Racine: Phaedra

PHyEDRA 357
ACT FOURTH.
Scene I.
Theseus, CEnone,
(Theseus.—Ah! What is this I hear? Presumptuous traitor
And would he have disgraced his father's honor ?
With what relentless footsteps Fate pursues mel
Whither I go I know not, nor where now
I am. O kind affection ill repaid
Audacious scheme !
Abominable thought
To reach the object of his foul desire
The wretch disdain'd not to use violence.
I know this sword that served him in his fury, >
The sword I gave him for a nobler use.
Could not the sacred ties of blood restrain him ?
And Phaedra— ^was she loath to have him punish'd ?
She held her tongue. Was that to spare the culprit ?
CEnone.—Nay, but to spare a most unhappy father.
O'erwhelm'd with shame that her eyes should have
kindled
So infamous a flame and prompted him
To crime so heinous, Phaedra would have died.
I saw her raise her arm, and ran to save her.
To me alone you owe it that she lives
And, in my pity both lor her and you,
Have I against my will interpreted
Her tears.
Theseus.— The traitor! He might well turn pale.
'Twas fear that made him tremble when he saw me.
I was astonish'd that he show'd no pleasure
His frigid greeting chill'd my tenderness.
But was this guilty passion that devours him
Declared already ere I banish'd him
From Athens ?
CEnone.— Sire, remember how the Queen
Urged you. Illicit love caused all her hatred.
Theseus.—And then this fire broke out again at Troezen ?