siobhanmcelduff

This is one of my favourite chapbook ballads on a classical theme, and is the story of Oedipus with his name removed. It opens with a variation on the typical ‘come all you’ of the standard ballad opening:

You that have hard hearts, that never could repent,

Or eyes from whose lids tears were never sent

Be pleased to draw nigh, now before you pass by,

See if you can weep at this deep tragedy…

I’m not entirely sure of its first date of publication, but its in circulation until 1780 and was widespread – that one was printed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

It’s got all sorts of details that are very much its own and would startle anyone who thinks of Sophocles as the last word on the myth: we are told  that Oedipus is born with a picture of death on his chest, and that it is that that prompts his mother and father, not unnaturally, go to an oracle for advice, and are told that he will kill his father and marry his mother. He is exposed, rescued by a passing Duke who passes him on to the next king and queen…and there’s more: hob-goblins and other demonic figures drag the ghost of Oedipus’ father through the city, Oedipus’ mother/wife kills their children before herself, and so on. It’s enough to make a purist blush, but it is incredibly entertaining.