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.