Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 16.djvu/233

Rh Away, Jocaste.

Cruel husband!

O stop! what name is that? am I thy husband? Do not say husband: we shall hate each other.

What sayest thou?

'Tis enough: I have fulfilled My horrid fate: know, Laius was my father; I am thy son.

O guilt!

O dreadful day!

Ægina, drag me from this horrid place!

Alas!

If thou hast pity on Jocaste, If without horror thou canst now approach me, Assist me now, compassionate thy queen!

Ye gods! and is it thus your vengeance ceases? Take back your cruel gifts, 'twere better far That we had suffered still.