vv. 574–589
OEDIPUS, KING OF THEBES
Creon.
I know not if he hath so spoken now.
I heard him not.—But let me ask and thou
Answer me true, as I have answered thee.
Oedipus.
Ask, ask! Thou shalt no murder find in me.
Creon.
My sister is thy wife this many a day?
Oedipus.
That charge it is not in me to gainsay.
Creon.
Thou reignest, giving equal reign to her?
Oedipus.
Always to her desire I minister.
Creon.
Were we not all as one, she thou and I?
Oedipus.
Yes, thou false friend! There lies thy treachery.
Creon.
Not so! Nay, do but follow me and scan
Thine own charge close. Think’st thou that any man
Would rather rule and be afraid than rule
And sleep untroubled? Nay, where lives the fool—
33
