For the better part of my life I tended the flocks.OedipusAnd what regions did you most frequently haunt?ServantSometimes Cithaeron, sometimes the neighboring ground.OedipusAre you aware of ever having seen this man in these parts?ServantDoing what? What man do you mean?OedipusThis man here. Have you ever met him before?ServantNot so that I could speak at once from memory.MessengerAnd no wonder, master. But I will bring clear recollection to his ignorance. I am sure he knows well of the time we dwelled in the region of Cithaeronfor six month periods, from spring to Arcturus, he with two flocks, and I, his comrade, with one. And then for the winter I used to drive my flock to my own fold, and he took his to the fold of Laius.Did any of this happen as I tell it, or did it not?ServantYou speak the truth, though it was long ago.MessengerCome, tell me now: do you remember having given me a boy in those days, to be reared as my own foster-son?ServantWhat now? Why do you ask the question?MessengerThis man, my friend, is he who then was young.ServantDamn you! Be silent once and for all!OedipusDo not rebuke him, old man. Your words need rebuking more than his.ServantAnd in what way, most noble master, do I offend?OedipusIn not telling of the boy about whom he asks.ServantHe speaks without knowledge, but is busy to no purpose.OedipusYou will not speak with good grace, but will in pain.ServantNo, in the name of the gods, do not mistreat an old man.OedipusSomeone, quick—tie his hands him this instant!ServantAlas, why? What do you want to learn?OedipusDid you give this man the child about whom he asks?ServantI did. Would that I had perished that day!OedipusWell, you will come to that, unless you tell the honest truth.ServantBut if I speak I will be destroyed all the more.OedipusThis man is bent, I think, on more delays.ServantNo, no! I said before that I gave it to him.OedipusWhere did you get it from? From your own house, or from another?