No More Learning

1310
Your entreaties made me forget my duty.
I avoided Hippolytus: him you made me see.
What did you seek to do? Why did your impious lips
Dare to blacken his life by accusing him?
Perhaps he will die, and the sacrilegious vow 1315
Of a maddened father may yet be carried out.
I'll listen to you no more. Go, loathsome monster,
Go: leave me to brood on my pitiful future.
May a just heaven reward you, as you deserve:
And may your punishment forever serve 1320
To terrify those whose like cowardly address,
Nourishes wretched princes in their weakness,
Urges the inclination of their hearts, and then
Dares to smooth the path of crime for them:
Detestable flatterers, the most deadly gift 1325
That celestial anger offers royalty!

Oneone (Alone. )

You, gods! To serve her I've done all, given all:
And I receive this for it? I've earned this reward.

Act V Scene I (Hippolytus, Aricia)

Aricia

What! You can be silent in this great danger?
You would leave a loving father a prey to error?
1330
Cruel one, if you scorn the power of my tears,
And consent without pain to leave me forever,
Go then, distance yourself from poor Aricia.
But at least defend your life by leaving her.
Protect your honour from shameful reproach, 1335
And ensure your father's vow is revoked.
There's still time. Why, from what whim of yours,
Do you leave the field open to your accusers?
Enlighten Theseus.

Hippolytus

Ah! What have I not said?
Should I shed light on the dishonour to his bed? 1340
Should I in making a statement all too sincere,
Cover with shameful blushes the brow of a father?
You alone have pierced this odious mystery.
Only to you and the gods can my heart speak.
All that I'd hide, and judge now if I love you, 1345
From my own self, I could never hide from you.
But think of the seal under which I've spoken.
My lady, and forget that speech if you can.
And never allow those lips, in their purity,
To open and then relate so vile a story.