Chorus
To us, king, these things are fraught with fear. Yet have hope, until at least you have gained full knowledge
[835]
from the one who saw the deed.
Oedipus
I have, in truth, this much hope alone: I await the man summoned from the pastures.
Iocasta
And what do you want from him when he appears?
Oedipus
I will tell you. If his story is found
[840]
to match withwith yours, I at least, will stand clear of disaster.
Iocasta
And what special note did you hear from me?
Oedipus
You said that he spoke of Laius as slain by robbers. If, then, he still speaks of several as before, I was not the slayer:
[845]
a solitary man could not be considered the same as that band. But if he names one lonely wayfarer, then beyond doubt this guilt rests upon me.
Iocasta
Be assured that thus, at least, the tale was first told. He cannot revoke that,
[850]
for the city heard it, not I alone. But even if he should diverge somewhat from his former story, never, king, can he show that the murder of Laius, at least, is truly square with the prophecy, for Loxias plainly said that he was to die at the hand of my child.
[855]
How was it then that that poor innocent never slew him, but perished first? From now on then, as far as divination goes, I would not look to my right hand or my left.
Oedipus
You are right. But nevertheless send someone to fetch the peasant,
[860]
and do not neglect this matter.
Iocasta
I will send for him without delay. But let us go into the house: I will do nothing which does not please you.Exeunt Oedipus and Iocasta.
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Sophocles. The Oedipus Tyrannus of Sophocles. Edited with introduction and notes by Sir Richard Jebb. Sir Richard Jebb. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press. 1887.
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