did the mine axe god who holds the mountain peaks receive you as a blessing from some nymph of helicon with whom he loves to play? i've never met him, elders. but i think i see the shepherd we have waited for so long. he's an old man, it tallies with our friend here. but, you perhaps know better than i do. you've met the man before. yes. i recognize him. as reliable a man as laius ever had in his service as shepherd. first, you sir from corinth. i want to know, is this the man you were talking about? yes, your majesty. he stands before you. now, you sir. come here. look me straight in the eyes. answer my questions. were you at one time in laius' service? yes, born and bred in the palace, not bought in the slave market. what was your work? how are you employed? a shepherd most of my life. and which part of the country did you generally stay? it would be cithaeron or thereabouts. do you remember ever seeing this man there? and what connection? what man do you mean? standing in front of you. have you ever met him? i can't offhand remember. there's nothing strange in that, your majesty. i'

did the mine axe god who holds the mountain peaks receive you as a blessing from some nymph of helicon with whom he loves to play? i've never met him, elders. but i think i see the shepherd we have waited for so long. he's an old man, it tallies with our friend here. but, you perhaps know better than i do. you've met the man before.