Œdip. This, that thou tell'st not of the child he asks for. 1150
Shep. Yes, for he nothing knows, and wastes his pains.
Œdip. For favour thou speak'st not, but shalt for pain. . . . [Strikes him.
Shep. By all the Gods, hurt not an old man weak.
Œdip. Will no one bind his hands behind his back?[1]
Shep. Oh wretched me! And what then wilt thou learn?
Œdip. Gav'st thou this man the boy of whom he asks?
Shep. I gave him. Would that I that day had died.
Œdip. Soon thou wilt come to that if thou speak'st wrong.
Shep. Nay, much more shall I perish if I speak.
Œdip. This fellow, as it seems, would tire us out. 1160
Shep. Not so. I said long since I gave it him.
Œdip. Whence came it? Was the child thine own or not?
Shep. Mine own 'twas not, from some one else I had it.
Œdip. Which of our people, or from out what home?
Shep. Oh, by the Gods, my master, ask no more!
Œdip. Thou diest if I question this again.
Shep. Some one it was of Laios' household born.
Œdip. Was it a slave, or some one kin to him?
Shep. Ah me, I stand upon the very brink
Where most I dread to speak.
Œdip. And I to hear:
And yet I needs must hear it, come what may. 1170
Shep. The boy was said to be his son; but she,
Thy queen within, could tell the whole truth best.
Œdip. What! was it she who gave it?
Shep. Yea, Ο king!
Œdip. And to what end?
- ↑ Sc., Will no one scourge him at my command; and make him confess?
