THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

[356-373] Oedipus the King 379
TEIRESIAS
I have escaped: in my truth is my strength.
OEDIPUS
Who taught thee this? It was not, at least, thine art.
TEIRESIAS
Thou: for thou didst spur me into speech against my will.
OEDIPUS
What speech? Speak again that I may learn it better.
TEIRESIAS
Didst thou not take my sense before? Or art thou tempting me in talk?
OEDIPUS
No, I took it not so that I can call it known:—speak again.
TEIRESIAS
I say that thou art the slayer of the man whose slayer thou seekest.
OEDIPUS
Now thou shalt rue that thou hast twice said words so dire.
TEIRESIAS
Wouldst thou have me say more, that thou may est be more wroth?
OEDIPUS
What thou wilt; it will be said in vain.
TEIRESIAS
I say that thou hast been living in unguessed shame with thy nearest
kin, and seest not to what woe thou hast come.
OEDIPUS
Dost thou indeed think that thou shalt always speak thus without
smarting?
TEIRESIAS
Yes, if there is any strength in truth.
OEDIPUS
Nay, there is,—for all save thee; for thee that strength is not, since
thou art maimed in ear, and in wit, and in eye.
TEIRESIAS
Aye, and thou art a poor wretch to utter taunts which every man here
will soon hurl at thee.