Oedipus
My wife, my queen, Jocasta, why hast thou
Summoned me from my palace?
Jocasta
Hear this man,
And as thou hearest judge what has become
Of all those awe-inspiring oracles.
Oedipus
Who is this man, and what his news for me?
Jocasta
He comes from Corinth and his message this:
Thy father Polybus hath passed away.
Oedipus
What? let me have it, stranger, from thy mouth.
Messenger
If I must first make plain beyond a doubt
My message, know that Polybus is dead.
Oedipus
By treachery, or by sickness visited?
Messenger
One touch will send an old man to his rest.
Oedipus
So of some malady he died, poor man.
Messenger
Yes, having measured the full span of years.