Part 27

OEDIPUS.

Is he yet living? Can I see his face?

STRANGER.

Ye will know that, being natives to the place.

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.

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?

JOCASTA.

For God's love, no! Not if thou car'st at all For thine own life.... My anguish is enough.

OEDIPUS (bitterly).

Fear not!... Though I be thrice of slavish stuff From my third grand-dam down, it shames not thee.

JOCASTA.

Ask no more. I beseech thee.... Promise me!

OEDIPUS.

To leave the Truth half-found? 'Tis not my mood.

JOCASTA.

I understand; and tell thee what is good.

OEDIPUS.

Thy good doth weary me.

JOCASTA.

O child of woe, I pray God, I pray God, thou never know!