Monologue

Theseus Monologue from Oedipus at Colonus

From Oedipus at Colonus by Sophocles

male · defiant · 1:23 min

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Enough of words; the captors speed amain, While we the victims stand debating here. (CREON: What would’st thou? What can I, a feeble man?) Show us the trail, and I’ll attend thee too, That, if thou hast the maidens hereabouts, Thou mayest thyself discover them to me; But if thy guards outstrip us with their spoil, We may draw rein; for others speed, from whom They will not ’scape to thank the gods at home. Lead on, I say, the captor’s caught, and fate Hath ta’en the fowler in the toils he spread; So soon are lost gains gotten by deceit. And look not for allies; I know indeed Such height of insolence was never reached Without abettors or accomplices; Thou hast some backer in thy bold essay, But I will search this matter home and see One man doth not prevail against the State. Dost take my drift, or seem these words as vain As seemed our warnings when the plot was hatched?

About this piece

Theseus confronts a situation involving deceit and the potential capture of maidens, expressing his resolve to uncover the truth and uphold the integrity of the state.

40s · determination · power · fate · betrayal · justice

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