JOCASTA.
Believe him, I adjure thee, Oedipus,
First for his solemn oath’s sake, then for mine,
And for thine elders’ sake who wait on thee.
CHORUS.
(Str. 1)
Hearken, King, reflect, we pray thee, but not stubborn but relent.
OEDIPUS.
Say to what should I consent?
CHORUS.
Respect a man whose probity and troth
Are known to all and now confirmed by oath.
OEDIPUS.
Dost know what grace thou cravest?
CHORUS.
Yea, I know.
OEDIPUS.
Declare it then and make thy meaning plain.
CHORUS.
Brand not a friend whom babbling tongues assail;
Let not suspicion ’gainst his oath prevail.
OEDIPUS.
Bethink you that in seeking this ye seek
In very sooth my death or banishment?
CHORUS.
No, by the leader of the host divine!
(Str. 2)
Witness, thou Sun, such thought was never mine,
Unblest, unfriended may I perish,
If ever I such wish did cherish!
But O my heart is desolate
Musing on our striken State,
Doubly fall’n should discord grow
Twixt you twain, to crown our woe.