Racine: Phaedra

So6
EURIPIDES
Chorus.—How sharp their wrath, how hard to be appeased,
When friends with friends begin the cruel strife.
Jason.—I ought not to be rash, it seems, in speech.
But Hke the skilful pilot, who, with sails
Scarce half unfurled, his bark more surely glides,
Escape, O woman, your ungoverned tongue.
Since you the benefits on me conferred
Exaggerate in so proud a strain, I deem
That I to Venus only, and no god
Or man beside, my prosperous voyage owe.
Although a wondrous subtlety of soul
To you belong, 'twere an invidious speech
For me to make should I relate how Love
By his inevitable shafts constrained you
To save my life. I will not therefore state
This argument too nicely, but allow,
As you did aid me, it was kindly done.
But by preserving me have you gained more
Than you bestowed, as I shall prove : and first,
Transplanted from barbaric shores, you dwell
In Grecian regions, and have here been taught
To act as justice and the laws ordain,
Nor follow the caprice of brutal strength.
By all the Greeks your wisdom is perceived,
And you acquire renown ; but had you still
Inhabited that distant spot of earth,
You never had been named. I would not wish
For mansions heaped with gold, or to exceed
The sweetest notes of Orpheus' magic lyre,
Were those unfading wreaths which fame bestows
From me withheld by fortune. I thus far
On my own labors only have discoursed.
For you this odious strife of words began.
But in espousing Creon's royal daughter.
With which you have reproached me, I will prove
That I in acting thus am wise and chaste.
That I to you have been the best of friends.
And to our children. But make no reply.
Since hither from lolchos' land I came,
Accompanied by many woes, and such