HERDSMAN.
He speaks at random, babbles like a fool.
OEDIPUS.
If thou lack’st grace to speak, I’ll loose thy tongue.
HERDSMAN.
For mercy’s sake abuse not an old man.
OEDIPUS.
Arrest the villain, seize and pinion him!
HERDSMAN.
Alack, alack!
What have I done? what wouldst thou further learn?
OEDIPUS.
Didst give this man the child of whom he asks?
HERDSMAN.
I did; and would that I had died that day!
OEDIPUS.
And die thou shalt unless thou tell the truth.
HERDSMAN.
But, if I tell it, I am doubly lost.
OEDIPUS.
The knave methinks will still prevaricate.