Make Athens
tributary
to my power.
Racine - Phaedra
Theramenes
Of her intent I'm unaware,
But her messenger came to speak on her behalf.
Phaedra wishes to see you before you depart.
Hippolytus
Phaedra? What might she wish? What will I tell her. . . 565
Aricia
You cannot refuse, my Lord, to listen to her.
Though only too convinced of her enmity,
You owe her tears some semblance of pity.
Hippolytus
Meanwhile you leave. And I go not knowing
Whether I've offended charms worth adoring. 570
Not knowing if the heart I leave in your hands. . .
Aricia
Go, Prince, and pursue your generous plans.
Make Athens tributary to my power.
I accept all those gifts you make my dower.
But that Empire, so grand, so glorious a prize, 575
Is not the dearest gift of all, to my eyes.
Act II Scene IV (Hippolytus, Theramenes)
Hippolytus
Is all ready, my friend? But, here is the Queen.
Go, so all is prepared now for us to leave.
Give the signals, course, orders: then, returning,
Free me swiftly from this unfortunate meeting. 580
Act II Scene V (Phaedra, Hippolytus, Oenone)
Phaedra (To Oenone. )
He is there. All my blood rises towards my heart.
Seeing him, I forget what I came to impart.
Oenone
Remember your son, whose only hope you are.
Phaedra
I hear that a swift departure takes you far
From us, my Lord. I come to join my tears to yours. 585
I come, on my son's behalf, to explain my fears.
My son is fatherless: the day's not long distant
That will make him a witness of my final moments.
