No More Learning

Hippolytus

What place is set for my exile, what duration? 1140

Theseus

If you were beyond the pillars of Hercules,
I'd still think one traitor far too near to me.

Hippolytus

Charged with the dreadful crime you suspect,
What friend will pity one whom you reject?

Theseus

Go and seek out those friends whose fatal respect 1145
Honours adultery, and praises incest:
Traitors, without law, honour, gratitude,
Worthy to shelter criminals like you.

Hippolytus

You always speak of incest and adultery!
I'll be silent. But Phaedra's of a dynasty, 1150
Phaedra has a mother, my Lord: you know her line
Is more replete with these horrors than is mine.

Theseus

What! Your madness with me loses all sense?
For the last time, take yourself from my presence.
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. .