Creon
Not in derision, Oedipus, I come
Nor to upbraid thee with thy past misdeeds.
Oedipus
O listen, since thy presence comes to me
A shock of glad surprise—so noble thou,
And I so vile—O grant me one small boon.
I ask it not on my behalf, but thine.
Creon
And what the favor thou wouldst crave of me?
Oedipus
Forth from thy borders thrust me with all speed;
Set me within some vasty desert where
No mortal voice shall greet me any more.
Creon
This had I done already, but I deemed
It first behoved me to consult the god.
Oedipus
His will was set forth fully—to destroy
The parricide, the scoundrel; and I am he.
Creon
Yea, so he spake, but in our present plight
’Twere better to consult the god anew.
Oedipus
Dare ye inquire concerning such a wretch?
Creon
Yea, for thyself wouldst credit now his word.