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!
Oedipus (turning from her).
Go, fetch the herdsman straight!—This Queen of mine
May walk alone to boast her royal line.
Jocasta.
[She twice draws in her breath through her teeth, as if in some sharp pain.
Unhappy one, goodbye! Goodbye before
I go: this once, and never never more!
[She comes towards him, then turns and goes into the Palace.
Leader.
King, what was that? She passed like one who flies
In very anguish. Dread is o’er mine eyes
Lest from this silence break some storm of wrong.
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