Have kingdoms by the boon of silence fall'n.525

Creon: When silence is denied what can be given?

Oedipus: He sins who silence holds when speech is best.

Creon: Then hear in peace the words which I must speak.

Oedipus: Was ever punishment for speech compelled?

Creon: Afar from Thebes there is a frowning grove530

Near the well-watered vale of Dirce's fount.

And there a cypress lifts its giant head

And holds within its evergreen embrace

The trees around. Here stands an ancient oak