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Show 300 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. but too late, the rashness of his rage ; he darts at Phaedra a look of indignation ; suspecting the cause of all his un-happiness, he fears to behold the effects of his prayers. Theramenes attends the King with the most respectful solicitude. Phaedra can no longer resist the divine power by which she is stimulated; while love and despair appear in every feature. Her mind becomes disturbed, reason seems to have abandoned her ; she declares to the King the passion that consumes her, and exculpates the innocent and virtuous Hippolytus. Having made this confession, she draws a poniard concealed beneath her robe, stabs herself and falls into the arms of Oenone, near the statue of Neptune. The storm increases ; Theseus, sinking beneath the weight of his sufferings, is supported by Theramenes ; he expresses horror at having been united to the daughter of Pasiphae. H e weeps for the fate of his son ; and asks of the Gods the punishment due to his rash anger. He hates the light, and seeks to terminate his existence. His faithful servant Theramenes employs every art to persuade him from so terrible a resolution ; endeavouring to recall his scattered senses, and to restore tranquillity to his soul, he represents the time may come when his son will return; and this hope revives the drooping powers of the wretched father. Every one now hastens to prevent the fate of Theseus. ACT V. THE scene presents the shores of Threzene. A storm. Neptune appears drawn in a chariot ; he is armed with a trident; and every circumstance announces the rage of the God. At his command the winds are raised around |
