_Nurse:_ But oft doth love put reins on stubborn souls, And all their hatred to affection turns. 575 Behold thy mother's realm of warlike dames; Yet even they the sway of passion know. Of this thy birth itself is proof enough. _Hippolytus:_ My comfort for my mother's loss is this, That now I'm free to hate all womankind. _Nurse:_ As some hard crag, on every side unmoved, 580 Resists the waves, and dashes backward far The opposing floods, so he doth spurn my words. But hither Phaedra comes with hasty step, Impatient of delay. What fate is hers? Or to what action doth her madness tend? [Phaedra _enters and falls fainting to the earth_.] But see, in sudden fainting fit she falls, 585 And deathlike pallor overspreads her face. [Hippolytus _hastens to raise her up in his arms_.] Lift up thy face, speak out, my daughter, see, Thine own Hippolytus embraces thee. _Phaedra_ [_recovering from her faint_]: Who gives me back to griefs, and floods again My soul with heavy care? How well for me Had I sunk down to death! 590 _Hippolytus:_ But why, poor soul, Dost thou lament the gift of life restored? _Phaedra_ [_aside_]: Come dare, attempt, fulfil thine own command. Speak out, and fearlessly. Who asks in fear Suggests a prompt refusal. Even now The greater part of my offense is done. Too late my present modesty. My love, 595 I know, is base; but if I persevere, Perchance the marriage torch will hide my sin. Success makes certain sins respectable. Come now, begin. [_To_ Hippolytus]. Bend lower down thine ear, I pray; if any comrade be at hand, Let him depart, that we may speak alone. 600 _Hippolytus:_ Behold, the place is free from witnesses. _Phaedra:_ My lips refuse to speak my waiting words; A mighty force compels my utterance, A mightier holds it back. Ye heavenly powers, I call ye all to witness, what I wish-- 605 _Hippolytus:_ Thy heart desires and cannot tell its wish? _Phaedra:_ Light cares speak out, the weighty have no words. _Hippolytus:_ Into my ears, my mother, tell thy cares.