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Show 292 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. unable longer to resist these importunities, and the declaration of her abominable passion escapes her bosom. The name of Hippolytus and the vengeance of Venus make so terrible an impression upon Oenone, that scarcely can she believe what Phaedra has avowed. The Queen, overwhelmed by woe, implores the Gods to annihilate her. Her deplorable situation greatly affects the sympathetic Oenone, who endeavours to raise her drooping spirits and to inspire consolation by directing her to confide in the goodness of the Gods. Phaedra throws herself at the feet of Venus and implores her pity; Oenone joins in the prayer. The woe of Phaedra appears to augment, and Oenone is in despair. At length both are resolved to confess every thing to Hippolytus, and to plead the death of his father (a report of which is already in circulation) as an excuse for the Queen. Oenone flatters Phcedra with a happy result. They are interrupted by the arrival of Hippolytus, who comes in obedience to the Queen's command. Phaedra is agitated at his approach, while Oenone tries to support her. , T he place which Phaedra has chosen for the interview awakens in Hippolytus a melancholy remembrance of his dream, which seems to have presaged some misfortune. Banishing, however, these gloomy ideas, he respectfully approaches Phaedra to know her pleasure. She receives him graciously, but at the same time betrays unusual emotions of pleasure, caused by his presence. Grief seems to have given place to hope and joy. She at length informs Hippolytus that she has dedicated this temple to the most amiable of the deities, whose favours are so dear to mankind, who causes happiness, and to whose empire all should submit. The son of Antiope shows some surprise. Phaedra continues, that as he was made to love, he should prefer this worship to every |
