Kreon is being evasive; he clearly knows more about the relationship between Laios and Teiresias than he wishes to divulge. The audience will surmise that the truth to which he is privy puts him in an uncomfortable position. It may be that he does not desire further to antagonize his superior, it may be that he feels compassion for Oidipous as a man, a fellow mortal for whom there can be no more terrible moment than the discovery that he has killed his father, married his mother, and polluted the whole town, or it may be that trembling before tangible evidence of the god’s presence he feels any contribution he might make to be unwanted and untoward. His avoidance of clear speech is reminiscent of Teiresias’ss and may bespeak a similar reluctance to overstep where heedless action might obstruct Apollo’s project. While it may respect Kreon for any or all of these motives, the audience may, despite his brusque imperiousness, also agonize for Oidipous as he crawls towards the discovery he must make. [Mpew] [Apa] [P] [Md]