Racine: Phaedra

CEDIPUS REX 59
Creon.—And was it with calm eyes and judgment calm,
This charge was brought against my name and fame ?
Chorus.—I cannot say. To what our rulers do
I close my eyes. But here he comes himself.
Enter CEdipus.
OEdipus.—Ho, there ! is't thou ? And does thy boldness soar
So shameless as to come beneath my roof,
When thou, 'tis clear, dost plot against my Hfe,
And seek'st to rob me of my sovereignty ?
Is it, by all the Gods, that thou hast seen
Or cowardice or folly in my soul,
That thou hast laid thy plans ? Or thoughtest thou
That I should neither see thy sinuous wiles,
Nor, knowing, ward them off ? This scheme of thine,
Is it not wild, backed nor by force nor friends.
To seek the power which force and wealth must grasp ?
Creon.—Dost know what thou wilt do ? For words of thine
Hear like words back, and as thou hearest, judge.
CEdipus.—Cunning of speech art thou. But I am slow
Of thee to learn, whom I have found my foe.
Creon.—Of this, then, first, hear what I have to speak. . , ,
CEdipus.—But this, then, say not, that thou art not vile.
Creon.—If that thou thinkest self-willed pride avails.
Apart from judgment, know thou art not wise.
CEdipus.—If that thou think'st, thy kinsman injuring.
To do it unchastised, thou art not wise.
Creon.—In this, I grant, thou speakest right ; but tell.
What form of injury hast thou to endure?
CEdipus.—Didst thou, or didst thou not, thy counsel give,
Someone to send to fetch this reverend seer?
Creon.—And even now by that advice I hold
CEdipus.—How long a time has passed since Laios
chanced . . . [Pauses.
Creon.—Chanced to do what ? I understand not yet.
CEdipus.—Since he was smitten with the deadly blow ?
Creon.—The years would measure out a long, long tale.
CEdipus.—And was this seer then practising his art?
Creon.—Full wise as now, and equal in repute.
CEdipus.—Did he at that time say a word of me ?