Jocasta: The many lost him on the winding way;
A few by faithful toil kept near his side.
Oedipus: Did any fall as comrade of his fate?780
Jocasta: One comrade in his death did valor give.
Oedipus: Alas, I stand convicted, for the place
And number tally. Tell me now the time.
Jocasta: Since Laius fell, ten harvests have been reaped.
[Enter an old Corinthian man, a messenger from Merope.]
Old Man [to Oedipus]: The state of Corinth calls thee to the throne,
For Polybus has gained his lasting rest.785