To overcome this hate. By love of friends
Too oft is royal power circumscribed.
O'er those who hate him is the king more free
To lord it as he will. Who would be loved,
With but a weak and languid scepter reigns.
Jocasta: But hated empire never long endures.660
Eteocles: 'Tis for the king to speak of empire's rules.
Do thou give laws for exiles. For the throne—
Jocasta: Wouldst burn thy native land, thy home and all?
Eteocles: A kingdom is well bought at any price.