Herdsman
Nay, I confessed I gave it long ago.
Oedipus
Whence came it? was it thine, or given to thee?
Herdsman
I had it from another, ’twas not mine.
Oedipus
From whom of these our townsmen, and what house?
Herdsman
Forbear for God’s sake, master, ask no more.
Oedipus
If I must question thee again, thou’rt lost.
Herdsman
Well then—it was a child of Laius’ house.
Oedipus
Slave-born or one of Laius’ own race?
Herdsman
Ah me!
I stand upon the perilous edge of speech.
Oedipus
And I of hearing, but I still must hear.
Herdsman
Know then the child was by repute his own,
But she within, thy consort best could tell.
Oedipus
What! she, she gave it thee?