OEDIPUS.
What led thee to explore those upland glades?
MESSENGER.
My business was to tend the mountain flocks.
OEDIPUS.
A vagrant shepherd journeying for hire?
MESSENGER.
True, but thy savior in that hour, my son.
OEDIPUS.
My savior? from what harm? what ailed me then?
MESSENGER.
Those ankle joints are evidence enow.
OEDIPUS.
Ah, why remind me of that ancient sore?
MESSENGER.
I loosed the pin that riveted thy feet.
OEDIPUS.
Yes, from my cradle that dread brand I bore.
MESSENGER.
Whence thou deriv’st the name that still is thine.