Racine: Phaedra

354
RACINE
Ph^dra.— My husband is alive.
That is enough, CEnone. I have own'd
A passion that dishonors him. He lives
I ask to know no more.
(Enone.— What?
Ph^dra.— I foretold it,
But you refused to hear. Your tears prevail'd
Over my just remorse. Dying this morn,
I had deserved compassion ; your advice
I took, and die dishonor'd.
(Enone.— Die ?
Ph^dra.— Just Heav'nsi
What have I done to-day ? My husband comes.
With him his son : and I shall see the witness
Of my adulterous flame watch with what face
-, My
;
> He
I greet his father, while my heart is big
With sighs he scorn'd, and tears that could not move him
Moisten mine eyes. Think you that his respect
For Theseus will induce him to conceal
madness, nor disgrace his sire and king?
Will he be able to keep back the horror
has for me ? His silence would be vain.
I know my treason, and I lack the boldness
Of those abandon'd women who can taste
Tranquillity in crime, and show a forehead
All unabash'd. I recognize my madness.
Recall it all. These vaulted roofs, methinks,
These walls can speak, and, ready to accuse me,
Wait but my husband's presence to reveal
My perfidy. Death only can remove
This weight of horror. Is it such misfortune
To cease to live ? Death causes no alarm
To misery. I only fear the name
That I shall leave behind me. For my sons
How sad a heritage ! The blood of Jove
Might justly swell the pride that boasts descent
From Heav'n, but heavy weighs a mother's guilt
Upon her offspring. Yes, I dread the scorn
That will be cast on them with too much truth.
For my disgrace. I tremble when I think