While still thou safely mayst, the cares of state, 675
Lest,[1] borne too long, they may o'erwhelm thee quite.
In a humbler state more safely shalt thou dwell.
Oedipus: And dost thou bid me, then, of mine own will
To lay aside the heavy cares of state?
Creon: Thus would I counsel those to whom the way
Is open yet to choose the path he will. 680
But the lot that fortune sends thee thou must bear.
Oedipus: When one desires to reign, 'tis ever thus,
That humble life he praises, and the joys
Of ease and sleep are ever in his mouth.
A peaceful face oft hides a restless heart.
Creon: Does my long loyalty defend me not? 685
Oedipus: To traitors, loyalty's a cloak to crime.
Creon: Free from the burdens of a kingly state,
I still enjoy the fruits of royalty;
My house is honored by our citizens;
And day by day thy royal gifts o'erflow,
And fill my kindred home with luxury. 690
Rich food and clothing, gifts of every sort,
And safety flow to many through my aid.
Why should I think aught lacking to my lot?
Oedipus: Because there is a lack. Prosperity
Ne'er halts at any bounds.
Creon: And shall I fall, 695
Prejudged, and have no right to plead my cause?
Oedipus: Hadst thou consideration for my life?
Did old Tiresias listen to my cause?
And yet I am condemned. My pattern, thou;
I do but follow in the way thou lead'st.
Creon: But what if I am guiltless?
Oedipus: Kings are wont
To fear alike the doubtful and the true.
Creon: Who quakes at empty fears, hath true in store. 700
Oedipus: Who in a fault is taken, and forgiven,
Is filled with hate. Let all such dubious faith
Be far from me.
Creon: But thus is hatred bred.
- ↑ Reading. ne.
