HIPP. Without having even examined oath, or proof, or the sayings of the seers, wilt thou cast me uncondemned from out the land?
THES. This letter here, that waiteth no seer's observations,[[40]] accuses thee faithfully; but to the birds that flit above my head I bid a long farewell.
HIPP. O Gods, wherefore then do I not ope my mouth, who am destroyed by you whom I worship?—And yet not so—for thus I should not altogether persuade those whom I ought, but should be violating to no purpose the oaths which I have sworn.
THES. Alas me! how thy sanctity kills me! Wilt not thou go as quick as possible from thy country's land?
HIPP. Whither then shall I unhappy turn me; what stranger's mansion shall I enter, banished on this charge?
THES. His, who delights to entertain defilers of women, and those who dwell with[[41]] evil deeds.
HIPP. Alas! alas! this goes to my heart, and almost makes me weep: if indeed I appear vile, and seem so to thee.
THES. Then oughtest thou to have groaned, and owned the guilt before, when thou daredst to wrong thy father's wife.
HIPP. O mansions, would that ye could utter me a voice, and bear witness whether I be a vile man!
THES. Dost fly to dumb witnesses? this deed, though it speak not, clearly proves thee vile.