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MESSENGER No wonder, master. But I will revive<br />
His blunted memories. Sure he can recall<br />
What time together both we drove our flocks,<br />
He two, I one, on the Cithaeron range,<br />
For three long summers; I his mate from spring<br />
Till rose Arcturus; then in winter time<br />
I led mine home, he his to Laius' folds.<br />
Did these things happen as I say, or no?<br />
HERDSMAN 'Tis long ago, but all thou say'st is true.<br />
MESSENGER Well, thou mast then remember giving me<br />
A child to rear as my own foster-son?<br />
HERDSMAN Why dost thou ask this question? What of that?<br />
MESSENGER Friend, he that stands before thee was that child.<br />
HERDSMAN A plague upon thee! Hold thy wanton tongue!<br />
<strong>OEDIPUS</strong> Softly, old man, rebuke him not; thy words<br />
Are more deserving chastisement than his.<br />
HERDSMAN O best of masters, what is my offense?<br />
<strong>OEDIPUS</strong> Not answering what he asks about the child.<br />
HERDSMAN He speaks at random, babbles like a fool.<br />
<strong>OEDIPUS</strong> If thou lack'st grace to speak, I'll loose thy tongue.<br />
HERDSMAN For mercy's sake abuse not an old man.<br />
<strong>OEDIPUS</strong> Arrest the villain, seize and pinion him!<br />
HERDSMAN Alack, alack!<br />
What have I done? what wouldst thou further learn?<br />
<strong>OEDIPUS</strong> Didst give this man the child of whom he asks?<br />
HERDSMAN I did; and would that I had died that day!<br />
<strong>OEDIPUS</strong> And die thou shalt unless thou tell the truth.<br />
HERDSMAN But, if I tell it, I am doubly lost.<br />
<strong>OEDIPUS</strong> The knave methinks will still prevaricate.<br />
HERDSMAN Nay, I confessed I gave it long ago.<br />
<strong>OEDIPUS</strong> Whence came it? was it thine, or given to thee?<br />
HERDSMAN I had it from another, 'twas not mine.
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