Racine: Phaedra

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EURIPIDES
The manners of the land in which he dwells
Nor can I praise that native, led astray
By mere perverseness and o'erweening folly.
Who bitter enmity incurs from those
Of his own city. But, alas ! my friends,
This unforeseen calamity hath withered
The vigor of my soul. I am undone,
Bereft of every joy that life can yield.
And therefore wish to die. For as to him,
My husband, whom it did import me most
To have a thorough knowledge of, he proves
The worst of men. But sure among all those
Who have with breath and reason been endued,
We women are the most unhappy race.
First, with abundant gold are we constrained
To buy a husband, and in him receive
A haughty master. Still doth there remain
One mischief than this mischief yet more grievous.
The hazard whether we procure a mate
Worthless or virtuous : for divorces bring
Reproach to woman, nor must she renounce
The man she wedded ; as for her who comes
Where usages and edicts, which at home
She learnt not, are established, she the gift
Of divination needs to teach her how
A husband must be chosen : if aright
These duties we perform, and he the yoke
Of wedlock with complacency sustains.
Ours is a happy life ; but if we fail
In this great object, better 'twere to die.
For, when afflicted by domestic ills,
A man goes forth, his choler to appease.
And to some friend or comrade can reveal
What he endures ; but we to him alone
For succor must look up. They still contend
That we, at home remaining, lead a life
Exempt from danger, while they launch the spear
False are these judgments ; rather would I thrice.
Armed with a target, in th' embattled field
Maintain my stand, than suffer once the throes