HIPPOLYTUS
merely to please your fancy or your lust.
But now a great prize hangs on our endeavors,
and that's the saving of a life—yours, Phaedra,
there's none can blame us for our actions now.
Phaedra
What you say is wicked, wicked! Hold your tongue!
I will not hear such shameful words again.
Nurse
O, they are shamefull But they are better than 500
your noble-sounding moral sentiments.
"The deed" is better if it saves your life:
than your "good name" in which you die exulting.
Phaedra
For God's sake, do not press me any further!
What you say is true, but terrible!
My very soul is subdued by my love
and if you plead the cause of wrong so well - 505
I shall fall into the abyss
from which I now am flying.
Nurse
If that is what you think, you should be virtuous.
But if you are not, obey me: that is next best.
It has just come to my mind, I have at home 510
some magic love charms. They will end your trouble;
they'll neither harm your honor nor your mind.
They'll end your trouble, . . . only you must be brave, 515
Phaedra
Is this a poison ointment or a drink?
Nurse
I don't know. Don't be overanxious, child,
to find out what it is. Accept its benefits,
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