραστὴς τῆσδε τῆς γνώμης ἔφυν

οὔτʼ ἂν μετʼ ἄλλου δρῶντος ἂν τλαίην ποτέ.

καὶ τῶνδʼ ἔλεγχον τοῦτο μὲν Πυθώδʼ ἰὼν

πεύθου τὰ χρησθέντʼ εἰ σαφῶς ἤγγειλά σοι·

τοῦτʼ ἄλλʼ, ἐάν με τῷ τερασκόπῳ λάβῃς
605

κοινῇ τι βουλεύσαντα, μή μʼ ἁπλῇ κτάνῃς

ψήφῳ, διπλῇ δέ, τῇ τʼ ἐμῇ καὶ σῇ, λαβών·

γνώμῃ δʼ ἀδήλῳ μή με χωρὶς αἰτιῶ.

οὐ γὰρ δίκαιον οὔτε τοὺς κακοὺς μάτην

χρηστοὺς νομίζειν οὔτε τοὺς χρηστοὺς κακούς.
610

φίλον γὰρ ἐσθλὸν ἐκβαλεῖν ἴσον λέγω

καὶ τὸν παρʼ αὑτῷ βίοτον, ὃν πλεῖστον, φιλεῖ.

ἀλλʼ ἐν χρόνῳ γνώσει τάδʼ ἀσφαλῶς, ἐπεὶ

χρόνος δίκαιον ἄνδρα δείκνυσιν μόνος·

κακὸν δὲ κἂν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ γνοίης μιᾷ.
615

616

Χορός

καλῶς ἔλεξεν εὐλαβουμένῳ πεσεῖν,

ἄναξ· φρονεῖν γὰρ οἱ ταχεῖς οὐκ ἀσφαλεῖς.

Οἰδίπους

ὅταν ταχύς τις οὑπιβουλεύων λάθρᾳ

χωρῇ, ταχὺν δεῖ κἀμὲ βουλεύειν πάλιν·

εἰ δʼ ἡσυχάζων προσμενῶ, τὰ τοῦδε μὲν
620

πεπραγμένʼ ἔσται, τἀμὰ δʼ ἡμαρτημένα.

Κρέων

τί δῆτα χρῄζεις; ἦ με γῆς ἔξω βαλεῖν;

Οἰδίπους

ἥκιστα· θνῄσκειν, οὐ φυγεῖν σε βούλομαι.

ὡς ἂν προδείξῃς οἷόν ἐστι τὸ φθονεῖν.

Κρέων

ὡς οὐχ ὑπείξων οὐδὲ πιστεύσων λέγεις;
625

Οἰδίπους

Κρέων

οὐ γὰρ φρονοῦντά σʼ εὖ βλέπω.

Οἰδίπους

τὸ γοῦν ἐμόν.

Κρέων

ἀλλʼ ἐξ ἴσου δεῖ κἀμόν.

Οἰδίπους

ἀλλʼ ἔφυς κακός.

Κρέων

εἰ δὲ ξυνίης μηδέν;

Οἰδίπους

ἀρκτέον γʼ ὅμως.

Κρέων

οὔτοι κακῶς γʼ ἄρχοντος.

Οἰδίπους

ὦ πόλις πόλις.

Κρέων

κἀμοὶ πόλεως μέτεστιν, οὐχί σοι μόνῳ.
630

Χορός

παύσασθʼ, ἄνακτες· καιρίαν δʼ ὑμῖν ὁρῶ

τήνδʼ ἐκ δόμων στείχουσαν Ἰοκάστην, μεθʼ ἧς

τὸ νῦν παρεστὸς νεῖκος εὖ θέσθαι χρεών.

634

Ἰοκάστη

τί τὴν ἄβουλον, ὦ ταλαίπωροι, στάσιν

γλώσσης ἐπήρασθʼ οὐδʼ ἐπαισχύνεσθε γῆς
635

οὕτω νοσούσης ἴδια κινοῦντες κακά;

οὐκ εἶ σύ τʼ οἴκους σύ τε, Κρέων, κατὰ στέγας,

καὶ μὴ τὸ μηδὲν ἄλγος εἰς μέγʼ οἴσετε;

Κρέων

ὅμαιμε, δεινά μʼ Οἰδίπους ὁ σὸς πόσις

δρᾶσαι δικαιοῖ δυοῖν ἀποκρίνας κακοῖν
640

ἢ γῆς ἀπῶσαι πατρίδος ἢ κτεῖναι λαβών.

Οἰδίπους

ξύμφημι· δρῶντα γάρ νιν, ὦ γύναι, κακῶς

εἴληφα τοὐμὸν σῶμα σὺν τέχνῃ κακῇ.

Κρέων

μή νυν ὀναίμην, ἀλλʼ ἀραῖος, εἴ σέ τι

δέδρακʼ, ὀλοίμην, ὧν ἐπαιτιᾷ με δρᾶν.
645

Ἰοκάστη

ὦ πρὸς θεῶν πίστευσον, Οἰδίπους, τάδε,

μάλιστα μὲν τόνδʼ ὅρκον αἰδεσθεὶς θεῶν,

ἔπειτα κἀμὲ τούσδε θʼ οἳ πάρεισί σοι.

