SOPHOCLES
vv. 1147–1157
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.
Whence came that babe whereof he questioneth?
Shepherd.
He doth not know . . . ’tis folly . . . what he saith.
Oedipus.
Thou wilt not speak for love; but pain maybe . . .
Shepherd.
I am very old. Ye would not torture me.
Oedipus.
Back with his arms, ye bondmen! Hold him so.
[The thralls drag back the Shepherd’s arms, ready for torture.
Shepherd.
Woe’s me! What have I done? . . . What wouldst thou know?
Oedipus.
Didst give this man the child, as he doth say?
Shepherd.
I did. . . . Would God that I had died this day!
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