Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 16.djvu/218

196  Hath heavier crimes in store for Œdipus? O Corinth! ne'er on thy detested borders

My lord, this moment is arrived a stranger, He says, from Corinth, and desires admittance.

I'll go and meet himfare thee well, Jocaste: But stop thy tears; no more shalt thou behold The wretched Œdipus; it is determined: My reign is past; thou hast no husband now, I am no more a sovereign, nor Jocaste's. Oppressed with ills I go, in search of climes, Where far removed from thee and from my country, I still may act as shall become a king, Worthy of thee, and justify the tears Thou sheddest for Œdipus: farewell! forever.

Weep not for me, my friends, nor thus regret Your sovereign's fate: I wish for banishment; To me 'tis pleasure; for I know 'twill make My people happy: you must lose your king,