Page:Tragedies of Seneca (1907) Miller.djvu/215

Rh He brought me also to the upper world. But ah, my wearied frame has lost the strength It had of old; I walk with faltering steps. Alas! how great a task it was to reach The world of light from lower Phlegethon, To flee from death and follow Hercules! But why this sound of wailing in my ears? Let someone tell; for agonies of woe And grief and lamentations sad I meet Upon the very threshold of my home— A fitting welcome to a guest from hell. Nurse: The queen is obstinately bent on death, And scorns the strong remonstrance of our tears. Theseus: Why should she die, her husband safe returned? Nurse: That very cause compels her speedy death. Theseus: Thy words are dark and hide some weighty truth. Speak out and tell what grief weighs down her soul. Nurse: She tells her grief to none. Some secret woe She hides within her heart, and is resolved To take her secret with her to the grave. But speed thee to her; there is need of haste. Theseus: Unbar the close-shut portals of my house.

Theseus [to Phaedra]: My queen, is't thus thou dost receive thy lord, And welcome back thy husband long desired? Nay, put away the sword from thy right hand, And give me heart again. Reveal to me The cause that forces thee to flee from life. Phaedra: Alas, great Theseus, by thy kingly power, And by thy children's souls, by thy return, And by my ashes, suffer me to die. Theseus: What cause compels thy death? Phaedra: The fruit of death Would perish if I let its cause be known. Theseus: None else shall hear it save myself alone. Phaedra: A chaste wife fears her husband most of all. Theseus: Speak out; I'll hide thy secret in my heart. Phaedra: The secret thou wouldst have another guard, First guard thyself.