Racine: Phaedra

jo8
MOLIERE
Alceste. By accepting my love. Take possession of my heart
it is only thus that I can revenge myself upon her. I shall
punish her by making her a witness of my sincere attach-
ment, of my profound love, of the respectful cares, earnest
devotion, and constant attentions which my heart will
henceforth offer to none but you.
Eliante. I sympathize deeply with you in your suffering, and I
do not despise the love you offer me ; still, the wrong may
not be so great as you imagine, and you may wish to recall
this desire for revenge. When the injury proceeds from
one whom we really love, we indulge at first in many
schemes which are soon forgotten. In vain do we see
powerful reasons to break off the engagement; a guilty
charmer is soon thought innocent, and all the harm we
wished her, easily vanishes. Everyone knows what is the
anger of a lover.
Alceste. No, no, madam, no ! the offence is too great ; I cannot
relent, and I must part from her. Nothing could now
change the resolution I have taken, and I should think myself
base if ever I were to love her again. But she comes.
My indignation increases at her approach. I will taunt her
with her perversity, confound her with my words, and after
that bring to you a heart free from her deceitful charms.
Scene III.
Celimene, Alceste
Alceste. O Heaven! may I control my just anger!
Celimene [aside]. Ah! [To Alceste.] What is this new
trouble I see you in ? what mean those deep sighs and those
dark looks you cast upon me ?
Alceste. That all the wickedness a soul is capable of can in
nothing be compared to your perfidy ; that fate, devils, and
incensed Heaven never produced anything so worthless as
yourself.
Celimene. These are pretty speeches, which I certainly admire.
Alceste, Ah! no more jesting; this is not a time for laughter.
Rather let the blush of shame cover your face; you have
cause, for your treachery is known. So the presentiments