_Creon:_ Would I expel my sister from the throne? But if that sacred fealty which I owe Unto my kindred house restrained me not, Yet fortune would herself affright me sore, For with care and danger is she ever fraught. But be thyself content to lay aside, While still thou safely mayst, the cares of state, 675 Lest,[5] borne too long, they may o'erwhelm thee quite. In a humbler state more safely shalt thou dwell. _Oedipus:_ And dost thou bid me, then, of mine own will To lay aside the heavy cares of state? _Creon:_ Thus would I counsel those to whom the way Is open yet to choose the path he will. 680 But the lot that fortune sends thee thou must bear. _Oedipus:_ When one desires to reign, 'tis ever thus, That humble life he praises, and the joys Of ease and sleep are ever in his mouth. A peaceful face oft hides a restless heart. _Creon:_ Does my long loyalty defend me not? 685 _Oedipus:_ To traitors, loyalty's a cloak to crime. _Creon:_ Free from the burdens of a kingly state, I still enjoy the fruits of royalty; My house is honored by our citizens; And day by day thy royal gifts o'erflow, And fill my kindred home with luxury. 690 Rich food and clothing, gifts of every sort, And safety flow to many through my aid. Why should I think aught lacking to my lot? _Oedipus:_ Because there is a lack. Prosperity Ne'er halts at any bounds. _Creon:_ And shall I fall, 695 Prejudged, and have no right to plead my cause? _Oedipus:_ Hadst thou consideration for _my_ life? Did old Tiresias listen to my cause? And yet I am condemned. My pattern, thou; I do but follow in the way thou lead'st. _Creon:_ But what if I am guiltless? _Oedipus:_ Kings are wont To fear alike the doubtful and the true. _Creon:_ Who quakes at empty fears, hath true in store. 700 _Oedipus_ Who in a fault is taken, and forgiven, Is filled with hate. Let all such dubious faith Be far from me. _Creon:_ But thus is hatred bred. _Oedipus:_ Nay, he who feareth hatred overmuch, Knows not the art of ruling like a king; For 'tis by fear that kings are guarded most. _Creon:_ Who holds the scepter with tyrannic sway, 705 Doth live in fear of those who fear his power; For terror ever doth return to him Who doth inspire it. _Oedipus_ [_to attendants_]: Hence, away with him; Deep in some rocky dungeon let him stay, While I unto the palace take my way. [Creon _is led away by the attendants, while_ Oedipus _retires into the palace._]