CHORUS.
How so?

OEDIPUS.
I served the State; would I had never won
That graceless grace by which I was undone.

CHORUS.
(Ant. 2)
And next, unhappy man, thou hast shed blood?

OEDIPUS.
Must ye hear more?

CHORUS.
A father’s?

OEDIPUS.
Flood on flood
Whelms me; that word’s a second mortal blow.

CHORUS.
Murderer!

OEDIPUS.
Yes, a murderer, but know—

CHORUS.
What canst thou plead?

OEDIPUS.
A plea of justice.