EXODOS 42 SOPHOCLES How evil! No. For the love of God, conceal me Somewhere far from Thebes; or kill me; or hurl me Into the sea, away from men's eyes for ever. Come, lead me. You need not fear to touch me. of all men, I alone can bear this guilt. (Enter Kreon.) CHORAGos: Kreon is here now. As to what you ask, He may decide the course to take. He only is left to protect the city in your place. OEDIPus: Alas, how can I speak to him? What right have I To beg his courtesy whom have deeply wronged? KREON: I have not come to mock you, oedipus, or to reproach you, either. -You, standing there: (To Attendants.) If you have lost all respect for man's dignity, At least respect the flame of Lord Helios: Do not allow this pollution to show itself openly here, an affront to the earth And Heaven's rain and the light of day. No, take him the house as quickly as you can. For it is proper That only the close kindred see his grief. OEDIPUS: I pray you in God's name, since your courtesy Ignores my dark expectation, visiting With mercy this man of all men most execrable: Give me what I ask-for your good, not for mine. KREON: And what is it that you turn to me begging for? oEDIPus: Drive me out of this country as quickly as may be To a place where no human voice can ever greet me. KREON: I should have done that before now-only, God's will had not been wholly revealed to me. OEDIPUS: But his command is plain: the parricide Must be destroyed. I am that evil man. KREON: That is the sense of it, yes; but as things are, We had best discover clearly what is to be done. OEDIPus: You would learn more about a man like me? KREON: You are ready now to listen to the god. 195. Lord Helios: The sun god.