University of Virginia Library

Scena Prima.

Theseus. To him Nurse.
Th.
At length returned from nights gloomy coasts
And th' Pole which shaddows the imprisond ghosts
How light offends mine eies; now is the corn
Triptolemusses gift, the fourth time shorn;
Four Æquinoctials now hath Libra seen;
While I uncertain of my Fate have been,
Betwixt the Ills of life and death divided. I
Retain'd this part of life, when I did lye
Buried my sence remaind. Great Hercules
Dragging the dog from hell did finish these
Miseries, and brought me thence, but now it wants
The prop of strength, my tired courage faints.
And my legs tremble; what ado had I
To come within the prospect of the skie,
From Phlegethons Abyss! the toil did seem
Alike to flie from death, and follow him
But stay, what sudden out-cryes pierce mine ears?
Speak some one: In my gates, complaints, and tears,
And sorrow in variety exprest?
Indeed fit welcomes for a hellish guest.

Nu.
Phædra resolves to dye; she doth despise,
Our bootless tears, and even now shee dies.

Th.
What cause of death? why die? now I am come?

Nu.
Ev'n that doth hasten her untimely doom.

Th.
Thy doubtful speech some great thing doth presage
Speak plainly, whence proceeds so wild a rage?

Nu.
In her own bosome she concealeth that,
To dye determin'd, none must know for what;
Forward, good Sir, forward, the business might
Crave your best speed.

Th.
Open the door there straight.