_Nurse:_ And has thy love for great Alcides fled? _Deianira:_ Not fled, dear nurse, believe me; still it lies 450 Securely fixed within my inmost heart. But outraged love is poignant misery. _Nurse:_ By magic arts united to their prayers Do wives full oft their wandering husbands bind. I have myself in midst of winter's cold Commanded trees to clothe themselves in green, The thunderbolt to stop; I've roused the sea 455 When no wind blew, and calmed the swollen waves; The thirsty plain has opened at my touch To springs of water; rocks give way to me, And doors fly open; when I bid them stand The shades of hell obey, and talk with me; The infernal dog is still at my command; 460 Midnight has seen the sun, midday the night. For sea, land, heaven, and hell obey my will, And nothing can withstand my potent charms. Then let us bend him; charms will find the way. _Deianira:_ What magic herbs does distant Pontus yield, 465 Or Pindus 'neath the rocks of Thessaly, Where I may find a charm to bend his will? Though Luna leave the stars and fall to earth, Obedient to thy magic; though the crops In winter ripen; though the hurtling bolt Stand still at thy command; though all the laws 470 Of nature be reversed, and stars shine out Upon the noonday skies--he would not yield. _Nurse:_ But Love has conquered e'en the heavenly gods. _Deianira:_ Perhaps by one alone he will himself Be conquered, and give spoils of war to him, And so become Alcides' latest task. But by each separate god of heaven I pray, 475 By this my fear: what secret I disclose Keep hidden thou and close within thy breast. _Nurse:_ What secret wouldst thou then so closely guard? _Deianira:_ I mean no weapons, arms, or threatening flames. _Nurse:_ I can give pledge of faith, if it be free 480 From sin; for sometimes faith itself is sin. _Deianira:_ Lest someone hear my secret, look about; In all directions turn thy watchful gaze. _Nurse:_ Behold, the place is free from curious eyes.