Epeisodion 4
Iocasta
Princes of the land, I am planning to visit the shrines of the gods, with this wreathed branch and these gifts of incense in my hands. For Oedipus excites his soul excessively with all sorts of grief,
as he does not judge the new things from the old, like a man of sense, but is under the control of the speaker, if he speaks of frightful things. Since, then, I can do no good by counsel, to you, Lycean Apollo—for you are nearest—
915
I have come as a suppliant with these symbols of prayer, that you may find us some escape from uncleanliness. For now we are all afraid, like those who see fear in the helmsman of their ship.
920
Messenger
Can you tell me, strangers, where
the house of King Oedipus is? Or better still, tell me where he himself is, if you know.
925
Chorus
This is his dwelling, and he himself, stranger, is within. This lady here is the mother of his children.
Messenger
Then may she be ever happy in a happy home,
since she is his blessed queen.
930
Iocasta
Happiness to you also, stranger! Your fair greeting deserves this. But say what you have come to seek or to tell.
Messenger
Good tidings, lady, for your house and your husband.
Iocasta
What are they? From whom have you come?
935
Messenger
From Corinth, and at the message I will give now you will doubtless rejoice, though you may perhaps grieve too.
Iocasta
What is it? Why has it this double potency?
Messenger
The people will make him king of the
Isthmian land, as it was said there.
940
Iocasta
How then? Is the aged Polybus no longer in power?
Messenger
No. For death holds him in the tomb.
Iocasta
What do you mean? Is Polybus dead, old man?
Messenger
If I do not speak the truth, I am content to die.
Iocasta
Handmaid, away with all speed, and tell this to your master! Oracles of the gods, where do you stand now? It is this man that Oedipus long feared he would slay. And now this man has died in the course of destiny, not by his hand.
945
Oedipus
Iocasta, dearest wife, why have you summoned me forth from these doors?
950
Iocasta
Hear this man, and judge, as you listen, what the awful oracles have come to.
Oedipus
Who is he and what news does he have for me?
Iocasta
He comes from Corinth to tell you that your father Polybus lives no longer, but has perished.
955
Oedipus
How, stranger? Let me have it from your own mouth.
Messenger
If I must first make these tidings plain, know indeed that he is dead and gone.
Oedipus
By treachery, or from illness?
960
Messenger
A light tilt of the scale brings the aged to their rest.
Oedipus
Ah, he died, it seems, of sickness?
Messenger
Yes, and of the long years that he had lived.
