Racine: Phaedra

ph;edra 343
Now find myself to the same fate exposed,
Toss'd to and fro upon a sea of troubles
My boldness has been vanquish'd in a moment,
And humbled is the pride wherein I boasted.
For nearly six months past, ashamed, despairing",
Bearing where'er I go the shaft that rends
My heart, I struggle vainly to be free
From you and from myself ; I shun you, present
Absent, I find you near ; I see your form
In the dark forest depths ; the shades of night,
Nor less broad daylight, bring back to my view
The charms that I avoid ; all things conspire _
To make Hippolytus your slave. For fruit
Of all my bootless sighs, I fail to find
My former self. My bow and javelins
Please me no more, my chariot is forgotten.
With all the Sea-God's lessons ; and the woods
Echo my groans instead of joyous shouts
Urging my fiery steeds.
Hearing this tale
Of passion so uncouth, you blush perchance
At your own handiwork. With what wild words
I offer you my heart, strange captive held
By silken jess ! But dearer in your eyes
Should be the offering, that this language comes
Strange to my lips ; reject not vows express'd
So ill, which but for you had ne'er been form'd.
Scene III.
Hippolytus, Aricia, Theramenes, Ismene.
Theramenes.—Prince, the Queen comes. I herald her ap-
proach.
*Tis you she seeks.
Hippolytus.— Me ?
Theramenes.— What her thought may be
I know not. But I speak on her behalf.
She would converse with you ere you go hence.
Hippolytus.—What shall I say to her ? Can she expect