Translations (4)

English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 513 focus

Citizens, hearing of dire calumny

Denounced on me by Oedipus the King,

I am here to make loud protest. If he think,
515

In this embroilment of events, one word

Or deed of mine hath wrought him injury,

I am not careful to prolong my life

Beneath such imputation. For it means

No trifling danger, but disastrous harm,
520

Making my life dishonoured in the state,

And meanly thought of by my friends and you.

CH

Perchance ’twas but the sudden flash of wrath,

Not the deliberate judgement of the soul.

CR

Who durst declare it, that Tirésias spake
525

False prophecies, set on to this by me?

CH

Such things were said, I know not how advised.

CR

And were the eyes and spirit not distraught,

When the tongue uttered this to ruin me?

CH

I cannot say. To what my betters do
530

I am blind. But see, the King comes forth again.

OED
Enter OEDIPUS .

Insolent, art thou here? Hadst thou the face

To bring thy boldness near my palace-roof,

Proved as thou art to have contrived my death

And laid thy robber hands upon my state?
535

Tell me, by heaven, had you seen in me

A coward or a fool, when you planned this?—

Deemed you I should be blind to your attempt

Craftily creeping on, or, when perceived,

Not ward it off? Is’t not a silly scheme,
540

To think to compass without troops of friends

Power, that is only won by wealth and men?

CR

German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 513 focus

Ihr Bürger, weil ich höre, daß mich Dedipus,

Der König, schwerer Thaten angeschuldigt hat,

Erschein' ich hier von Schmerz erfüllt. Denn wenn er glaubt,

Ich habe, was zu Schaden führt, in dieser Noth

Mit Worten oder durch die That ihm angethan:
510

Dann lange fortzuleben, traun, verlang' ich nicht,

Mit solchem Ruf belastet. Einfach wäre nicht

Der Schaden, der aus diesem Leumund mir ersteht,

Nein, unermeßlich, wenn ich schlecht in dieser Stadt,

Und schlecht vor dir und meinen Freunden heißen soll.
515

Der Chor.

Doch diese Schmähung wurde mehr vielleicht im Zorn

Gewaltsam ausgestoßen als mit Vorbedacht.

Kreon.

Woraus erhellte, daß, verführt durch meinen Rath,

Des Sehers Mund die Lügenworte reden soll?

Der Chor.

So ward gesagt; aus welchem Grunde, weiß ich nicht.
520

Kreon.

Mit offnem Blick des Auges und mit offnem Sinn

Ward solcher Vorwurf ausgesprochen wider mich?

Der Chor.

Ich weiß nicht; was die Herrscher thun, bemerk' ich nicht;

Doch eben tritt er selber aus dem Hause schon.

Oedipus. Die Vorigen.

Oedipus.

Du wagst hieher zu kommen? Hast du solche Stirn
525

Schamloser Frechheit, daß du meiner Schwelle nahst,

Du, der an dieses Mannes Haupt zum Mörder wird,

Und offen sich als Räuber meines Thrones zeigt?

Sprich, bei den Göttern, ob du feigen Sinn an mir,

Ob Aberwiz gewahrtest, daß du dies ersanmst?
530

Nicht ahnen würd' ich, wähntest du, solch tückisches

Vermessen, noch ihm wehren, wenn ich's auch geahnt?

Ist also dein Beginnen nicht ein thörichtes,

Ganz ohne Volk und Freunde nach dem Königthum

Zu jagen, das mit Volk und Gold erobert wird?
535

Kreon.

English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 513 focus

O citizens ! with grief T hear your king

Hath blasted the fair fame of guiltless Creon !

And most unjustly brands me with a crime

My soul abhors : whilst desolation spreads
515

On every side, and universal ruin

Hangs o'er the land, if I in word or deed

Could join to swell the woes of hapless Thebes,

T were unworthy — nay, I would not wish —

To live another day : alas ! my friends.

Thus to be deemed a traitor to my country,

To you my fellow- citizens, to all
520

That hear me, 'tis infamy and shame ;

I cannot, will not bear it.

Chorus

Who told him I suborned
525

The prophet to speak falsely 1 What could raise
525

This vile suspicion ?

Chorus

Such he had, but whence

I know not.

Creon

Talked he thus with firm composure

I cannot say ;
530

'Tis not for me to know the thoughts of kings,
530

Or judge their actions ! But behold ! he comes.

Oedipus
Scene II.

Creon, Chorus.

Oedipus

English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904)) — 513-646 focus

Creon

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
515

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.
520

Chorus

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

Creon

Was the opinion given that my counsels had brought the seer to utter his falsehoods?
525

Chorus

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

Creon

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

Chorus

I do not know. I see not what my masters do. But here comes our lord from the house.
530

Oedipus enters.

