Epeisodion 3
Iocasta
Why, Oedipus, does this matter weigh upon your heart?
Oedipus
Do not ask me yet. Tell me rather what stature Laius had, and how ripe his manhood was.
740
Iocasta
He was tall—the silver just lightly strewn among his hair—and his form was not greatly unlike your own.
Oedipus
Unhappy that I am! I think that I have
laid myself under a terrible curse without realizing it.
745
Iocasta
How do you mean? I tremble when I look at you, my lord.
Oedipus
I have dread fears that the seer can see. But you will reveal the matter better if you tell me one thing more.
Iocasta
Indeed, though I tremble, I will hear and answer all that you ask.
Oedipus
Did he go with a small force, or like a chieftain, with many armed followers?
750
Iocasta
Five they were in all—a herald among them—and there was one carriage which bore Laius.
Oedipus
Alas! It is all clear now! Who gave you this information, lady?
755
Iocasta
A servant, the only survivor who returned home.
Oedipus
Is he by any chance in the house now?
Iocasta
No. Soon after he returned and found you ruling in Laius’ stead,
he pled with me, with hand laid on mine, to send him to the fields, to the pastures of the flocks, that he might be far from the sight of this town. And I sent him; he was worthy, for a slave, to win even a larger favor than that.
760
Oedipus
Would, then, that he return to us without delay!
765
Iocasta
That is easy. But why do you enjoin this?
Oedipus
I fear, lady, that my words have been rash, and therefore I wish to see him.
Iocasta
He will come. But I think that
I too have a claim to learn what lies heavy on your heart, my king.
770
