and she hath recognized the villainy of her former deeds. As for me, friends, I am weary of keeping my mistress from the fatal noose; do ye go in and try to save her life; for if strangers come, they prove more persuasive than the friends of every day.ChorusAh yes! I hear an outcry in the house amongst the servants, confirming the news thou hast brought. Poor sufferer! she seems about to show a lively grief for her grave crimes; for she has escaped her servants’ hands and is rushing from the house, eager to end her life.

Hermionerushing wildly on to the stage. Woe, woe is me! I will tear my hair and scratch cruel furrows in my cheeks.NurseMy child, what wilt thou do? Wilt thou disfigure thyself?

HermioneAh me! ah me! Begone, thou fine-spun veil! float from my head away!NurseDaughter, cover up thy bosom, fasten thy robe.

HermioneWhy should I cover it? My crimes against my lord are manifest and clear, they cannot be hidden.NurseArt so grieved at having devised thy rival’s death?

HermioneIndeed I am; I deeply mourn my fatal deeds of daring; alas! I am now accursed in all men’s eyes!NurseThy husband will pardon thee this error.