Racine: Phaedra

PHyEDRA 349
ACT THIRD.
Scene I.
Phcsdra, (Enone,
Ph^dra.—Ah ! Let them take elsewhere the worthless honors
They bring me. Why so urgent I should see them ?
What flattering balm can soothe my wounded heart?
Far rather hide me : I have said too much.
My madness has burst forth like streams in flood,
And I have utter'd what should ne'er have reach 'd
•His ear. Gods ! How he heard me ! How reluctant
To catch my meaning, dull and cold as marble,
And eager only for a quick retreat
How oft his blushes made my shame the deeper
Why did you turn me from the death I sought?
Ah ! When his sword was pointed to my bosom,
Did he grow pale, or try to snatch it from me ?
That I had touch 'd it was enough for him
To render it forever horrible,
Leaving defilement on the hand that holds it.
CEnone.—Thus brooding on your bitter disappointment.
You only fan a fire that must be stifled.
Would it not be more worthy of the blood
Of Minos to find peace in nobler cares.
And, in defiance of a wretch who flies
From what he hates, reign, mount the proffer'd throne ?
Ph^dra.—I reign ! Shall I the rod of empire sway,
When reason reigns no longer o'er myself?
When I have lost control of all my senses ?
When 'neath a shameful yoke I scarce can breathe ?
When I am dying?
CExoxE. Fly.
Ph/EDRa.— I cannot leave him.
OEnone.—Dare you not fly from him you dared to banish ?
Ph^dra.—The time for that is past. He knows my frenzy.
I have o'erstepp'd the bounds of modesty,
And blazon'd forth my shame before his eyes.