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 well!
[_She goes across to where_ PHAEDRA _lies; and
presently, while speaking, kneels by her_.]
Dear daughter mine, all that before was said
Let both of us forget; and thou instead
Be kindlier, and unlock that prisoned brow.
And I, who followed then the wrong road, now
Will leave it and be wiser. If thou fear
Some secret sickness, there be women here
To give thee comfort. [PHAEDRA _shakes her head_.
No; not secret? Then
Is it a sickness meet for aid of men?
Speak, that a leech may tend thee.
Silent still?
Nay, Child, what profits silence? If 'tis ill
This that I counsel, makes me see the wrong:
If well, then yield to me.