Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 16.djvu/215

Rh Can it be?

And art thou he whom my unhappy rage Attacked at Daulis in the narrow path? O yes it is, must be so: in vain myself Would I deceive, all speaks too plain against me, I know thee but too well.

I saw him fall, My royal master fall beneath thy hand: Thou didst the crime, and I have suffered for it: A prison was my fate, and thine a throne.

Away: I soon shall do thee ample justice, Thee and myself; leave then to me the care Of my own punishment: begone, and save me At least the painful sight of innocence, Which I have made unhappy.

O Jocaste! For cruel fate forbids me ever more To call thee by the tender name of wife; Thou seest my crimes; no longer bound to love; Strike now, and free thyself from the dread thought Of being mine.