Oedipus Tyrannus
Sophocles
Sophocles the plays and fragments, Part 1: The Oedipus Tyrannus. Jebb, Richard Claverhouse, Sir, translator. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1887.
- Is your attempt not foolish, to seek the throne without followers or friends—a prize which followers and wealth must win?
- Mark me now: hear a fair reply in answer to your words, and then judge for yourself on the basis of knowledge.
- You are apt in speech, but I have a poor wit for lessons, since I have found you a malignant foe.
- Now hear first how I will explain this very thing.
- One thing—that you are not false—do not bother to explain to me.
- If you think that stubbornness
- without sense is a virtue, you are not wise.
- If you think you can wrong a kinsman and escape the penalty, you are not sane.
- Justly said, I grant you: but tell me what the wrong is that you say you are suffering at my hands.
- Did you, or did you not, advise me to send for that reverend seer?
- Even now I am of the same mind.
- How long is it, then, since Laius . . .
- Did what? I do not understand.
- was swept out of sight by deadly violence?
- The count of years would run far into the past.
- Did this seer possess this skill in those days?
- He was wise as now, and held in equal honor.
- Did he make mention of me at that time?
- Never, certainly, when I was within hearing.
- Did you never investigate the murder?