Page:Oedipus, King of Thebes (Murray 1911).djvu/74

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SOPHOCLES
vv. 1010–1019

Stranger.

If this it is, keeps thee so long away
From Corinth.


Oedipus.

’Tis the fear lest that word break
One day upon me true.


Stranger.

Fear lest thou take
Defilement from the two that gave thee birth?


Oedipus.

’Tis that, old man, ’tis that doth fill the earth
With terror.


Stranger.

Then thy terror all hath been
For nothing.


Oedipus.

How? Were not your King and Queen
My parents?


Stranger.

Polybus was naught to thee
In blood.


Oedipus.

How? He, my father!


Stranger.

That was he
As much as I, but no more.


Oedipus.

Thou art naught;
’Twas he begot me.

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