Hippolytus/The Bacchae

iction, but no clue Have we to learn the sickness. Wouldst thou tell The name and sort thereof, 'twould like us well.

NURSE Small leechcraft have I, and she tells no man.

LEADER Thou know'st no cause? Nor when the unrest began?

NURSE It all comes to the same. She will not speak.

LEADER (turning and looking at PHAEDRA). How she is changed and wasted! And how weak!

NURSE 'Tis the third day she hath fasted utterly.

LEADER What, is she mad? Or doth she seek to die?

NURSE I know not. But to death it sure must lead.

LEADER 'Tis strange that Theseus takes hereof no heed.

NURSE She hides her wound, and vows it is not so.

LEADER Can he not look into her face and know?

NURSE Nay, he is on a journey these last days.

LEADER Canst thou not force her, then? Or think of ways To trap the secret of the sick heart's pain?

NURSE Have I not tried all ways, and all in vain? Yet will I cease not now, and thou shalt tell If in her grief I serve my mistress we