How, then, could I, burning with fire profane--
THESEUS
Yes, dastard, 'tis that very pride condemns you.
I see the odious reason of your coldness
Phaedra alone bewitch'd your shameless eyes;
Your soul, to others' charms indifferent,
Disdain'd the blameless fires of lawful love.
HIPPOLYTUS
No, father, I have hidden it too long,
This heart has not disdain'd a sacred flame.
Here at your feet I own my real offence:
I love, and love in truth where you forbid me;
Bound to Aricia by my heart's devotion,
The child of Pallas has subdued your son.
A rebel to your laws, her I adore,
And breathe forth ardent sighs for her alone.
THESEUS
You love her? Heav'ns!
But no, I see the trick.
You feign a crime to justify yourself.
HIPPOLYTUS
Sir, I have shunn'd her for six months, and still
Love her. To you yourself I came to tell it,
Trembling the while. Can nothing clear your mind
Of your mistake? What oath can reassure you?
By heav'n and earth and all the pow'rs of nature--
THESEUS
The wicked never shrink from perjury.
Cease, cease, and spare me irksome protestations,
If your false virtue has no other aid.
HIPPOLYTUS
Tho' it to you seem false and insincere,
Phaedra has secret cause to know it true.
THESEUS
Ah! how your shamelessness excites my wrath!
HIPPOLYTUS
What is my term and place of banishment?
THESEUS
Were you beyond the Pillars of Alcides,
Your perjured presence were too near me yet.
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