Creon
You are wasting words. You will never get your way.
Medea
But will you drive me away and not respect my prayers?
Creon
Yes, because I care less for you than for my own family.
Medea
O homeland, how deeply now I remember you.
Creon
Yes, after my children, it is by far the dearest thing to me.
Medea
Feu, feu [Aah, aah] mortal affections, how great an affliction they are!
Creon
That, I think, depends on the circumstances.
Medea
Oh Zeus, never forget who is responsible for this.
Creon
Go, you foolish woman, and relieve me of my troubles.
Medea
I am in trouble and need no more struggles.
Creon
Soon you will be forced out at the hands of my guards.
Medea
Not that, I beg you, Creon ....
Creon
Apparently you are going to make a scene, madam.
Medea
I will go into exile. It was not for that that I supplicated you.
Creon
Why then are you trying to coerce me? Let go of my hand!
Medea
Just one day. Let me stay for one day
to make plans how we will manage in exile,
and find resources for my children, since their father
does not put his children's welfare first.
Pity them. You are a father, too. You have a child
and it's natural for you to feel kindly toward them.
I'm not concerned for myself, if I have to go into exile,
but it breaks my heart if they are to suffer deprivation.
Creon
My nature is not at all tyrannical,
and on many occasions in showing respect I have suffered for it
and even now I see that I am making a mistake, madam,
but still I will grant you this. But I warn you
if the coming light of the sun finds you
and your children inside the borders of this country
you will die. That is my final word; it will not be taken back.
Now, if stay you must, stay for one day.
you can not do any dreadful deed of which I am in terror.]
Exit Creon with his men.
YOU ARE READING
Medea (Euripedes)
Historical Fiction[Play] "The mind of a queen Is a thing to fear. A queen is used To giving commands, not obeying them; And her rage once roused is hard to appease."
