Part 10 (1/2)

CREON.

Sister, it is the pleasure of thy lord, Our King, to do me deadly wrong. His word Is pa.s.sed on me: 'tis banishment or death.

OEDIPUS.

I found him ... I deny not what he saith, My Queen ... with craft and malice practising Against my life.

CREON.

Ye G.o.ds, if such a thing Hath once been in my thoughts, may I no more See any health on earth, but, festered o'er With curses, die!--Have done. There is mine oath.

JOCASTA.

In G.o.d's name, Oedipus, believe him, both For my sake, and for these whose hearts are all Thine own, and for my brother's oath withal.

[Sidenote: vv. 649-664]

LEADER. [_Strophe._

Yield; consent; think! My Lord, I conjure thee!

OEDIPUS.

What would ye have me do?

LEADER.

Reject not one who never failed his troth Of old and now is strong in his great oath.

OEDIPUS.

Dost know what this prayer means?

LEADER.

Yea, verily!

OEDIPUS.

Say then the meaning true.

LEADER.

I would not have thee cast to infamy Of guilt, where none is proved, One who hath sworn and whom thou once hast loved.

OEDIPUS.

'Tis that ye seek? For me, then ... understand Well ... ye seek death or exile from the land.

LEADER.