SOPHOCLES
vv. 1029–1037
Oedipus.
Thou wast one
That wandered, tending sheep for hire?
Stranger.
My son,
That day I was the saviour of a King.
Oedipus.
How saviour? Was I in some suffering
Or peril?
Stranger.
Thine own feet a tale could speak.
Oedipus.
Ah me! What ancient pain stirs half awake
Within me!
Stranger.
'Twas a spike through both thy feet.
I set thee free.
Oedipus.
A strange scorn that, to greet
A babe new on the earth!
Stranger.
From that they fain
Must call thee Oedipus, “Who-walks-in-pain.”
Oedipus.
Who called me so—father or mother? Oh,
In God's name, speak!
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