Oedipus King of Thebes Part 16

Nay; where my parents are I will not go.

STRANGER.

My son, 'tis very clear thou dost not know What road thou goest.

OEDIPUS.

How? In G.o.d's name, say!

How clear?

[Sidenote: vv. 1010-1019]

STRANGER.

'Tis this, keeps thee so long away From Corinth?

OEDIPUS.

'Tis the fear lest that word break One day upon me true.

STRANGER.

Fear lest thou take Defilement from the two that gave thee birth?

OEDIPUS.

'Tis that, old man, 'tis that doth fill the earth With terror.

STRANGER.

Then thy terror all hath been For nothing.

OEDIPUS.

How? Were not your King and Queen My parents?

STRANGER.

Polybus was naught to thee In blood.

OEDIPUS.

How? He, my father!

STRANGER.

That was he As much as I, but no more.

OEDIPUS.

Thou art naught; 'Twas he begot me.

[Sidenote: vv. 1020-1028]

STRANGER.

'Twas not I begot Oedipus, neither was it he.

OEDIPUS.

What wild Fancy, then, made him name me for his child?

STRANGER.

Thou wast his child--by gift. Long years ago Mine own hand brought thee to him.

OEDIPUS.

Coming so, From a strange hand, he gave me that great love?

STRANGER.

He had no child, and the desire thereof Held him.

OEDIPUS.

And thou didst find somewhere--or buy-- A child for him?

STRANGER.

I found it in a high Glen of Kithairon.

[_Movement of_ JOCASTA, _who stands riveted with dread, unnoticed by the others._

OEDIPUS.

Yonder? To what end Wast travelling in these parts?

STRANGER.

I came to tend The flocks here on the mountain.

[Sidenote: vv. 1029-1037]

OEDIPUS.

Thou wast one That wandered, tending sheep for hire?