Stasimon 5
[Episode]
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 easilySurely 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.
1440
Ah me! the darkness is settling even now upon my eyes.
Take me, father, in thy arms, lift me up.
1445
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?
1450
Hippolytus
Artemis, the archer-queen, is my witness that I do.
Theseus
My own dear child, how generous dost thou show thyself to thy father!
Hippolytus
Pray to have children such as me bom in lawful wedlock.
1455
Theseus
O that holy, noble soul of thine!
Hippolytus
Farewell, dear father! a long farewell to thee!
Theseus
O leave me not, my son; endure awhile.
Hippolytus
’Tis finished, my endurance; I die, father; quickly cover my face with a mantle.
Theseus
O glorious Athens, realm of Pallas,
what a splendid hero ye have lost! Ah me, ah me! How oft shall I remember thy evil work, O Cypris!
1460
Chorus
On all our citizens hath come this universal sorrow, unforeseen. Now shall the copious tear gush forth,
for sad news about great men takes more than usual hold upon the heart.
1465
