Still by the avenging Phoebus sped,

Sore perplexed am I by the words of the master seer.

Are they true, are they false? I know not and bridle my tongue for

Fluttered with vague surmise; nor present nor future is clear.

Quarrel of ancient date or in days still near know I none

Twixt the Labdacidan house and our ruler, Polybus' son.

Proof is there none: how then can I challenge our King's good name,

How in a blood-feud join for an untracked deed of shame?