University of Virginia Library

THE FIRSTE SCENE.

OEdipus. Iocasta.
[Oed.]
My mynde with doubtfull waues of dread, is tossed to and fro,
I wot not what to say (Alas) I am tormented so.
For all the Gods on me doe cry, for paynes and vengeaunce due.
They say that these my guiltlesse hands, king Laius lately slue.
But this my conscience voyde of crime and mynde from mischiefe free:
To Gods vntried, to mee well known denies it so to bee:
Full well I doe remember once, by chaunce I did dispatch,
A man who sought by force with mee presumptuously to match.
His purpose was (a fond attempt) my Chariot for to stay,
This I remember well enough, the strife was in the way.
And he a man well steept in yeares, and I a lusty bloud,
And yet of meere disdayne and pride in vayne hee mee withstood.
But this from Thebes farre was done, a croked three pathd way,
That was the place in which we fought: it hard by Phocis lay.
Deare Wyfe resolue my doubts at once, and mee expresly tell.
How old was Laius the King whan this mischaunce befell?
Was he of fresh and lusty yeares? or stricken well in age
When he was kilde? O ease my thoughts of this tormenting rage.

IOC.
Betwixt an old man an a yong: but nearer to an olde.

OED.
Were there great Bands of men wt him his Person to vpholde?

IOC.
Some by the way deceiued were, and some deterd by payne.
A fewe by toyle and labour long, did with their Prince remayne.

OE.
Were any slayne in his defence?

IO.
Of one report is rife,
Who constant in his princes cause full stoutly lost his lyfe.

OED.
It is enough, I knowe the man that hath this mischiefe done.
The number and the place agrees. The time vntried alone
Remaynes: Than tell what time hee died, and when that he was slaine.

IOC.
Tis ten yeares since: you now reuiue my chiefest cares againe.