Enter Jupiter, leading Alcmena, followed by Phædra.
Pages with Torches before them.

Jup. [To the Pages.] Those torches are offensive; stand aloof;

For, though they bless me with thy heavenly sight, [To her.

They may disclose the secret I would hide.

The Thebans must not know I have been here;

Detracting crowds would blame me, that I robbed

These happy moments from my public charge,

To consecrate to thy desired embrace;

And I could wish no witness but thyself,

For thou thyself art all I wish to please.