CRE. He that is my son will keep secret what ought to be kept secret.
TIR. Art thou willing then that I speak in his presence?
CRE. Yes: for he would be delighted to hear of the means of preservation.
TIR. Hear now then the tenor of my oracles; what things doing ye may preserve the city of the Cadmeans. It is necessary for thee to sacrifice this thy son Menœceus for the country, since thou thyself callest for this fortune.
CRE. What sayest thou, what word is this thou hast spoken, old man?
TIR. As circumstances are, thus also oughtest thou to act.
CRE. O thou, that hast said many evils in a short time!
TIR. To thee at least; but to thy country great and salutary.
CRE. I heard not, I attended not; let the city go where it will.
TIR. This is no longer the same man; he retracts again what he said.