Oedipus

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?
535

Is your attempt not foolish, to seek the throne without followers or friends—a prize which followers and wealth must win?
540

543

Creon

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

Oedipus

You are apt in speech, but I have a poor wit for lessons, since I have found you a malignant foe.
545

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

without sense is a virtue, you are not wise.
550

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

Did you, or did you not, advise me to send for that reverend seer?
555

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

was swept out of sight by deadly violence?
560

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

Never, certainly, when I was within hearing.
565

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

This much, at least, you know, and could declare with insight enough.
570

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

to learn from you as much as you have from me now.
575

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

She obtains from me all that she wishes.
580

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.

583

Creon

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.
585

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
590

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?
595

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.
600

Then next, if you have found that I have planned anything in concert with the soothsayer, take and slay me, by the sentence not of one mouth, but of two—by my own no less than yours. But do not assume my guilt on unproven inference. It is not just to judge bad men good at random,
605

or good men bad. I think that casting off a true friend is for a man like casting away the life in his own bosom, which he most loves. You will surely learn about these affairs in time, since time alone reveals a just man.
610

But you can discern a bad man even in one day alone.
615

616

Chorus

He has spoken well, my king, for one who is taking care not to fall: those who are quick in counsel are not sure.

Oedipus

When the stealthy plotter is moving on me quickly, I, too, must be quick in my counterplot.

If I await him in repose, his ends will have been gained, and mine lost.
620

Creon

What do you want then? To banish me from the land?

Oedipus

Hardly. I desire your death, not your exile, so that I might show what a thing envy is.

Creon

Are you resolved not to yield or believe?
625

Oedipus

No, for you persuade me that you are unworthy of trust.

Creon

No, for I see you are not sane.

Oedipus

Sane, at least, in my own interest.

Creon

But you should be so in mine also.

Oedipus

You are false.

Creon

But if you understand nothing?

Oedipus

Still I must rule.

Creon

Not if you rule badly.

Oedipus

Hear him, city of Thebes !

Creon

The city is mine too, not yours alone.
630

Chorus

Cease, lords. In good time I see Iocasta coming from the house, with whose help you should resolve your present feud.

634 Iocasta enters.

Iocasta

Misguided men, why have you raised

such a foolish argument? Are you not ashamed, while the land is so sick, to stir up troubles of your own? Come, go into the house—and you, Creon, go to yours—and stop making so much of a petty grief.
635

Creon

Kinswoman, Oedipus, your husband,

wants to do one of two terrible things to me, either to thrust me from the land of my fathers or to arrest and slay me.
640

Oedipus

Yes indeed, for I have caught him, lady, working evil against my person with his wicked craft.

Creon

May I derive no benefit,

but perish accursed, if I have done any of the things of which you charge me.
645

Iocasta

In the name of the gods, believe it, Oedipus, first for the sake of this awful oath to the gods, then for my sake and for the sake of those who stand before you.

Commentary

Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))

mvp-comment-344-1 ἀτλητῶν ¹

mvp-comment-345-1 πρός γ’ ἐμοῦ ² φέρον ³

mvp-comment-346-1 For the single εἴτε ⁴

mvp-comment-346-2 φέρον ⁵

mvp-comment-347-1 βίου τοῦ μακρ ⁶ βίος μακραίων ⁷

mvp-comment-348-1 εἰς ἁπλοῦν ⁸ φέρει ἐς μέγιστον ⁹

mvp-comment-349-1 ἀλλὰ … μὲν δὴ ¹⁰

mvp-comment-349-2 ἦλθε … τάχ’ ἂν ¹¹

mvp-comment-350-1 I formerly kept τοῦ πρὸς δ’, with L. But the anastrophe of πρός seems to be confined to instances in which it is immediately followed by an attributive genitive, equiv. to an epithet: see on 178. For πρὸς τοῦ δ’ we could indeed cite Aesch. Eum. 593

πρὸς τοῦ δ’ ἐπείσθης καὶ τίνος βουλεύμασιν;

But I now prefer τοὔπος δ’ ¹²

mvp-comment-351-1 ηὐδᾶτο ¹³

mvp-comment-352-1 The reading ἐξ ὀμμάτων δ’ ὀρθῶν τε ¹⁴ ἐξ ὀμμάτων ὀρθῶν δὲ ¹⁵ δ’ ¹⁶ τε ¹⁷ δέ ¹⁸ τε ¹⁹ ἐξ ²⁰ ὀμμάτων ὀρθῶν ²¹

Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus

513. mvp-comment-305-1 Creon enters (right) from the city. In the first episode the action was strikingly rapid. It contained the two great movements of the proclamation of Oedipus and the prophecy of Teiresias, with only sufficient pause between them (ll. 276-296) to give effect to the latter. Now follows a period of suspense, for which the wavering tones of the last chorus have prepared the way. The scene is of unusual length, ll. 512-862, but is divided by the short lyric measures (commatica) in 11. 649-668, 678-696. Cp. O. C. 833 ff, 876 ff. The entrance of Jocasta (1. 634) prepares new complications.

