Act II. Scene III. Racine, Jean. 1909-14. Phædra. The Harvard Classics

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

Act II

Scene III


HIPPOLYTUS, ARICIA, THERAMENES, ISMENE Theramenes Prince, the Queen comes. I herald her approach.
’Tis you she seeks.

Hippolytus Me?

Theramenes What her thought may be
I know not. But I speak on her behalf.	5
She would converse with you ere you go hence.

Hippolytus What shall I say to her? Can she expect—

Aricia You cannot, noble Prince, refuse to hear her,
Howe’er convinced she is your enemy,
Some shade of pity to her tears is due.	10

Hippolytus Shall we part thus? and will you let me go,
Not knowing if my boldness has offended
The goddess I adore? Whether this heart,
Left in your hands—

Aricia Go, Prince, pursue the schemes	15
Your generous soul dictates, make Athens own
My sceptre. All the gifts you offer me
Will I accept, but this high throne of empire
Is not the one most precious in my sight.