Page:Oedipus, King of Thebes (Murray 1911).djvu/84

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SOPHOCLES
vv. 1147–1157

Oedipus.

Ha, greybeard! Wouldst thou strike him?—’Tis not his
Offences, ’tis thine own we need to mend.


Shepherd.

Most gentle master, how do I offend?


Oedipus.

Whence came that babe whereof he questioneth?


Shepherd.

He doth not know . . . ’tis folly . . . what he saith.


Oedipus.

Thou wilt not speak for love; but pain maybe . . .


Shepherd.

I am very old. Ye would not torture me.


Oedipus.

Back with his arms, ye bondmen! Hold him so.

[The thralls drag back the Shepherd’s arms, ready for torture.


Shepherd.

Woe’s me! What have I done? . . . What wouldst thou know?


Oedipus.

Didst give this man the child, as he doth say?


Shepherd.

I did. . . . Would God that I had died this day!

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