Racine: Phaedra

114
EURIPIDES
But as for you, my sons, with those dear eyes
Fated no more your mother to behold,
Hence are ye hastening to a world unknown.
Why do ye gaze on me with such a look
Of tenderness, or wherefore smile? for these
Are your last smiles. Ah wretched, wretched me!
What shall I do ? My resolution fails.
Sparkling with joy now I their looks have seen.
My friends, I can no more. To those past schemes
I bid adieu, and with me from this land
My children will convey. Why should I cause
A twofold portion of distress to fall
On my own head, that I may grieve the sire
By punishing his sons ? This shall not be
Such counsels I dismiss. But in my purpose
What means this change ? Can I prefer derision.
And with impunity permit the foe
To 'scape? My utmost courage I must rouse:
For the suggestion of these tender thoughts
Proceeds from an enervate heart. My sons.
Enter the regal mansion. [Exeunt Sons.
As for those
Who deem that to be present were unholy
While I the destined victims offer up.
Let them see to it. This uplifted arm
Shall never shrink. Alas! alas! my soul
Commit not such a deed. Unhappy woman,
Desist and spare thy children ; we will live
Together, they in foreign realms shall cheer
Thy exile. No, by those avenging fiends
Who dwell with Pluto in the realms beneath.
This shall not be, nor will I ever leave
My sons to be insulted by their foes.
They certainly must die ; since then they must,
I bore and I will slay them : 'tis a deed
Resolved on, nor my purpose will I change.
Full well I know that now the royal bride
Wears on her head the magic diadem,
And in the variegated robe expires:
But, hurried on by fate, I tread a path