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SOPHOCLES’ KING OEDIPUS

Pray for feet that run as fast as the four hoofs of the wind:
Cloudy Parnassus and the Fates thunder at his back.

That sacred crossing place of lines upon Par­nassus’ head,
Lines drawn through North and South, and drawn through West and East,
That navel of the world bids all men search the mountain wood,
The solitary cavern, till they have found that infamous beast.

(Creon enters from the house.)

Creon. Fellow-citizens, having heard that King Oedipus accuses me of dreadful things, I come in my indignation. Does he think that he has suffered wrong from me in these present troubles, or anything that could lead to wrong, whether in word or deed? How can I live under blame like that? What life would be worth having if by you here, and by my nearest friends, called a traitor through the town?

Chorus. He said it in anger, and not from his heart out.

Creon. He said it was I put up the seer to speak those falsehoods.

Chorus. Such things were said.

Creon. And had he his right mind saying it?