Stasimon 1
[Episode]
thy yearning is to drive the steed over the waveless sands. This needs a cunning seer to say what god it is that reins thee from the course, distracting thy senses, child.
235
Phaedra
Ah me! alas! what have I done?
Whither have I strayed, my senses leaving? Mad, mad! stricken by some demon’s curse! Woe is me! Cover my head again, nurse. Shame fills me for the words I have spoken.
240
Hide me then; from my eyes the tear-drops stream, and for very shame I turn them away. Tis painful coming to one’s senses again, and madness, evil though it be, has this advantage, that one has no knowledge of reason’s overthrow.
245
Nurse
There then I cover thee; but when will death hide my body in the grave? Many a lesson length of days is teaching me. Yea, mortal men should pledge themselves
250
to moderate friendships only, not to such as reach the very heart’s core; affection’s ties should be light upon them to let them slip or draw them tight. For one poor heart to grieve for twain, as I do
255
for my mistress, is a burden sore to bear. Men say that too engrossing pursuits in life more oft cause disappointment than pleasure,
260
and too oft are foes to health. Wherefore I do not praise excess so much as moderation, and with me wise men will agree.
265
Chorus
O aged dame, faithful nurse of Phaedra, our queen, we see her sorry plight; but what it is that ails her we cannot discern,
so fain would learn of thee and hear thy opinion.
270
Nurse
I question her, but am no wiser, for she will not answer.
Chorus
Nor tell what source these sorrows have?
Nurse
The same answer thou must take, for she is dumb on every point.
Chorus
How weak and wasted is her body!
Nurse
What marvel? ’tis three days now since she has tasted food.
275
Chorus
Is this infatuation, or an attempt to die?
Nurse
’Tis death she courts; such fasting aims at ending life.
Chorus
A strange story! is her husband satisfied?
Nurse
She hides from him her sorrow, and vows she is not ill.
Chorus
Can he not guess it from her face?
280
