MESSENGER.
This is he.
OEDIPUS.
And now old man, look up and answer all
I ask thee. Wast thou once of Laius’ house?
HERDSMAN.
I was, a thrall, not purchased but home-bred.
OEDIPUS.
What was thy business? how wast thou employed?
HERDSMAN.
The best part of my life I tended sheep.
OEDIPUS.
What were the pastures thou didst most frequent?
HERDSMAN.
Cithaeron and the neighboring alps.
OEDIPUS.
Then there
Thou must have known yon man, at least by fame?
HERDSMAN.
Yon man? in what way? what man dost thou mean?
OEDIPUS.
The man here, having met him in past times...