that cometh in a moment, is an easy end for wretchedness. Nay, thou shalt be exiled from thy fatherland, [and wandering to a foreign shore drag out a life of misery; for such are the wages of sin.][1]
Hip. Oh! what wilt thou do? Wilt thou banish me, without so much as waiting for Time's evidence on my case?
The. Ay, beyond the sea, beyond the bounds of Atlas, if I could, so deeply do I hate thee.
Hip. What! banish me untried, without even testing my oath, the pledge I offer, or the voice of seers?
The. This letter here, though it bears no seers' signs, arraigns thy pledges; as for birds that fly o'er our heads, a long farewell to them.
Hip. (aside). Great gods! why do I not unlock my lips, seeing that I am ruined by you, the objects of my reverence? No, I will not; I should nowise persuade those whom I ought to, and in vain should break the oath I swore.
The. Fie upon thee! that solemn air of thine is more than I can bear. Begone from thy native land forthwith!
Hip. Whither shall I turn? Ah me! whose friendly house will take me in, an exile on so grave a charge?
The. Seek one who loves to entertain as guests and partners in his crimes corrupters of men's wives.
Hip. Ah me! this wounds my heart and brings me nigh to tears to think that I should appear so vile, and thou believe me so.
The. Thy tears and forethought had been more in season when thou didst presume to outrage thy father's wife.
Hip. O house, I would thou couldst speak for me and witness if I am so vile!
The. Dost fly to speechless witnesses? This deed, though it speaketh not, proves thy guilt clearly.
Hip. Alas! Would I could stand and face myself, so should I weep to see the sorrows I endure.
- ↑ Bergk rejects the first, Nauck the second of these lines.
