Part 7

TIRESIAS.

Let me go back! Thy work shall weigh on thee The less, if thou consent, and mine on me.

OEDIPUS.

Prophet, this is not lawful; nay, nor kind To Thebes, who feeds thee, thus to veil thy mind.

TIRESIAS.

'Tis that I like not thy mind, nor the way It goeth. Therefore, lest I also stray....

OEDIPUS.

Thou shalt not, knowing, turn and leave us! See, We all implore thee, all, on bended knee.

TIRESIAS.

All without light!--And never light shall shine On this dark evil that is mine ... and thine.

OEDIPUS.

What wilt thou? Know and speak not? In my need Be false to me, and let thy city bleed?

TIRESIAS.

I will not wound myself nor thee. Why seek To trap and question me? I will not speak.

OEDIPUS.

Thou devil!

Nay; the wrath of any stone Would rise at him. It lies with thee to have done And speak. Is there no melting in thine eyes!

TIRESIAS.

Naught lies with me! With thee, with thee there lies, I warrant, what thou ne'er hast seen nor guessed.

OEDIPUS (to LEADER, who tries to calm him.)

How can I hear such talk?--he maketh jest Of the land's woe--and keep mine anger dumb?

TIRESIAS.

Howe'er I hold it back, 'twill come, 'twill come.

OEDIPUS.

The more shouldst thou declare it to thy King.

TIRESIAS.

I speak no more. For thee, if passioning Doth comfort thee, on, passion to thy fill!

OEDIPUS.