Page:Tragedies of Seneca (1907) Miller.djvu/206

188 But see, in sudden fainting in she falls, And deathlike pallor overspreads her face. [Hippolytus hastens to raise her up in his arms.] Lift up thy face, Speak out, my daughter, see, Thine own Hippolytus embraces thee. Phaedra [recovering from her faint]: Who gives me back to griefs, and floods again My soul with heavy care? How well for me Had I sunk down to death! Hippolytus: But why, poor soul, Dost thou lament the gift of life restored? Phaedra [aside]: Come dare, attempt, fulfil thine own command. Speak out, and fearlessly. Who asks in fear Suggests a prompt refusal. Even now The greater part of my offense is done. Too late my present modesty. My love, I know, is base; but if I persevere, Perchance the marriage torch will hide my sin. Success makes certain sins respectable. Come now, begin. [To Hippolytus]. Bend lower down thine ear, I pray; if any comrade be at hand, Let him depart, that we may speak alone. Hippolytus: Behold, the place is free from witnesses. Phaedra: My lips refuse to speak my waiting words; A mighty force compels my utterance, A mightier holds it back. Ye heavenly powers, I call ye all to witness, what I wish— Hippolytus: Thy heart desires and cannot tell its wish? Phaedra: Light cares speak out, the weighty have no words. Hippolytus: Into my ears, my mother, tell thy cares. Phaedra: The name of mother is too proud and high; My heart dictates some humbler name than that. Pray call me sister—slave, Hippolytus. Yes, slave I'd be. I'll bear all servitude; And shouldst thou bid me tread the driven snows, To walk along high Pindus' frozen peaks, I'd not refuse; no, not if thou shouldst bid