Oedipus King of Thebes Part 17

STRANGER.

My son, That day I was the saviour of a King.

OEDIPUS.

How saviour? Was I in some suffering Or peril?

STRANGER.

Thine own feet a tale could speak.

OEDIPUS.

Ah me! What ancient pain stirs half awake Within me!

STRANGER.

'Twas a spike through both thy feet.

I set thee free.

OEDIPUS.

A strange scorn that, to greet A babe new on the earth!

STRANGER.

From that they fain Must call thee Oedipus, "_Who-walks-in-pain_."

OEDIPUS.

Who called me so--father or mother? Oh, In G.o.d's name, speak!

[Sidenote: vv. 1038-1046]

STRANGER.

I know not. He should know Who brought thee.

OEDIPUS.

So: I was not found by thee.

Thou hadst me from another?

STRANGER.

Aye; to me One of the shepherds gave the babe, to bear Far off.

OEDIPUS.

What shepherd? Know'st thou not? Declare All that thou knowest.

STRANGER.

By my memory, then, I think they called him one of Laus' men.

OEDIPUS.

That Laus who was king in Thebes of old?

STRANGER.

The same. My man did herding in his fold.

OEDIPUS.

Is he yet living? Can I see his face?

STRANGER.

[_Turning to the Chorus._

Ye will know that, being natives to the place.

[Sidenote: vv. 1047-1062]

OEDIPUS.

How?--Is there one of you within my pale Standing, that knows the shepherd of his tale?

Ye have seen him on the hills? Or in this town?

Speak! For the hour is come that all be known.

LEADER.

I think 'twill be the Peasant Man, the same, Thou hast sought long time to see.--His place and name Our mistress, if she will, can tell most clear.

[JOCASTA _remains as if she heard nothing._

OEDIPUS.

Thou hear'st him, wife. The herd whose presence here We craved for, is it he this man would say?

JOCASTA.

He saith ... What of it? Ask not; only pray Not to remember.... Tales are vainly told.

OEDIPUS.

'Tis mine own birth. How can I, when I hold Such clues as these, refrain from knowing all?