But why this sound of wailing in my ears?850

Let someone tell; for agonies of woe

And grief and lamentations sad I meet

Upon the very threshold of my home—

A fitting welcome to a guest from hell.

Nurse: The queen is obstinately bent on death,

And scorns the strong remonstrance of our tears.855

Theseus: Why should she die, her husband safe returned?

Nurse: That very cause compels her speedy death.

Theseus: Thy words are dark and hide some weighty truth.