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[612-629] Oedipus the King 387
most he loves. Nay, thou wilt learn these things with sureness in time,
for time alone shows a just man; but thou couldst discern a knave even
in one day.
LEADER
Well hath he spoken, 0 king, for one who giveth heed not to fall: the
quick in counsel are not sure.
OEDIPUS
When the stealthy plotter is moving on me in quick sort, I, too, must
be quick with my counterplot. If I await him in repose, his ends will have
been gained, and mine missed.
CREON
What wouldst thou, then? Cast me out of the land?
OEDIPUS
Not so: I desire thy death—not thy banishment—that thou mayest
show forth what manner of thing is envy.
CREON
Thou speakest as resolved not to yield or to believe?
OEDIPUS
No; for thou persuadest me not that thou art worthy of belief. 1
No, for I find thee not sane.
CREON
OEDIPUS
Sane, at least, in mine own interest.
CREON
Nay, thou shouldst be so in mine also.
Nay, thou art false.
OEDIPUS
CREON
But if thou understandest nought?
Yet must I rule.
Not if thou rule ill.
OEDIPUS
CREON