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Oedipus
What restlessness of soul, lady, what tumult has come upon me since I heard you speak!

Iocasta
What anxiety has startled you, that you say this?

Oedipus
I thought that I heard this from you—that Laius [730] was slain where the three roads meet.

Icasta
Yes, that was the report, and so it is still thought.

Oedipus
And where is the place where this occurred?

Iocasta
The land is called Phocis; the branching forks lead to the same spot from Delphi and from Daulia.

Oedipus
[735] And how much time has passed since these events took place?

Iocasta
The news was announced to the town shortly before you first attained power over this land.

Oedipus
O Zeus, what have you decreed for me?

Iocasta
Why, Oedipus, does this matter weigh upon your heart?

Oedipus
[740] Do not ask me yet. Tell me rather what stature Laius had, and how ripe his manhood was.

Iocasta
He was tall—the silver just lightly strewn among his hair—and his form was not greatly unlike your own.

Oedipus
Unhappy that I am! I think that I have [745] laid myself under a terrible curse without realizing it.

Iocasta
How do you mean? I tremble when I look at you, my lord.

Oedipus
I have dread fears that the seer can see. But you will reveal the matter better if you tell me one thing more.

Iocasta
Indeed, though I tremble, I will hear and answer all that you ask.

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