Medea
It's nothing. I was thinking about my children.
Jason
Cheer up now. I will do right by them.
Medea
Yes. . . as you say. I do not disbelieve your words.
But a woman is a mere female naturally given to tears.
Jason
Why then are you grieving over your children?
Medea
I gave birth to them. And when you prayed that they would live,
pity came over me wondering if this would happen.
Some of the reasons I had for inviting you into this exchange
have already been said. Now let me tell you the rest.
Since the royal family has determined to send me into exile -
and I agree that this is best, I understand it very well,
for me not to stay here as an encumbrance to you
and the rulers of the country, since I appear to be their enemy -
I will then lift anchor in exile from this land,
but the children - they should be raised by your hand.
Ask Creon not to exile them from his territory.
Jason
I'm not sure I can convince him, but still it is worth a try.
Medea
Then tell your new wife to ask her father
not to exile the children from this country.
Jason
Yes, of course, and I think I will convince her.
Medea
You will if she is a woman like the rest.
I will lend a hand in this effort too.
I will send her gifts which are the most lovely
in all the world, I am sure of it, by far the most lovely:
a fine dress and a tiara of beaten gold
and my children carrying them. Quick,
one of my servants, bring here the ornaments.
Enter servant with gifts.
She will be happy not in just one but in countless ways:
in you she has a most excellent husband
and she will also possess these ornaments which Helios, the Sun,
father of my father gave to his descendants.
Take these wedding gifts into your hands, children,
and give them to the happy royal bride.
She will receive most perfect gifts.
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."
