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SOPHOCLES’ KING OEDIPUS
17

Chorus. I do not know—I do not know what my masters do.

(Oedipus enters.)

Oedipus. What brought you here? Have you a face so brazen that you come to my house—you the proved assassin of its master—the certain robber of my crown. Come, tell me in the face of the gods what cowardice, or folly, did you discover in me that you plotted this? Did you think that I would not see what you were at till you had crept upon me, or seeing it would not ward it off? What madness to seek a throne, having neither friends nor followers.

Creon. Now, listen, hear my answer, and then you may with knowledge judge between us.

Oedipus. You are plausible, but waste words now that I know you.

Creon. Hear what I have to say. I can explain it all.

Oedipus. One thing you will not explain away—that you are my enemy.

Creon. You are a fool to imagine that senseless stubbornness sits well upon you.

Oedipus. And you to imagine that you can wrong a kinsman and escape the penalty.

Creon. That is justly said I grant you; but what is this wrong that you complain of?