That is no wonder, master. But I’ll make him remember
what he does not know. For I know, that he well knows the country of
1290 Cithaeron, how he with two flocks, I with one kept company for three
years—each year half a year—from spring till autumn time and then
when winter came I drove my flocks to our fold home again and he to
Laius’ steadings. Well—am I right or not in what I said we did?
HERDSMAN: You’re right—although it’s a long time ago.
MESSENGER: Do you remember giving me a child 1296 to bring up as my foster child?
HERDSMAN: What’s this? Why do you ask the question?
MESSENGER: Look old man,
1300 here he is—here’s the man who was that child!
HERDSMAN: Death take you! Won’t you hold your tongue?
OEDIPUS: No, no,
do not find fault with him, old man. Your words are more at fault than his.
HERDSMAN: O best of masters, 1306 how do I give offense?
This part shows that people back then would get killed for talking out of place. I also remember watching a Sparta movie that reminded me about this.