515. mvp-comment-306-1 ἀτλητών Unable to endure it. The verb is formed after the analogy οἱ ἀλαστέω, ἀελπτέω, etc.

515. mvp-comment-306-2 ἐν ταῖς ξυμφοραῖς ταῖς νῦν In the present crisis.

516. mvp-comment-307-1 πρός γ᾿ ἐμοῦ The variety of reading has been caused by the ellipse of τι, for which cp. El. 1322-1323, ὡς ἐπ᾿ ἐξόδῳ κλύω | τῶν ἔνδοθεν χωροῦντος, SC.

516. mvp-comment-307-2 τινός. The emphatic ἐμοῦ is better here than μου. That in this emergency he has suffered at my hands aught tending to his harm by word or deed.

518. mvp-comment-308-1 I care not to prolong my life.'

518. mvp-comment-308-2 τοῦ μακραίωνος. The article as with words of number and quantity, e.g. Ο. C. 1211, τοῦ πλέονος μέρους. Cp. Αj. 473, τοῦ μακροῦ χρήζειν βίου. For the use of the compound, see Essay on Language p. 101.

519. mvp-comment-309-1 ἁπλοῦν, though opposed to μέγιστον, is not = σμικρόν, but points to the manifold nature of the injury as expressed in 521-522, This word affects me with loss not only in one respect, but does me the most serious injury.' For the unconscious tautology in the repetition of φέρει after φέρον, φέροντι, cp. infr. 524-527, γνώμῃ, γνώμαις, γνώμῃ.

522. mvp-comment-310-1 The leader of the chorus is allied to the royal house, infr. 1225.

524. mvp-comment-311-1 βιασθέν is not to be repeated with γνώμῃ, which is dative of cause. The charge may have been made in the violence of anger, and not advisedly.

525. mvp-comment-312-1 τοῦ πρός From whom proceeded this? i. e. On whose authority was it said? The inversion in this passage has suggested the v. r. τοῦπος found in FL³, which is also supposed to correspond better with the answer of the chorus. But the change is unnecessary. The order of words is singular, but is suited to express the excitement of Creon. Cp. the position of ὅτι, and Ar. Εq. 32, ποῖον βρέτας πρός; There is no real difficulty in reconciling the question to the answer. Creon asks, 'From whom came the intimation?" To which the chorus answers, The thing was said, but I cannot tell you on what ground or authority: γνώμῃ τίνι referring to τοῦ πρός, κ.τ.λ. For γνώμῃ φρενῶν, cp. Ant. 1090, τὸν νοῦν .. τῶν φρενῶν.

528. mvp-comment-313-1 Were his eyes and his mind clear, when this accusation was uttered against : me by him?' Most MSS. omitting δ' in the first place, waver between ὀρθῶν τε and ὀρθῶν δέ. But δ' before ὀρθῶν is not devoid of authority.

529. mvp-comment-314-1 Observe the continued use of the passive voice. Essay on Language §. 31. pp. 53-54. Creon still avoids the direct mention of Oedipus as his accuser; and the chorus use the same reserve.

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Chorus CREON, CHORUS. From violence of passion this reproach

Creon Haply burst forth, more than from sober thought. Whence his persuasion that the Seer, with me

Current edition Experimental

Χορός ἀλλ᾽ ἦλθε μὲν δὴ τοῦτο τοὔνειδος τάχ᾽ ἂν ὀργῇ βιασθὲν μᾶλλον ἢ γνώμῃ φρενῶν.

Κρέων τοῦ πρὸς δ᾽ ἐφάνθη ταῖς ἐμαῖς γνώμαις ὅτι 525 πεισθεὶς ὁ μάντις τοὺς λόγους ψευδεῖς λέγοι;

Χορός ηὐδᾶτο μὲν τάδ', οἶδα δ᾽ οὐ γνώμῃ τίνι.

Κρέων ἐξ ὀμμάτων δ᾽ ὀρθῶν τε κἀξ ὀρθῆς φρενὸς κατηγορεῖτο τοὐπίκλημα τοῦτό μου;

Χορός οὐκ οἶδ᾽· ἃ γὰρ δρῶσ᾽ οἱ κρατοῦντες οὐχ ὁρῶ. 530 αὐτὸς δ᾽ ὅδ᾽ ἤδη δωμάτων ἔξω περᾷ.

Κρέων

Χορός ἀλλʼ ἦλθε μὲν δὴ τοῦτο τοὔνειδος τάχʼ ἂν ὀργῇ βιασθὲν μᾶλλον ἢ γνώμῃ φρενῶν.

Κρέων τοὔπος δʼ ἐφάνθη, ταῖς ἐμαῖς γνώμαις ὅτι 525 πεισθεὶς ὁ μάντις τοὺς λόγους ψευδεῖς λέγοι;

Χορός ηὐδᾶτο μὲν τάδʼ, οἶδα δʼ οὐ γνώμῃ τίνι.

