’Tis the son of the horse-loving Amazon who calls, Hippolytus, uttering foul curses on my servant. Chorus I hear a noise, but cannot clearly tell Reading ὅπᾳ . The old reading was ὔπα . which way it comes. Ah! ’tis through the door the sound reached thee. Phaedra Yes, yes, he is calling her plainly enough a go-between in vice, traitress to her master’s honour. Chorus Woe, woe is me! thou art betrayed, dear mistress! What counsel shall I give thee? thy secret is out; thou art utterly undone. Phaedra Ah me! ah me! Chorus Betrayed by friends! Phaedra She hath ruined me by speaking of my misfortune; ’twas kindly meant, but an ill way to cure my malady. Chorus O what wilt thou do now in thy cruel dilemma? Phaedra I only know one way, one cure for these my woes and that is instant death. Hippolytus O mother earth! O sun’s unclouded orb! What words, unfit for any lips, have reached my ears! Nurse Peace, my son, lest some one hear thy outcry. Hippolytus I cannot hear such awful words and hold my peace. Nurse I do implore thee by thy fair right hand. Hippolytus Let go my hand, touch not my robe. Nurse O by thy knees I pray, destroy me not utterly. Hippolytus Why say this, if, as thou pretendest, thy lips are free from blame? Nurse My son, this is no story to be noised abroad. Hippolytus A virtuous tale grows fairer told to many. Nurse Never dishonour thy oath, thy son. Hippolytus My tongue an oath did take, but not my heart.