Page:Tragedies of Seneca (1907) Miller.djvu/495
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his son conceals a guilty conscience, makes no direct answer, but inveighs against the specious arts of man. This strange speech, and still more the manner of his father, now show Hip- polytus that he himself is connected in his father's mind with Phaedra's death; and he seeks to know who has thus calumniated him. The wrath of Theseus now breaks over all bounds. He charges his son with the dishonor and murder of his wife, and with withering scorn taunts him with his former professions of purity. Hip- polytus protests his innocence, but Theseus continues obdurate, and pro- duces the fatal letter in proof of his statements. Then the youth realizes the terrible mesh of circumstances in which he is taken; but, bound by his oath of secrecy, he endures in silence. After Theseus has pronounced the doom of exile upon him, and retired within the gates, he himself he himself goes forth to seek his comrades and acquaint them with his fate. |
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Third choral interlude.-The chorus reflects upon the precarious life of man, lauds the golden mean, and prays for the blessings of life without conspicu- ous fame. No man can hope for con- tinued security in life, when such a youth as Hippolytus is driven off by Theseus' ire. It laments that no longer will his steeds, his lyre, his wonted woodland haunts know the well-loved youth; and reproaches the gods that they did not better screen their guiltless votary. |
Third choral interlude.-The chorus complains that while nature is so care- ful to maintain the order of the heaven- ly bodies, the atmospheric phenomena, the seasons, and the productiveness of wealth, for the affairs of men alone she has no care. These go all awry. Sin prospers and righteousness is in distress. Verily, it does not at all profit a man to strive to live uprightly, since all the rewards of life go to the vain and profligate. While the case of Hippolytus is not mentioned, it is clearly in mind throughout. |
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Exode. The last words of the chorus are interrupted by the approach of a messenger who hastily inquires for |
Exode. A messenger, hurrying in, announces to Theseus the death of his son. Theseus receives the news |