[page 106][747-783] OED. The fear appals me that the seer can see.
Tell one thing more, to make it doubly clear!
JO. I am lothe to speak, but, when you ask, I will.
OED. Had he scant following, or, as princes use,
Full numbers of a well-appointed train?
JO. There were but five in all: a herald one;
And Laius travelled in the only car.
OED. Woe! woe! ’Tis clear as daylight. Who was he
That brought you this dire message, O my queen?
JO. A home-slave, who alone returned alive.
OED. And is he now at hand within the house?
JO. No, truly. When he came from yonder scene
And found thee king in room of Laius murdered,
He touched my hand, and made his instant prayer
That I would send him to o’erlook the flocks
And rural pastures, so to live as far
As might be from the very thought of Thebes.
I granted his desire. No servant ever
More richly merited such boon than he.
OED. Can he be brought again immediately?
JO. Indeed he can. But why desire it so?