Κρέων ἐξ ὀμμάτων δʼ ὀρθῶν τε κἀξ ὀρθῆς φρενὸς κατηγορεῖτο τοὐπίκλημα τοῦτό μου;

Χορός οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἃ γὰρ δρῶσʼ, οἱ κρατοῦντες οὐχ ὁρῶ. 530 αὐτὸς δʼ ὅδʼ ἤδη δωμάτων ἔξω περᾷ.

Κρέων οἶσθʼ ὡς πόησον; ἀντὶ τῶν εἰρημένων ἴσʼ ἀντάκουσον, κᾆτα κρῖνʼ αὐτὸς μαθών.

Οἰδίπους λέγειν σὺ δεινός, μανθάνειν δʼ ἐγὼ κακὸς 545 σοῦ· δυσμενῆ γὰρ καὶ βαρύν σʼ ηὕρηκʼ ἐμοί.

Κρέων τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ νῦν μου πρῶτʼ ἄκουσον ὡς ἐρῶ.

Οἰδίπους τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ μή μοι φράζʼ, ὅπως οὐκ εἶ κακός.

Κρέων εἴ τοι νομίζεις κτῆμα τὴν αὐθαδίαν εἶναί τι τοῦ νοῦ χωρίς, οὐκ ὀρθῶς φρονεῖς. 550

Οἰδίπους εἴ τοι νομίζεις ἄνδρα συγγενῆ κακῶς δρῶν οὐχ ὑφέξειν τὴν δίκην, οὐκ εὖ φρονεῖς.

Κρέων ξύμφημί σοι ταῦτʼ ἔνδικʼ εἰρῆσθαι· τὸ δὲ πάθημʼ ὁποῖον φὴς παθεῖν, δίδασκέ με.

Οἰδίπους ἔπειθες ἢ οὐκ ἔπειθες, ὡς χρείη μʼ ἐπὶ 555 τὸν σεμνόμαντιν ἄνδρα πέμψασθαί τινα;

Κρέων καὶ νῦν ἔθʼ αὑτός εἰμι τῷ βουλεύματι.

Οἰδίπους πόσον τινʼ ἤδη δῆθʼ ὁ Λάϊος χρόνον

Κρέων δέδρακε ποῖον ἔργον; οὐ γὰρ ἐννοῶ.

Οἰδίπους ἄφαντος ἔρρει θανασίμῳ χειρώματι; 560

Κρέων μακροὶ παλαιοί τʼ ἂν μετρηθεῖεν χρόνοι.

Οἰδίπους τότʼ οὖν ὁ μάντις οὗτος ἦν ἐν τῇ τέχνῃ;

Κρέων σοφός γʼ ὁμοίως κἀξ ἴσου τιμώμενος.

Οἰδίπους ἐμνήσατʼ οὖν ἐμοῦ τι τῷ τότʼ ἐν χρόνῳ;

Κρέων οὔκουν ἐμοῦ γʼ ἑστῶτος οὐδαμοῦ πέλας. 565

Οἰδίπους ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔρευναν τοῦ κτανόντος ἔσχετε;

Κρέων παρέσχομεν, πῶς δʼ οὐχί; κοὐκ ἠκούσαμεν.

Οἰδίπους πῶς οὖν τόθʼ οὗτος ὁ σοφὸς οὐκ ηὔδα τάδε;

Κρέων οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἐφʼ οἷς γὰρ μὴ φρονῶ σιγᾶν φιλῶ.

Οἰδίπους τοσόνδε γʼ οἶσθα καὶ λέγοις ἂν εὖ φρονῶν. 570

Κρέων ποῖον τόδʼ; εἰ γὰρ οἶδά γʼ, οὐκ ἀρνήσομαι.

Οἰδίπους ὁθούνεκʼ, εἰ μὴ σοὶ ξυνῆλθε, τάσδʼ ἐμὰς οὐκ ἄν ποτʼ εἶπε Λαΐου διαφθοράς.

Κρέων εἰ μὲν λέγει τάδʼ, αὐτὸς οἶσθʼ· ἐγὼ δὲ σοῦ μαθεῖν δικαιῶ ταὔθʼ ἅπερ κἀμοῦ σὺ νῦν. 575

Οἰδίπους ἐκμάνθανʼ· οὐ γὰρ δὴ φονεὺς ἁλώσομαι.

Κρέων τί δῆτʼ; ἀδελφὴν τὴν ἐμὴν γήμας ἔχεις;

Οἰδίπους ἄρνησις οὐκ ἔνεστιν ὧν ἀνιστορεῖς.

Κρέων ἄρχεις δʼ ἐκείνῃ ταὐτὰ γῆς ἴσον νέμων;

Οἰδίπους ἃν ᾖ θέλουσα πάντʼ ἐμοῦ κομίζεται. 580

Κρέων οὔκουν ἰσοῦμαι σφῷν ἐγὼ δυοῖν τρίτος;

Οἰδίπους ἐνταῦθα γὰρ δὴ καὶ κακὸς φαίνει φίλος.

Χορός καλῶς ἔλεξεν εὐλαβουμένῳ πεσεῖν, ἄναξ· φρονεῖν γὰρ οἱ ταχεῖς οὐκ ἀσφαλεῖς.

