Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 16.djvu/213

Rh The combat was not long, for victory soon Declared for Œdipus. Immortal powers! Whether from hatred or from love I know not, But surely on that day ye fought for me. I saw them both expiring at my feet, And one of them, I do remember well, Who seemed in age well-stricken, as he lay Gasping on the earth, looked earnestly upon me, Held out his arms, and would have spoke: I saw The tears flow plenteous from his half-closed eyes: Methought when I did wound him my shocked soul, All conqueror as I was—you shake, Jocaste.

My lord, see Phorbas comes; this way they lead him.

'Tis well: my doubts will then be satisfied.

Come hither, thou unfortunate old man; The sight of him alarms my conscious soul; Confused remembrance tortures me; I dread To look on, or to question him.

O queen, Is this the day appointed for my death; Hast thou decreed it? Never but to me Wert thou unjust.