Part 25

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.

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.