vv. 934–947
OEDIPUS, KING OF THEBES
Stranger.
Good news, O Queen, for thee and for the King.
Jocasta.
What is it? And from what prince comest thou?
Stranger.
I come from Corinth.—And my tale, I trow,
Will give thee joy, yet haply also pain.
Jocasta.
What news can have that twofold power? Be plain.
Stranger.
’Tis spoke in Corinth that the gathering
Of folk will make thy lord our chosen King.
Jocasta.
How? Is old Polybus in power no more?
Stranger.
Death has a greater power. His reign is o’er.
Jocasta.
What say’st thou? Dead? . . . Oedipus’ father dead?
Stranger.
If I speak false, let me die in his stead.
Jocasta.
Ho, maiden! To our master! Hie thee fast
And tell this tale.
[The maiden goes.
Where stand ye at the last
53
