Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 16.djvu/233

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Œdipus
207

ŒDIPUS.

My lord!—— Away, Jocaste.

JOCASTE.

My lord!—— Away, Jocaste. Cruel husband!

ŒDIPUS.

O stop! what name is that? am I thy husband?
Do not say husband: we shall hate each other.

JOCASTE.

What sayest thou?

ŒDIPUS.

What sayest thou? 'Tis enough: I have fulfilled
My horrid fate: know, Laius was my father;
I am thy son.

LEADER OF THE CHORUS.

I am thy son. O guilt!

SECOND PERSON OF THE CHORUS.

I am thy son. O guilt! O dreadful day!

JOCASTE.

Ægina, drag me from this horrid place!

ÆGINA.

Alas!

JOCASTE.

Alas! If thou hast pity on Jocaste,
If without horror thou canst now approach me,
Assist me now, compassionate thy queen!

LEADER OF THE CHORUS.

Ye gods! and is it thus your vengeance ceases?
Take back your cruel gifts, 'twere better far
That we had suffered still.