There was Cithaeron; and a bit near by.

OEDIPUS

Do you know this man, then? Did you see him there?

OLD MAN

Him? After what? What man do you mean?

OEDIPUS

This fellow

Here present; did you ever meet with him?

OLD MAN

Not so to say off-hand, from memory.

MESSENGER

And that’s no wonder, sir; but beyond doubt

I will remind him, though he has forgotten,

I am quite sure he knows, once on a time,

When in the bit about Cithaeron there—

He with two flocks together, I with one—

I was his neighbour for three whole half years

From spring-tide onward to the Bear-ward’s* day;

And with the winter to my folds I drove,

And he to Laius’ stables. Are these facts,

Or are they not—what I am saying?

OLD MAN

Yes,

You speak the truth; but it was long ago.

MESSENGER

Come, say now, don’t you mind that you then gave me

A baby boy to bring up for my own?

OLD MAN

What do you mean? Why do you ask it me?

MESSENGER

This is the man, good fellow; who was then

A youngling!

OLD MAN

Out upon you! Hold your peace!

OEDIPUS

Nay, old man, do not chide him; for your words

Deserve a chiding rather than his own!

OLD MAN

O best of masters, what is my offence?

OEDIPUS

Not telling of that boy he asks about.

OLD MAN

He says he knows not what! He is all astray!

OEDIPUS

You will not speak of grace—you shall perforce!

OLD MAN

Do not for Gods sake harm me, an old man!

OEDIPUS

Quick, some one, twist his hands behind him!

OLD MAN

Wretch,

What have I done? What do you want to know?

OEDIPUS

Did you give him that boy he asks about?

OLD MAN

I gave it him. Would I had died that day!

OEDIPUS

Tell the whole truth, or you will come to it!

OLD MAN

I am undone far more, though, if I speak!

OEDIPUS

The man is trifling with us, I believe.

OLD MAN No,

no; I said I gave it, long ago!

OEDIPUS

Where did you get it? At home, or from some other?

OLD MAN

It was not mine; another gave it me.

OEDIPUS

Which of these citizens? and from what roof?

OLD MAN

Don’t, master, for God’s sake, don’t ask me more!

OEDIPUS

You are a dead man, if I speak again!

OLD MAN

Then—’twas a child—of Laius’ household.

OEDIPUS

What,

Slave-born? or one of his own family?

OLD MAN

O, I am at the horror, now, to speak!

OEDIPUS

And I to hear. But I must hear—no less.

OLD MAN

Truly it was called his son; but she within,

Your lady, could best tell you how it was.

OEDIPUS

Did she then give it you?

OLD MAN

My lord, even so.

OEDIPUS

For what?

OLD MAN

For me to make away with it.

OEDIPUS

Herself the mother? miserable!

OLD MAN

In dread

Of evil prophecies—

OEDIPUS