-13-

14 0 0
                                    

Jason


It is your own choice. Don't blame anyone but yourself.

Medea


And what did I do? Get married and abandon you?

Jason


You uttered curses against the royal house.

Medea


Yes, and to your house I really am a curse.

Jason


I will not carry on this quarrel any longer.


But if you want to take me up on my offer


of money for the children or your own exile


say so. I am ready to be generous to you


and to send letters to friends abroad who will take care of you.


And you are a fool, if you refuse my offer, woman.


Put aside your venom and you might get somewhere.


Medea


We will not be making use of your friends;


I will not take anything from you; don't give me anything.


The gift of a bad man brings no pleasure.


Jason


I call the gods to witness


that I want to help you and the children in every way I can.


My generosity is not enough for you, but in your stubbornness


you push your friends away. You hurt yourself all the more.


Exit Jason.

Medea


Go. Desire for your new bride overcomes you


when you spend too much time away from the house.


Get on with your marriage. Perhaps with gods' help it will be said


you have made a marriage that you will soon regret.

SECOND STASIMON
Chorus


Love coming on too strong


does not give glory or virtue


to men. But if Kypris comes in moderation,


no other goddess is so gracious.


Never, oh goddess, let fly at me an inescapable arrow


from your golden bow, after you drench it in desire.


But I pray that composure be my friend,


the finest gift of the gods.


Dreaded Kypris, never hit me with quarrelsome angers


and insatiable strife,


after stinging my heart for another bed,
but honoring a match free of conflict, wisely discern


women's love.


Fatherland, home,


let me not be stateless,


leading a life without means,


hard to get through,


full of the most pitiable sorrows.


Let me die, yes, die,


before reaching that day;


of troubles there is no other worse than


separation from one's native land.


We have seen it and do not have this story


from others to reflect upon;


no city, no friend


pities you, as you suffer


the most terrible of sufferings.


Without grace may he perish who


does not treat his loved ones honorably


unbolting his heart in pure love.


He will never be a friend of mine.

Medea (Euripedes)Where stories live. Discover now