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THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

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[927-949] Oedipus the King 397<br />

LEADER OF <strong>THE</strong> CHORUS<br />

This is his dwelling, and he himself, stranger, is within; and this lady<br />

is the mother of his children.<br />

MESSENGER<br />

Then may she be ever happy in a happy home, since she is his heavenblest<br />

queen.<br />

JOCASTA<br />

Happiness to thee also, stranger! 'tis the due of thy fair greeting.—<br />

But say what thou hast come to seek or to tell.<br />

MESSENGER<br />

Good tidings, lady, for thy house and for thy husband.<br />

JOCASTA<br />

What are they? And from whom hast thou come?<br />

MESSENGER<br />

From Corinth: and at the message which I will speak anon thou wilt<br />

rejoice—doubtless; yet haply grieve.<br />

JOCASTA<br />

And what is it? How hath it thus a double potency?<br />

MESSENGER<br />

The people will make him king of the Isthmian land, as 'twas said there.<br />

JOCASTA<br />

How then? Is the aged Polybus no more in power?<br />

MESSENGER<br />

No, verily: for death holds him in the tomb.<br />

JOCASTA<br />

How sayest thou? Is Polybus dead, old man?<br />

MESSENGER<br />

If I speak not the truth, I am content to die.<br />

JOCASTA<br />

0 handmaid, away with all speed, and tell this to thy master! 0 ye<br />

oracles of the gods, where stand ye now! This is the man whom Oedipus<br />

long feared and shunned, lest he should slay him; and now this man hath<br />

died in the course of destiny, not by his hand.<br />

(OEDIPUS enters from the palace.)

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