Œdipus
191
The combat was not long, for victory soon
Declared for Œdipus. Immortal powers!
Whether from hatred or from love I know not,
But surely on that day ye fought for me.
I saw them both expiring at my feet,
And one of them, I do remember well,
Who seemed in age well-stricken, as he lay
Gasping on the earth, looked earnestly upon me,
Held out his arms, and would have spoke: I saw
The tears flow plenteous from his half-closed eyes:
Methought when I did wound him my shocked soul,
All conqueror as I was—you shake, Jocaste.
JOCASTE.
My lord, see Phorbas comes; this way they lead him.
ŒDIPUS.
'Tis well: my doubts will then be satisfied.
SCENE II.
ŒDIPUS, JOCASTE, PHORBAS, Attendants.
ŒDIPUS.
Come hither, thou unfortunate old man;
The sight of him alarms my conscious soul;
Confused remembrance tortures me; I dread
To look on, or to question him.
PHORBAS.
O queen,
Is this the day appointed for my death;
Hast thou decreed it? Never but to me
Wert thou unjust.