THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

376 Sophocles [276-296]
LEADER OF THE CHORUS
As thou hast put me on my oath, on my oath, 0 king, I will speak. I
am not the slayer, nor can I point to him who slew. As for the question,
it was for Phoebus, who sent it, to tell us this thing—who can have
wrought the deed.
OEDIPUS
Justly said; but no man on the earth can force the gods to what they
will not.
LEADER
I would fain say what seems to me next best after this.
OEDIPUS
If there is yet a third course, spare not to show it.
LEADER
I know that our lord Teiresias is the seer most like to our lord Phoebus;
from whom, 0 king, a searcher of these things might learn them most
clearly.
OEDIPUS
Not even this have I left out of my cares. On the hint of Creon, I have
twice sent a man to bring him; and this long while I marvel why he is
not here.
LEADER
Indeed (his skill apart) the rumours are but faint and old.
OEDIPUS
What rumours are they? I look to every story.
LEADER
Certain wayfarers were said to have killed him.
OEDIPUS
I, too, have heard it, but none sees him who saw it.
LEADER
Nay, if he knows what fear is, he will not stay when he hears thy
curses, so dire as they are.
OEDIPUS
When a man shrinks not from a deed, neither is he scared by a word.