University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

ŒDIPUS, JOCASTA, DIMAS.
DIMAS.
My Lord, a stranger
This moment is arrived, he says, from Corinth,
And begs to be admitted to thy presence.

OEDIPUS.
Hence! Let us go—I hasten to receive him.
Farewel, farewel! may calm composure smooth
[To Jocasta.
The yet impetuous torrent of thy grief!
But OEdipus, who ne'er again shall taste
Sweet consolation, thou wilt see no more.
It is decreed—my reign is finish'd—thou
No longer hast a husband.—Yielding up
The sovereign power, I cease too to be thine.
Farewel! I go in my despair to seek
Some country where my hand with deeds of guilt
May not be stain'd; where, far from thee exiled,
Living enthroned, yet always like a king,
Each act may justify thy flowing tears.