I do these deeds, although myself a king,
Thwart us, if so it please thee. For, in time,
I know right well, thou 'lt learn to see thyself
As neither now consulting thine own good,
Nor in the time that's past, when thou did'st act
Against the counsel of thy friends, and yield
To that fierce wrath that plagues thee ceaselessly.
Chor. Hold there, my friend!
Creon. I tell thee, touch me not.
Chor. Though robbed of these, I will not let thee go.
Creon. Thou 'lt make thy state a larger ransom pay,
For not on these alone I lay my hand.
Chor. What mean' st thou then?
Creon. Him also will I take!860
Chor. Thy words are big.
Creon. Yet it shall soon be done,
Unless the ruler of this land forbid me.
Œdip. Ο shameful threat! Shalt thou lay hands on me?
Creon. Silence, I charge thee!
Œdip. May these Goddess-Powers
Not smite me speechless till I speak my curse
On thee, thou vile one, robbing me by force
Of that last light, when other lights were quenched.
For this may yon bright Sun-god, scanning all,
Grant thee thyself, and all thy race with thee,
To wear thy life in dreary age like mine.870
Creon. See ye these things, ye dwellers in this land?
Œdip. They see both me and thee, and judge that I,
Wronged by thy deeds, by words defend myself.
Creon. I 'll check my wrath no more. Although alone,
And worn with age, I 'll lead him hence by force.
Œdip. Ah, wretched me!
