away—a longer time than should be—but when he comes I shall not be an honest man unless I do whatever the god commands.
Priest. You have spoken at the right time. They have just signalled to us that Creon has arrived.
Oedipus. O King Apollo, may he bring brighter fortune, for his face is shining.
Priest. He brings good news, for he is crowned with bay.
Oedipus. We shall know soon. Brother-in-law, Menoeceus’ son, what news from the god?
Creon. Good news; for pain turns to pleasure when we have set the crooked straight.
Oedipus. But what is the oracle—so far the news is neither good nor bad.
Creon. If you would hear it with all these about you, I am ready to speak. Or do we go within?
Oedipus. Speak before all. The sorrow I endure is less for my own life than these.
Creon. Then, with your leave, I speak. Our lord Phoebus bids us drive out a defiling thing that has been cherished in this land.
Oedipus. By what purification?
Creon. King Laius was our king before you came to pilot us.
Oedipus. I know—but not of my own knowledge, for I never saw him.
