The Oedipus Trilogy - The Original Classic Edition. Sophocles Sophocles

       My savior? from what harm? what ailed me then?

       MESSENGER

       Those ankle joints are evidence enow.

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       OEDIPUS

       Ah, why remind me of that ancient sore?

       MESSENGER

       I loosed the pin that riveted thy feet.

       OEDIPUS

       Yes, from my cradle that dread brand I bore.

       MESSENGER

       Whence thou deriv'st the name that still is thine.

       OEDIPUS

       Who did it? I adjure thee, tell me who

       Say, was it father, mother?

       MESSENGER

       I know not.

       The man from whom I had thee may know more.

       OEDIPUS

       What, did another find me, not thyself ?

       MESSENGER

       Not I; another shepherd gave thee me.

       OEDIPUS

       Who was he? Would'st thou know again the man?

       MESSENGER

       He passed indeed for one of Laius' house.

       OEDIPUS

       The king who ruled the country long ago?

       MESSENGER

       The same: he was a herdsman of the king.

       OEDIPUS

       And is he living still for me to see him?

       MESSENGER

       His fellow-countrymen should best know that.

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       OEDIPUS

       Doth any bystander among you know The herd he speaks of, or by seeing him Afield or in the city? answer straight!

       The hour hath come to clear this business up.

       CHORUS

       Methinks he means none other than the hind Whom thou anon wert fain to see; but that Our queen Jocasta best of all could tell.

       OEDIPUS