Part 29

What was thy camping ground at midsummer?

SHEPHERD.

Sometimes Kithairon, sometimes mountains near.

OEDIPUS.

Saw'st ever there this man thou seëst now?

SHEPHERD.

There, Lord? What doing?--What man meanest thou?

OEDIPUS.

Look! Hath he ever crossed thy path before?

SHEPHERD.

I call him not to mind, I must think more.

STRANGER.

Small wonder that, O King! But I will throw Light on his memories.--Right well I know He knows the time when, all Kithairon through, I with one wandering herd and he with two, Three times we neighboured one another, clear From spring to autumn stars, a good half-year. At winter's fall we parted; he drove down To his master's fold, and I back to mine own.... Dost call it back, friend? Was it as I say?

SHEPHERD.

It was. It was.... 'Tis all so far away.

STRANGER.

Say then: thou gavest me once, there in the wild, A babe to rear far off as mine own child?

SHEPHERD.

What does this mean? To what end askest thou?

STRANGER.

That babe has grown, friend. 'Tis our master now.

SHEPHERD.

No, in the name of death!... Fool, hold thy peace.

OEDIPUS.

Ha, greybeard! Wouldst thou strike him?--'Tis not his Offences, 'tis thine own we need to mend.

SHEPHERD.

Most gentle master, how do I offend?

OEDIPUS.