The Tragedies of Seneca / Translated into English Verse, to Which Have Been Appended Comparative Analyses of the Corresponding Greek and Roman Plays, and a Mythological Index

by Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Oh, pity me.

Hear thou the prayers which I must only think.

I long to utter them, but am ashamed.

Hippolytus: What is thy trouble then?

Phaedra: A trouble mine,

Which thou wouldst scarce believe could vex the soul

Of any stepdame.

Hippolytus: Speak more openly;

In doubtful words thy meaning thou dost wrap.

Phaedra: My maddened heart with burning love is scorched;640