Κρέων τί δῆτα χρῄζεις; ἦ με γῆς ἔξω βαλεῖν;

Οἰδίπους ἥκιστα· θνῄσκειν, οὐ φυγεῖν σε βούλομαι. ὡς ἂν προδείξῃς οἷόν ἐστι τὸ φθονεῖν.

Κρέων ὡς οὐχ ὑπείξων οὐδὲ πιστεύσων λέγεις; 625

Οἰδίπους

Κρέων οὐ γὰρ φρονοῦντά σʼ εὖ βλέπω.

Οἰδίπους τὸ γοῦν ἐμόν.

Κρέων ἀλλʼ ἐξ ἴσου δεῖ κἀμόν.

Οἰδίπους ἀλλʼ ἔφυς κακός.

Κρέων εἰ δὲ ξυνίης μηδέν;

Οἰδίπους ἀρκτέον γʼ ὅμως.

Κρέων οὔτοι κακῶς γʼ ἄρχοντος.

Οἰδίπους ὦ πόλις πόλις.

Κρέων κἀμοὶ πόλεως μέτεστιν, οὐχί σοι μόνῳ. 630

Χορός παύσασθʼ, ἄνακτες· καιρίαν δʼ ὑμῖν ὁρῶ τήνδʼ ἐκ δόμων στείχουσαν Ἰοκάστην, μεθʼ ἧς τὸ νῦν παρεστὸς νεῖκος εὖ θέσθαι χρεών.

Κρέων ὅμαιμε, δεινά μʼ Οἰδίπους ὁ σὸς πόσις δρᾶσαι δικαιοῖ δυοῖν ἀποκρίνας κακοῖν 640 ἢ γῆς ἀπῶσαι πατρίδος ἢ κτεῖναι λαβών.

Οἰδίπους ξύμφημι· δρῶντα γάρ νιν, ὦ γύναι, κακῶς εἴληφα τοὐμὸν σῶμα σὺν τέχνῃ κακῇ.

Κρέων μή νυν ὀναίμην, ἀλλʼ ἀραῖος, εἴ σέ τι δέδρακʼ, ὀλοίμην, ὧν ἐπαιτιᾷ με δρᾶν. 645

Ἰοκάστη ὦ πρὸς θεῶν πίστευσον, Οἰδίπους, τάδε, μάλιστα μὲν τόνδʼ ὅρκον αἰδεσθεὶς θεῶν, ἔπειτα κἀμὲ τούσδε θʼ οἳ πάρεισί σοι.

CH Perchance ’twas but the sudden flash of wrath, Not the deliberate judgement of the soul.

CR Who durst declare it, that Tirésias spake 525 False prophecies, set on to this by me?

CH Such things were said, I know not how advised.

CR And were the eyes and spirit not distraught, When the tongue uttered this to ruin me?

CH I cannot say. To what my betters do 530 I am blind. But see, the King comes forth again.

CR

Der Chor. Doch diese Schmähung wurde mehr vielleicht im Zorn Gewaltsam ausgestoßen als mit Vorbedacht.

Kreon. Woraus erhellte, daß, verführt durch meinen Rath, Des Sehers Mund die Lügenworte reden soll?

Der Chor. So ward gesagt; aus welchem Grunde, weiß ich nicht. 520

Kreon. Mit offnem Blick des Auges und mit offnem Sinn Ward solcher Vorwurf ausgesprochen wider mich?

Der Chor. Ich weiß nicht; was die Herrscher thun, bemerk' ich nicht; Doch eben tritt er selber aus dem Hause schon. Oedipus. Die Vorigen.

Kreon.

Chorus

Chorus
CREON, CHORUS.

From violence of passion this reproach

Creon

Haply burst forth, more than from sober thought.

Whence his persuasion that the Seer, with me

Χορός

ἀλλ᾽ ἦλθε μὲν δὴ τοῦτο τοὔνειδος τάχ᾽ ἂν

ὀργῇ βιασθὲν μᾶλλον ἢ γνώμῃ φρενῶν.

Κρέων

τοῦ πρὸς δ᾽ ἐφάνθη ταῖς ἐμαῖς γνώμαις ὅτι
525

πεισθεὶς ὁ μάντις τοὺς λόγους ψευδεῖς λέγοι;

Χορός

ηὐδᾶτο μὲν τάδ', οἶδα δ᾽ οὐ γνώμῃ τίνι.

Κρέων

ἐξ ὀμμάτων δ᾽ ὀρθῶν τε κἀξ ὀρθῆς φρενὸς

κατηγορεῖτο τοὐπίκλημα τοῦτό μου;

Χορός

οὐκ οἶδ᾽· ἃ γὰρ δρῶσ᾽ οἱ κρατοῦντες οὐχ ὁρῶ.
530

αὐτὸς δ᾽ ὅδ᾽ ἤδη δωμάτων ἔξω περᾷ.

