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609—630]
OEDIPUS THE KING.
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surmise. It is not right to adjudge bad men good at random, or good men bad.610 I count it a like thing for a man to cast off a true friend as to cast away the life in his own bosom, which most he loves. Nay, thou wilt learn these things with sureness in time, for time alone shows a just man; but thou couldst discern a knave even in one day.

Ch. Well hath he spoken, O king, for one who giveth heed not to fall: the quick in counsel are not sure.

Oe. When the stealthy plotter is moving on me in quick sort, I, too, must be quick with my counterplot. If I await him in repose, his ends will have been gained,620 and mine missed.

Cr. What wouldst thou, then? Cast me out of the land?

Oe. Not so: I desire thy death—not thy banishment—that thou mayest show forth what manner of thing is envy.

Cr. Thou speakest as resolved not to yield or to believe?

[Oe. No; for thou persuadest me not that thou art worthy of belief.]

Cr. No, for I find thee not sane. Oe. Sane, at least, in mine own interest.

Cr. Nay, thou shouldst be so in mine also. Oe. Nay, thou art false.

Cr. But if thou understandest nought? Oe. Yet must I rule.

Cr. Not if thou rule ill. Oe. Hear him, O Thebes!

Cr. Thebes is for me also—not for thee alone.630