Oedipus. Who was he? Can you tell me who he was?
Messenger. I think that he was said to be of Laius’ household.
Oedipus. The king who ruled this country long ago?
Messenger. The Same—the man was herdsman in his service.
Oedipus. Is he alive, that I might speak with him?
Messenger. You people of this country should know that.
Oedipus. Is there anyone here present who knows the herd he speaks of? Anyone who has seen him in the town pastures. The hour has come when all must be made clear.
Chorus. I think he is the very herd you sent for but now, Jocasta can tell you better than I.
Jocasta. Why ask about that man? Why think about him? Why waste a thought on what this man has said? What he has said is of no account.
Oedipus. What, with a clue like that in my hands and fail to find out my birth?
Jocasta. For God’s sake, if you set any value upon your life, give up this search—my misery is enough.
Oedipus. Though I be proved the son of a slave, yes, even of three generations of slaves, you cannot be made base born.
