JO. Hearken to me, and set your heart at rest On that you speak of, while I make you learn No mortal thing is touched by soothsaying. Of that I'll give thee warrant brief and plain. Word came to Laius once, I will not say From Phoebus' self, but from his ministers, The King should be destroyed by his own son, If son were born to him from me. What followed? Laius was slain, by robbers from abroad, Saith Rumour, in a cross-way! But the child Lived not three days, ere by my husband's hand His feet were locked, and he was cast and left By messengers on the waste mountain wold. So Phoebus neither brought upon the boy His father's murder, nor on Laius The thing he greatly feared, death by his son. Such issue came of prophesying words. Therefore regard them not. God can himself With ease bring forth what for his ends he needs. OED. What strange emotions overcloud my soul, Stirred to her depths on hearing this thy tale! JO. What sudden change is this? What cares oppress thee? OED. Methought I heard thee say, King Laius Was at a cross-road overpowered and slain? JO. So ran the talk that yet is current here. OED. Where was the scene of this unhappy blow? JO. Phocis the land is named. The parted ways Meet in one point from Dauha and from Delphi. OED. And since the event how much of time hath flown? JO. 'Twas just ere you appeared with prospering speed And took the kingdom, that the tidings came. OED. What are thy purposes against me, Zeus? JO. Why broods thy mind upon such thoughts, my king? OED. Nay, ask me not! But tell me first what height Had Laius, and what grace of manly prime? JO. Tall, with dark locks just sprinkled o'er with grey: In shape and bearing much resembling thee. OED. O heavy fate! How all unknowingly I laid that dreadful curse on my own head! JO. How? I tremble as I gaze on thee, my king! 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? OED. Words have by me been uttered, O my queen, That give me too much cause to wish him here. JO. Then come he shall. But I may surely claim To hear what in thy state goes heavily.