Part 21

Oh, show us still some path that is not all Unclean; for now our captain's eyes are dim With dread, and the whole ship must follow him.

STRANGER.

Good masters, is there one of you could bring My steps to the house of Oedipus, your King? Or, better, to himself if that may be?

LEADER.

This is the house and he within; and she Thou seest, the mother of his royal seed.

STRANGER.

Being wife to such a man, happy indeed And ringed with happy faces may she live!

JOCASTA.

To one so fair of speech may the Gods give Like blessing, courteous stranger; 'tis thy due. But say what leads thee hither. Can we do Thy wish in aught, or hast thou news to bring?

STRANGER.

Good news, O Queen, for thee and for the King.

JOCASTA.

What is it? And from what prince comest thou?

STRANGER.

I come from Corinth.--And my tale, I trow, Will give thee joy, yet haply also pain.

JOCASTA.

What news can have that twofold power? Be plain.

STRANGER.

'Tis spoke in Corinth that the gathering Of folk will make thy lord our chosen King.

JOCASTA.

How? Is old Polybus in power no more?

STRANGER.

Death has a greater power. His reign is o'er.

JOCASTA.

What say'st thou? Dead?... Oedipus' father dead?

STRANGER.

If I speak false, let me die in his stead.

JOCASTA.