ye know; is he within the palace here? Chorus Lo! himself approaches from the palace. Messenger Theseus, I am the bearer of troublous tidings to thee and all citizens who dwell in Athens or the bounds of Troezen. Theseus How now? hath some strange calamity overtaken these two neighbouring cities? Messenger In one brief word, Hippolytus is dead. ’Tis true one slender thread still links him to the light of life. Theseus Who slew him? Did some husband come to blows with him, one whose wife, like mine, had suffered brutal violence? Messenger He perished through those steeds that drew his chariot, and through the curses thou didst utter, praying to thy sire, the ocean-king, to slay thy son. Theseus Ye gods and king Poseidon, thou hast proved my parentage by hearkening to my prayer! Say how he perished; how fell the uplifted hand of Justice to smite the villain who dishonoured me?