No More Learning

I tremble lest words that speak their truth 865
Some day reproach them for a mother's guilt.
I tremble lest, oppressed by so odious a weight,
Neither will ever dare to lift their gaze.

Oenone

It cannot be doubted: I pity both together:
Nothing was ever more justified than your fear. 870
But why expose them to such confrontation?
Why bear witness against yourself in this fashion?
It's done: Phaedra, only too guilty, they'll say,
Fled the fierce gaze of the husband she betrayed.
Hippolytus is happy: by ending your days, 875
You yourself, in dying, endorse what he says.
And how can I respond when you're accused?
Face to face with him I'd be utterly confused.
I'll see him rejoice in triumph now, I fear,
Speaking your shame to whoever will give him ear. 880
Ah! Better that flames from heaven should devour me!
But is he still dear to you now, don't deceive me?
With what gaze then do you view this daring prince?

Phaedra

He seems like some terrible monster to my glance.
Oenone

Why grant him a complete victory so? 885
You fear him. Be first to accuse him, though,
Of a crime he may accuse you of today.
Who'll deny you? All's against him anyway:
His sword that he happily left with you:
Your present sorrow, your past distress, too: 890
His father warned long ago by your complaints:
And his exile you've already once obtained.

Phaedra

I, to dare to oppress and blacken innocence!

Oenone

My zeal only has need of your silence.
I tremble as you do, feel almost your own regret. 895
You'd see me sooner die a thousand deaths.
But since I'll lose you without this remedy,
Your life's a prize before which all else must yield.
I'll speak out. Theseus, angered by my confession,
Will be content to exile his son, in vengeance. 900
A father, in punishing, Madame, is always a father.
A light sentence will suffice to cool his anger.
But even if innocent blood must still be shed,
Your honour, being threatened, demands no less.
The treasure's too dear to dare to compromise it.