THESEUS.

Pecause I by the Gods was then depriv'd

Of understanding.

HIPPOLYTUS.

O that in return

Mankind could with their curses blast the Gods!

DIANA.

Be pacified for in earth's darksome caves,
The rage of Venus who on thee hath wreak'd
Such horrors for thy pure and virtuous soul
I will not suffer unaton'd to rest.

For in requital, my vindictive hand

With these inevitable darts shall smite.

(40) The dearest of her votaries.

But on thee

These sufferings to reward will I bestow
The greatest honors in Trozene's realm:

(41) For to thy shade, ere jocund Hymen wave
The kindled torch, each nymph her tresses shorn
Shall dedicate, and with abundant tears
For a long season thy decease bewail.

In their harmonious ditties the chaste choir

(40) "The Scholiast calls those delirious who think that Adonis is here "meant, when he was not slain by the shafts of Diana, but the jealousy "of Mars, who sent a wild Boar to destroy him. But, with permission " of the Scholiast, I contend this ought to be referred to Adonis: for as "Pet. Victorius observes, in his various readings, L. iv. c. 17; "though " he was slain by the Boar, Mars being the author of his death, Diana "might lay claim to this exploit, because Adonis lost his life in her fa"vourite pursuit of hunting." But what puts the matter out of all doubt "is, that Apollodorus himself, L. iii. c. 13. § 4. bears witness, that "Adonis was slain by Diana: his words are these; "Adonis, yet a boy, "through the anger of Diana, perished as he was hunting by a wound "which he received from a Boar." Muretus made this observation be"fore me, Var. Lect. L. 5, c. 7.” BARNES.

(41) “The Trœzenians worshipped Hippolytus with anniversary sacred "rites as a Hero, supposing him borne to the starry heavens by the name " of the Charioteer: they honoured him also with a temple; which Pau"sanias, L. 2. c. 32, describes as situated in a most beautiful grove, and "records this circumstance of the Virgins, previous to their marriage, "cutting off their hair, and depositing it for a votive gift, as the Peet "here mentions." VALKENAER.

Of virgins ever shall record thy fate,
Nor pass unnotic'd Phædra's hapless love.
But, O thou son of Ægeus, in those arms
Embrace the dying youth; for 'gainst thy will
Didst thou destroy him. When the Gods ordain
That man should err, he cannot disobey.
This counsel, O Hippolytus, to thee

I give; no hatred to thy Father bear,

For well thou know'st from whence thy fate arose.
And now farewell! for I am not allow'd

To view unholy corses of the slain,

Or with the pangs of those who breathe their last
Pollute these eyes: too clearly I discern

That thou art near the moment of thy death.

HIPPOLYTUS.

[Exit DIANA.

Farewell, blest Virgin, grieve not thus to part
From a most faithful votary, who with thee
Hath long held converse. With my Sire I end
All strife at thy behest; for to thy words
I still have been obedient.

Wretched me!

Already thickest darkness overspreads

These swimming eyes. My Father, in your arms
Receive me, and support this sinking frame.

THESEUS.

How, O my Son, dost thou increase my woes!

HIPPOLYTUS.

I perish, and already view the gates

Of yon drear realms beneath.

Of having shed thy blood no longer rest

On me thy murderer?

For, O my Sire, I die.

It is now, alas! too late,
Make no delay,

But with this garment cover o'er my face.

THESEUS.

Minerva's fortress, thou Athenian realm,
Of what a virtuous Prince art thou depriv'd!
Ah, wretched me! how oft shall I reflect,
O Venus, on the ills which thou hast caus'd.
CHORUS.

(He dies.)

On our whole city hath this public loss
Fallen unforeseen. Abundant tears shall flow.
When bleed the mighty, their sad history leaves
A more profound impression on the heart.

ALCESTIS.

Εθελήσασα μονη υπερ το αυτης ανδρος αποθανειν, οντων αυτώ Πατρος τε και μητρος και τουτ' εργασαμένη το έργον, ετω καλον έδοξεν εργασασθαι ου μονον ανθρωποις αλλα και θεοις, ωςε εξ Αδε την ψυχην εκείνης ανείναι.

PLATO.

cc 9

PERSONS OF THE DRAMA.

APOLLO.

DEATH.

CHORUS OF THE OLD MEN OF PHEREA.

FEMALE ATTENDANT OF ALCESTIS.

ALCESTIS.

A SERVANT.

ADMETUS.

EUMELUS.

HERCULES.

PHERES.

SCENE THE VESTIBULE OF ADMETUS' PALACE IN

PHEREA, A CITY OF THESSALY.