TI. Ay, say’st thou so?—I charge thee to abide
By thine own ordinance; and from this hour
Speak not to any Theban nor to me.
Thou art the vile polluter of the land.
OED. O void of shame! What wickedness is this?
What power will give thee refuge for such guilt?
TI. The might of truth is scatheless. I am free.
[page 95][357-392] OED. Whence came the truth to thee? Not from thine art.
TI. From thee, whose rage impelled my backward tongue.
OED. Speak it once more, that I may know the drift.
TI. Was it so dark? Or wouldst thou tempt me further?
OED. I cannot say ’twas clear. Speak it again.
TI. I say thou art the murderer whom thou seekest.
OED. Again that baleful word! But thou shalt rue.