(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.TheseusFie upon thee! that solemn air of thine is more than I can bear. Begone from thy native land forthwith!HippolytusWhither shall I turn? Ah me! whose friendly house will take me in, an exile on so grave a charge?TheseusSeek one who loves to entertain as guests and partners in his crimes corrupters of men’s wives.HippolytusAh me! this wounds my heart and brings me nigh to tears to think that I should appear so vile, and thou believe me so.TheseusThy tears and forethought had been more in season when thou didst presume to outrage thy father’s wife.HippolytusO house, I would thou couldst speak for me and witness if I am so vile!TheseusDost fly to speechless witnesses? This deed, though it speaketh not, proves thy guilt clearly.HippolytusAlas! Would I could stand and face myself, so should I weep to see the sorrows I endure.TheseusAy, ’tis thy character to honour thyself far more than reverence thy parents, as thou shouldst.HippolytusUnhappy mother! son of sorrow! Heaven keep all friends of mine from bastard birth!