THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

[ 248-279] Hippolytus 769
again, and madness, evil though it be, has this advantage, that one
has no knowledge of reason's overthrow.
NURSE
There then I cover thee; but when will death hide my body in the
grave? Many a lesson length of days is teaching me. Yea, mortal men
should pledge themselves to moderate friendships only, not to such
as reach the very heart's core; affection's ties should be light upon
them to let them slip or draw them tight. For one poor heart to
grieve for twain, as I do for my mistress, is a burden sore to bear.
Men say that too engrossing pursuits in life more oft cause disappointment
than pleasure, and too oft are foes to health. Wherefore I
do not praise excess so much as moderation, and with me wise men
will agree.
(PHAEDRA lies back upon the couch.)
LEADER OF THE CHORUS {speaking)
0 aged dame, faithful nurse of Phaedra, our queen, we see her sorry
plight; but what it is that ails her we cannot discern, so fain would learn
of thee and hear thy opinion.
NURSE
1 question her, but am no wiser, for she will not answer.
LEADER
Nor tell what source these sorrows have?
NURSE
The same answer thou must take, for she is dumb on every point.
LEADER
How weak and wasted is her body 1
NURSE
What marvel? 'tis three days now since she has tasted food.
LEADER
Is this infatuation, or an attempt to die?
NURSE
'Tis death she courts; such fasting aims at ending life.
LEADER
A strange story if it satisfies her husband.
NURSE
She hides from him her sorrow, and vows she is not ill.