But you, child of old Aegeus, take your son in your arms and embrace him. For you were not responsible for killing him, and when the gods so send, it is understandable that men make fatal errors.
[1435]
As for you, Hippolytus, I urge you not to hate your father. For the manner of your death has been fated. Farewell: it is not lawful for me to look upon the dead or to defile my sight with the last breath of the dying. And I see that you are already near that misfortune.
Hippolytus
[1440]
Farewell to you too, blessed maiden! I wish you joy in your going! Yet how easily you leave our long friendship! Still, at your bidding I end my quarrel with my father. For in times past too I obeyed your words.
Oh, oh! Darkness is coming down upon my eyes!
[1445]
Take me, father, and lay my body straight!
Theseus
Alas, my son, what are you doing to me?
Hippolytus
I am gone. I see the gates of the Underworld.
Theseus
And will you leave me with my hands unclean?
Hippolytus
Oh no, for of this murder I acquit you.
Theseus
[1450]
What is this you say? You set me free of murder?
Hippolytus
The arrow-taming Artemis be my witness!
Theseus
How noble you are to your father, dearest son.
Hippolytus
I wish you, father, plenteous joy as well!
Theseus
Oh, what a noble, godly heart is lost!
Hippolytus
[1455]
Pray that your true-born sons may be as good.
Theseus
Do not desert me, son, but struggle on!
Hippolytus
My struggle is over, father. I am gone. Cover my face, and quickly, with my garments!He falls silent. Theseus covers his face.
Theseus
Glorious Athens, Pallas' territory,
[1460]
what a man you have been bereft of! Unhappy me, how well I shall remember, Aphrodite, the woes you have brought to pass!
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Euripides. Euripides, with an English translation by David Kovacs. Cambridge. Harvard University Press. forthcoming.
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