An
immortal
hand is charged with his end.
Racine - Phaedra
Leave, traitor. Don't wait till a father's anger 1155
Sees you taken, in disgrace, from these shores.
Act IV Scene III (Theseus)
Wretch, you are rushing now to certain death.
Neptune has sworn to me, by Stygian depths
Dreadful even to the gods, and will not fail.
An avenging god pursues you: you'll not escape. 1160
I have loved you: and despite your offence,
My heart is troubled for you in advance.
But you have forced me to condemn you.
Was ever a father so outraged, it's true?
Just gods, who see the grief that overwhelms me, 1165
How could I ever engender a child so guilty?
Act IV Scene IV (Phaedra, Theseus)
Phaedra
My Lord, I come to you, filled with righteous fear.
Your formidable voice echoed in my ear.
I fear lest hasty action followed your threat.
Spare your son, if sufficient time is left, 1170
Respect your ancestry: I dare to beg you.
Save me the pain of hearing him cry to you:
Don't prepare the eternal sadness for me
Of blood being shed by a father's enmity.
Theseus
No, Madame, my hand's not stained with blood: 1175
But the wretch has not escaped me for good.
An immortal hand is charged with his end.
Neptune owes it to me: you'll be avenged.
Phaedra
Neptune owes it you! How? Your angry prayers. . .
Theseus
What! That they'll not be heard, is that your fear? 1180
Rather join your lawful prayers to mine.
In all its darkness, recount to me his crime:
Stir my anger, restrained as it is, too slow.
All of his crimes are not yet known to you:
His madness adds to his insults against you yet: 1185
He said that your mouth is full of wickedness:
He maintains that Aricia has his heart, in faith,
That he loves.
Phaedra
How! My Lord!
Theseus
He said it to my face.
But I'm wise enough to reject an idle trick.
