As you have put me under oath, on my oath, my king, I will speak. I am not the slayer, nor can I reveal him. As for the investigation, it was for Phoebus, who enjoined it, to tell us who did the deed.

Justly said. But no man on earth can force the gods to do what they do not want.

I would like to say what seems to me the next best course.

And if there is a third course, do not hesitate to reveal it too.

I know that our lord Teiresias is the seer most like ourlord Apollo: from him, my king, an investigator might learn most clearly about these affairs.

Not even this have I neglected. On Creon's suggestion, I sent a man twice to bring him. And I have been wondering for some time why he is not here.

Indeed—his skill apart—the rumors are but faint and old.

What are the rumors? I am investigating every tale.

He was said to have been killed by some wayfarers.

I too have heard that. But no one sees the one who saw it.

If he knows what fear is, he will not hesitate to come forward when hehears your curses, so dire are they.

When a man does not shrink from a deed, he is not scared by a word.

But there is no one to convict him. But here they bring at last the godlike prophet, the only man in whom truth lives.