SOPHOCLES
vv. 1168–1176
Oedipus.
A slave, or born of Laïus’ blood?
Shepherd.
There comes the word I dread to speak, O God!
Oedipus.
And I to hear: yet heard it needs must be.
Shepherd.
Know then, they said ’twas Laïus’ child. But she
Within, thy wife, best knows its fathering.
Oedipus.
’Twas she that gave it?
Shepherd.
It was she, O King.
Oedipus.
And bade you . . . what?
Shepherd.
Destroy it.
Oedipus.
Her own child? . . .
Cruel!
Shepherd.
Dark words of God had made her wild.
Oedipus.
What words?
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