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Show 296 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. ther, who desires to know the cause. The Prince's silence raises his suspicion ; and he commands Theramenes to go and announce to the Queen his arrival. Hippolytus evinces embarrassment and dread. The Queen enters, accompanied by Oenone; sadness is spread over all her features. Theseus is surprised at the languor and melancholy of Phaedra. He hastens to her, declaring the joy he feels at beholding her, demanding at the same time to be informed of the cause of her grief; she replies with sighs, her agitation increases, and Theseus presses her to reply. Oenone too encourages her to declare it, but still she refuses; Theseus, impatient of suspense, at length obliges her to answer. Phaedra, transported with hatred to her rival and to Hippolytus, and determined to rescue her character from suspicion in presence of the King, accuses Hippolytus of'her own crime. Oenone produces the sword left in her possession, adding, that it was thus he had threatened her refusal to comply. Theseus is struck with amazement, and Hippolytus becomes motionless. Phaedra, stung by remorse and unable to endure the presence of those she had injured, retires, supported by Oenone. Hippolytus trembles with indignation, and implores the assistance of the Gods. Theseus, recovered from his stupor, gives way to his wrath; and menaces his son with the most cruel punishment. The air of innocence displayed by Hippolytus, his oaths, and his prayers, avail nothing. The too credulous King, incapable of curbing the fury of his temper, curses his son, who is kneeling at his feet, and inhumanly shakes him off. Blinded by his rage, he hastens to the statue of Neptune, invokes his aid, and resigns the punishment of Hippolytus to the will of that God. The Prince appears overwhelmed with distress; the King then commands him to quit the kingdom, and, giving him over to divine vengeance, retires. |