Χορός

ἀλλʼ ἦλθε μὲν δὴ τοῦτο τοὔνειδος τάχʼ ἂν

ὀργῇ βιασθὲν μᾶλλον ἢ γνώμῃ φρενῶν.

Κρέων

τοὔπος δʼ ἐφάνθη, ταῖς ἐμαῖς γνώμαις ὅτι
525

πεισθεὶς ὁ μάντις τοὺς λόγους ψευδεῖς λέγοι;

Χορός

ηὐδᾶτο μὲν τάδʼ, οἶδα δʼ οὐ γνώμῃ τίνι.

Κρέων

ἐξ ὀμμάτων δʼ ὀρθῶν τε κἀξ ὀρθῆς φρενὸς

κατηγορεῖτο τοὐπίκλημα τοῦτό μου;

Χορός

οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἃ γὰρ δρῶσʼ, οἱ κρατοῦντες οὐχ ὁρῶ.
530

αὐτὸς δʼ ὅδʼ ἤδη δωμάτων ἔξω περᾷ.

Κρέων

οἶσθʼ ὡς πόησον; ἀντὶ τῶν εἰρημένων

ἴσʼ ἀντάκουσον, κᾆτα κρῖνʼ αὐτὸς μαθών.

Οἰδίπους

λέγειν σὺ δεινός, μανθάνειν δʼ ἐγὼ κακὸς
545

σοῦ· δυσμενῆ γὰρ καὶ βαρύν σʼ ηὕρηκʼ ἐμοί.

Κρέων

τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ νῦν μου πρῶτʼ ἄκουσον ὡς ἐρῶ.

Οἰδίπους

τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ μή μοι φράζʼ, ὅπως οὐκ εἶ κακός.

Κρέων

εἴ τοι νομίζεις κτῆμα τὴν αὐθαδίαν

εἶναί τι τοῦ νοῦ χωρίς, οὐκ ὀρθῶς φρονεῖς.
550

Οἰδίπους

εἴ τοι νομίζεις ἄνδρα συγγενῆ κακῶς

δρῶν οὐχ ὑφέξειν τὴν δίκην, οὐκ εὖ φρονεῖς.

Κρέων

ξύμφημί σοι ταῦτʼ ἔνδικʼ εἰρῆσθαι· τὸ δὲ

πάθημʼ ὁποῖον φὴς παθεῖν, δίδασκέ με.

Οἰδίπους

ἔπειθες ἢ οὐκ ἔπειθες, ὡς χρείη μʼ ἐπὶ
555

τὸν σεμνόμαντιν ἄνδρα πέμψασθαί τινα;

Κρέων

καὶ νῦν ἔθʼ αὑτός εἰμι τῷ βουλεύματι.

Οἰδίπους

πόσον τινʼ ἤδη δῆθʼ ὁ Λάϊος χρόνον

Κρέων

δέδρακε ποῖον ἔργον; οὐ γὰρ ἐννοῶ.

Οἰδίπους

ἄφαντος ἔρρει θανασίμῳ χειρώματι;
560

Κρέων

μακροὶ παλαιοί τʼ ἂν μετρηθεῖεν χρόνοι.

Οἰδίπους

τότʼ οὖν ὁ μάντις οὗτος ἦν ἐν τῇ τέχνῃ;

Κρέων

σοφός γʼ ὁμοίως κἀξ ἴσου τιμώμενος.

Οἰδίπους

ἐμνήσατʼ οὖν ἐμοῦ τι τῷ τότʼ ἐν χρόνῳ;

Κρέων

οὔκουν ἐμοῦ γʼ ἑστῶτος οὐδαμοῦ πέλας.
565

Οἰδίπους

ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔρευναν τοῦ κτανόντος ἔσχετε;

Κρέων

παρέσχομεν, πῶς δʼ οὐχί; κοὐκ ἠκούσαμεν.

Οἰδίπους

πῶς οὖν τόθʼ οὗτος ὁ σοφὸς οὐκ ηὔδα τάδε;

Κρέων

οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἐφʼ οἷς γὰρ μὴ φρονῶ σιγᾶν φιλῶ.

Οἰδίπους

τοσόνδε γʼ οἶσθα καὶ λέγοις ἂν εὖ φρονῶν.
570

Κρέων

ποῖον τόδʼ; εἰ γὰρ οἶδά γʼ, οὐκ ἀρνήσομαι.

Οἰδίπους

ὁθούνεκʼ, εἰ μὴ σοὶ ξυνῆλθε, τάσδʼ ἐμὰς

οὐκ ἄν ποτʼ εἶπε Λαΐου διαφθοράς.

Κρέων

εἰ μὲν λέγει τάδʼ, αὐτὸς οἶσθʼ· ἐγὼ δὲ σοῦ

μαθεῖν δικαιῶ ταὔθʼ ἅπερ κἀμοῦ σὺ νῦν.
575

Οἰδίπους

ἐκμάνθανʼ· οὐ γὰρ δὴ φονεὺς ἁλώσομαι.

