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.
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.
Oedipus.
Thou wast one That wandered, tending sheep for hire?
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 God’s name, speak!
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.