And yet he loved me so dearly, who came from another’s hand? Messenger His former childlessness won him over. Oedipus And had you bought me or found me by chance, when you gave me to him? Messenger I found you in Cithaeron’s winding glens. Oedipus And why were you roaming those regions? Messenger I was in charge of mountain flocks. Oedipus What, you were a shepherd—a vagrant hireling? Messenger But your savior, my son, in that hour. Oedipus And what was my pain when you took me in your arms? Messenger The ankles of your feet might bear witness. Oedipus Ah me, why do you speak of that old trouble? Messenger I freed you when you had your ankles pinned together. Oedipus It was a dread brand of shame that I took from my cradle. Messenger So much so that from that fortune you were called by that name which you still bear. Oedipus Oh, in the name of the gods, was the deed my mother’s or father’s?
 Speak! Messenger I know not. He who gave you to me knows better of that than I. Oedipus What, you got me from another? You did not find me yourself? Messenger No. Another shepherd gave you to me. Oedipus Who was he? Can you tell clearly? Messenger I think he was said to be one of the household of Laius. Oedipus The king who ruled this country long ago? Messenger The same. The man was a herdsman in his service. Oedipus Is he still alive, that I might see him? Messenger You natives of this country should know best. Oedipus Is there any of you here present that knows the herdsman of whom he speaks, having seen him either in the pastures or here in town? Answer! The hour has come for these things to be revealed finally. Chorus I think he speaks of no other than the peasant you already wanted to see. But our lady Iocasta might best tell you that. Oedipus Lady, do you know the one whom we summoned just now? Is it of him that this man speaks? Iocasta Why ask of whom he spoke? Regard it not; waste not a thought on what he said; it would be vain.