But even the exceedingly clever, old Teiresias, falls with a shameful fall, when they couch shameful thoughts in fine phrasing for profit’s sake.TeiresiasAlas! Does any man know, does any consider—CreonWhat is this? What universal truth are you announcing?Teiresias—by how much the most precious of our possessions is the power to reason wisely?CreonBy as much, I think, as senselessness is the greatest affliction.TeiresiasYet you came into being full of that disease.CreonI have no desire to trade insults with the seer.TeiresiasYet that is what you do in saying that I prophesy falsely.CreonYes, for the prophet-clan was ever fond of money.TeiresiasAnd the race sprung from tyrants loves shameful gain.CreonDo you know that you ramble so about your king?TeiresiasI am aware, since through me you have saved this city.CreonYou are a wise seer, but fond of doing injustice.TeiresiasYou will stir me to utter the dire secret in my soul.CreonOut with it! But only if it is not for gain that you speak it.TeiresiasIndeed, I think I speak without mention of gain—where you are concerned.CreonBe certain that you will not trade in my will.