Κρέων

τί δῆτʼ; ἀδελφὴν τὴν ἐμὴν γήμας ἔχεις;

Οἰδίπους

ἄρνησις οὐκ ἔνεστιν ὧν ἀνιστορεῖς.

Κρέων

ἄρχεις δʼ ἐκείνῃ ταὐτὰ γῆς ἴσον νέμων;

Οἰδίπους

ἃν ᾖ θέλουσα πάντʼ ἐμοῦ κομίζεται.
580

Κρέων

οὔκουν ἰσοῦμαι σφῷν ἐγὼ δυοῖν τρίτος;

Οἰδίπους

ἐνταῦθα γὰρ δὴ καὶ κακὸς φαίνει φίλος.

Χορός

καλῶς ἔλεξεν εὐλαβουμένῳ πεσεῖν,

ἄναξ· φρονεῖν γὰρ οἱ ταχεῖς οὐκ ἀσφαλεῖς.

Κρέων

τί δῆτα χρῄζεις; ἦ με γῆς ἔξω βαλεῖν;

Οἰδίπους

ἥκιστα· θνῄσκειν, οὐ φυγεῖν σε βούλομαι.

ὡς ἂν προδείξῃς οἷόν ἐστι τὸ φθονεῖν.

Κρέων

ὡς οὐχ ὑπείξων οὐδὲ πιστεύσων λέγεις;
625

Κρέων

οὐ γὰρ φρονοῦντά σʼ εὖ βλέπω.

Οἰδίπους

τὸ γοῦν ἐμόν.

Κρέων

ἀλλʼ ἐξ ἴσου δεῖ κἀμόν.

Οἰδίπους

ἀλλʼ ἔφυς κακός.

Κρέων

εἰ δὲ ξυνίης μηδέν;

Οἰδίπους

ἀρκτέον γʼ ὅμως.

Κρέων

οὔτοι κακῶς γʼ ἄρχοντος.

Οἰδίπους

ὦ πόλις πόλις.

Κρέων

κἀμοὶ πόλεως μέτεστιν, οὐχί σοι μόνῳ.
630

Χορός

παύσασθʼ, ἄνακτες· καιρίαν δʼ ὑμῖν ὁρῶ

τήνδʼ ἐκ δόμων στείχουσαν Ἰοκάστην, μεθʼ ἧς

τὸ νῦν παρεστὸς νεῖκος εὖ θέσθαι χρεών.

Κρέων

ὅμαιμε, δεινά μʼ Οἰδίπους ὁ σὸς πόσις

δρᾶσαι δικαιοῖ δυοῖν ἀποκρίνας κακοῖν
640

ἢ γῆς ἀπῶσαι πατρίδος ἢ κτεῖναι λαβών.

Οἰδίπους

ξύμφημι· δρῶντα γάρ νιν, ὦ γύναι, κακῶς

εἴληφα τοὐμὸν σῶμα σὺν τέχνῃ κακῇ.

Κρέων

μή νυν ὀναίμην, ἀλλʼ ἀραῖος, εἴ σέ τι

δέδρακʼ, ὀλοίμην, ὧν ἐπαιτιᾷ με δρᾶν.
645

Ἰοκάστη

ὦ πρὸς θεῶν πίστευσον, Οἰδίπους, τάδε,

μάλιστα μὲν τόνδʼ ὅρκον αἰδεσθεὶς θεῶν,

ἔπειτα κἀμὲ τούσδε θʼ οἳ πάρεισί σοι.

CH

Perchance ’twas but the sudden flash of wrath,

Not the deliberate judgement of the soul.

CR

Who durst declare it, that Tirésias spake
525

False prophecies, set on to this by me?

CH

Such things were said, I know not how advised.

CR

And were the eyes and spirit not distraught,

When the tongue uttered this to ruin me?

CH

I cannot say. To what my betters do
530

I am blind. But see, the King comes forth again.

Der Chor.

Doch diese Schmähung wurde mehr vielleicht im Zorn

Gewaltsam ausgestoßen als mit Vorbedacht.

Kreon.

Woraus erhellte, daß, verführt durch meinen Rath,

Des Sehers Mund die Lügenworte reden soll?

Der Chor.

So ward gesagt; aus welchem Grunde, weiß ich nicht.
520

Kreon.

Mit offnem Blick des Auges und mit offnem Sinn

Ward solcher Vorwurf ausgesprochen wider mich?

Der Chor.

Ich weiß nicht; was die Herrscher thun, bemerk' ich nicht;

Doch eben tritt er selber aus dem Hause schon.

Oedipus. Die Vorigen.

Who told him I suborned
525

The prophet to speak falsely 1 What could raise
525

This vile suspicion ?

Chorus

Such he had, but whence

I know not.

Creon

Talked he thus with firm composure

I cannot say ;
530

'Tis not for me to know the thoughts of kings,
530

Or judge their actions ! But behold ! he comes.

Oedipus
Scene II.

Creon, Chorus.

Chorus

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

Creon

Was the opinion given that my counsels had brought the seer to utter his falsehoods?
525

Chorus

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