Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Jebb 1917).djvu/51

995—1016] doomed to espouse mine own mother, and to shed with mine own hands my father's blood. Wherefore my home in Corinth was long kept by me afar; with happy event, indeed,—yet still 'tis sweet to see the face of parents.

. Was it indeed for fear of this that thou wast an exile from that city?

. And because I wished not, old man, to be the slayer of my sire.

. Then why have I not freed thee, king, from this fear, seeing that I came with friendly purpose?

. Indeed thou shouldst have guerdon due from me.

. Indeed 'twas chiefly for this that I came—that, on thy return home, I might reap some good.

. Nay, I will never go near my parents.

. Ah my son, 'tis plain enough that thou knowest not what thou doest.

. How, old man? For the gods' love, tell me.

. If for these reasons thou shrinkest from going home.

. Aye, I dread lest Phoebus prove himself true for me.

. Thou dreadest to be stained with guilt through thy parents?

. Even so, old man—this it is that ever affrights me.

. Dost thou know, then, that thy fears are wholly vain?

. How so, if I was born of those parents?

. Because Polybus was nothing to thee in blood.