EURIPIDES
Hippolytus
Let one of them touch me at his peril! But you,
you drive me out yourself—if you have the heart!
Theseus
I'll do it, too, unless you go at once.
No, there is no chance that pity for your exile
will steal on my hard heart and make me change.
(Theseus goes out.)
Hippolytus
So, I'm condemned and there is no release. 1090
I know the truth and dare not tell the truth.
(He turns to the statue of Artemis.)
Daughter of Leto, dearest of the Gods to me,
comrade and partner in the hunt, behold me,
banished from famous Athens.
Farewell, city! Farewell Erechtheus' land! 109;
Troezen, farewell! So many happy times
you knew to give a young man, growing up.
This is the last time I shall look upon you,
the last time I shall greet you.
(To his companions.)
Come friends, you are of my age and of this country,
say your farewells and set me on my way.
You will not see a man more innocent— 1100
innocent despite my judge!—condemned to banishment.
(Hippolytus goes out.)
Chorus
STROPHE
The care of God for us is a great thing,
if a man believe it at heart:
it plucks the burden of sorrow from him.
So I have a secret hope 1105
of someone, a God, who is wise and plans;
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