Page:Sophocles' King Oedipus.pdf/34

24 robbers. So Apollo did not bring it about that the child should kill its father, nor did Laius die in the dreadful way he feared by his child’s hand. Yet that was how the message of the seers mapped out the future. Pay no attention to such things. What the god would show he will need no help to show it, but bring it to light himself.

. What restlessness of soul, lady, has come upon me since I heard you speak, what a tumult of the mind!

. What is this new anxiety? What has startled you?

. You said that Laius was killed where three highways meet.

. Yes: that was the story.

. And where is the place?

. In Phocis where the road divides branching off to Delphi and to Daulia.

. And when did it happen? How many years ago?

. News was published in this town just before you came into power.

. O Zeus! What have you planned to do unto me?

. He was tall; the silver had just come into his hair; and in shape not greatly unlike to you.

. Unhappy that I am! It seems that I have laid a dreadful curse upon myself, and did not know it.