Page:Oedipus, King of Thebes (Murray 1911).djvu/83

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
vv. 1131–1146
OEDIPUS, KING OF THEBES

Shepherd.

I call him not to mind, I must think more.


Stranger.

Small wonder that, O King! But I will throw
Light on his memories.—Right well I know
He knows the time when, all Kithairon through,
I with one wandering herd and he with two,
Three times we neighboured one another, clear
From spring to autumn stars, a good half-year.
At winter’s fall we parted; he drove down
To his master’s fold, and I back to mine own. . . .
Dost call it back, friend? Was it as I say?


Shepherd.

It was. It was. . . . ’Tis all so far away.


Stranger.

Say then: thou gavest me once, there in the wild,
A babe to rear far off as mine own child?


Shepherd.

[His terror returning.
What does this mean? To what end askest thou?


Stranger.

[Pointing to Oedipus.
That babe has grown, friend. ’Tis our master now.


Shepherd.

[He slowly understands, then stands for a moment horror-struck.

No, in the name of death! . . . Fool, hold thy peace.

[He lifts his staff at the Stranger.

67