Act I. Scene V. Racine, Jean. 1909-14. Phædra. The Harvard Classics

Jean Racine (1639–1699). Phædra.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

Act I

Scene V


PHÆDRA, ŒNONE Œnone Dear lady, I had almost ceased to urge
The wish that you should live, thinking to follow
My mistress to the tomb, from which my voice
Had fail’d to turn you; but this new misfortune
Alters the aspect of affairs, and prompts	5
Fresh measures. Madam, Theseus is no more,
You must supply his place. He leaves a son,
A slave, if you should die, but, if you live,
A King. On whom has he to lean but you?
No hand but yours will dry his tears. Then live	10
For him, or else the tears of innocence
Will move the gods, his ancestors, to wrath
Against his mother. Live, your guilt is gone,
No blame attaches to your passion now.
The King’s decease has freed you from the bonds	15
That made the crime and horror of your love.
Hippolytus no longer need be dreaded,
Him you may see henceforth without reproach.
It may be, that, convinced of your aversion,
He means to head the rebels. Undeceive him,	20
Soften his callous heart, and bend his pride.
King of this fertile land, in Trœzen here
His portion lies; but as he knows, the laws
Give to your son the ramparts that Minerva
Built and protects. A common enemy	25
Threatens you both, unite them to oppose
Aricia.

Phædra To your counsel I consent.
Yes, I will live, if life can be restored,
If my affection for a son has pow’r	30
To rouse my sinking heart at such a dangerous hour.