And now farewell! ’tis not for me to gaze upon the dead, or pollute my sight with death-scenes, and e’en now I see thee nigh that evil moment. Cobet rejects this line. [Exit Artemis. Hippolytus Farewell, blest virgin queen! leave me now! How easily Surely this line is a gloss! The sentiment is singularly out of place in the mouth of an ardent votary, whom the goddess has just comforted. thou resignest our long friendship! I am reconciled with my father at thy desire, yea, for ever before I would obey thy bidding. Ah me! the darkness is settling even now upon my eyes. Take me, father, in thy arms, lift me up. Theseus Woe is me, my son! what art thou doing to me thy hapless sire! Hippolytus I am a broken man; yes, I see the gates that close upon the dead. Theseus Canst leave me thus with murder on my soul! Hippolytus No, no; I set thee free from this bloodguiltiness. Theseus What sayest thou? dost absolve me from bloodshed? Hippolytus Artemis, the archer-queen, is my witness that I do.