OEDIPUS.
Ruled by a king or by the general voice?
STRANGER.
The lord of Athens is our over-lord.
OEDIPUS.
Who is this monarch, great in word and might?
STRANGER.
Theseus, the son of Aegeus our late king.
OEDIPUS.
Might one be sent from you to summon him?
STRANGER.
Wherefore? To tell him aught or urge his coming?
OEDIPUS.
Say a slight service may avail him much.
STRANGER.
How can he profit from a sightless man?
OEDIPUS.
The blind man’s words will be instinct with sight.
STRANGER.
Heed then; I fain would see thee out of harm;
For by the looks, marred though they be by fate,
I judge thee noble; tarry where thou art,
While I go seek the burghers—those at hand,
Not in the city. They will soon decide
Whether thou art to rest or go thy way.
[Exit STRANGER]