FIRST OLD WOMAN. 'Tis my very own property that I am leading in.
YOUNG GIRL. You do ill. A young fellow like him is not of the age to suit you. You ought to be his mother rather than his wife. With these laws in force, the earth will be filled with Oedipuses.[729]
FIRST OLD WOMAN. Oh! you cursed pest! 'tis envy that makes you say this; but I will be revenged.
YOUNG MAN. By Zeus the Deliverer, what a service you have done me, by freeing me of this old wretch! with what ardour I will show you my gratitude in a form both long and thick!
SECOND OLD WOMAN. Hi! you there! where are you taking that young man to, in spite of the law? The decree ordains that he must first sleep with me.
YOUNG MAN. Oh! what a misfortune! Where does this hag come from? 'Tis a more frightful monster than the other even.
SECOND OLD WOMAN. Come here.
YOUNG MAN (to the young girl). Oh! I adjure you, don't let me be led off by her!
SECOND OLD WOMAN. 'Tis not I; 'tis the law that leads you off.
[729] Who had married his mother Jocasta without knowing it.
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