HIPP. O mother earth, and ye disclosing rays of the sun, of what words have
I heard the dreadful sound!
NUR. Be silent, my son, before any one hears thy voice.
HIPP. It is not possible for me to be silent, when I have heard such
dreadful things.
NUR. Nay, I implore thee by thy beauteous hand.
HIPP. Wilt not desist from bringing thy hand near me, and from touching my
garments?
NUR. O! by thy knees, I implore thee, do not utterly destroy me.
HIPP. But wherefore this? since, thou sayest, thou hast spoken nothing
evil.
NUR. This word, my son, is by no means to be divulged.
HIPP. It is more fair to speak fair things to many.
NUR. O my child, by no means dishonor your oath.