Medea

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The Medea, by Euripides, translated by E.P. Coleridge.
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Characters, the nurse of Medea, attendance of her children.
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Medea, a chorus of Corinthian women.
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Creon, king of Corinth. Jason, the Gius, king of Athens, a messenger.
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The scene is before Medea's house in Corinth,
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near the palace of Creon. The nurse enters.
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Would to heaven the good ship Argo never had sped its course to the Colchian
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land through the misty blue Symphelegies.
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Now ever in the glens of Pileon the pine been felled to furnish with oars the chieftain's hands,
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who went to fetch the golden fleece for Peleus, for then would my own mistress
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Medea never have sailed through the turrets of Eocchus her soul with love for Jason's smitten.
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Nor would she have meguiled the daughters of Pelea as to slay their father and
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come to live here in the land of corn with her husband and children,
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where her exile found favor with the citizens to whose land she had come,
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and in all things of her own accord was she at one with Jason the greatest safeguard
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this one wife and husband do agree but now their love is all turned to hate,
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and tenderest ties are weak,
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where Jason hath betrayed his own children and my mistress, dear,
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for the love of a royal bride,
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for he hath wedded the daughter of Creon, lord of this land.
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While Medea, his hapless wife, thus scorned, appeals to the oaths he swore,
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recalls the strong pledge his right hand gave, and bids heaven be witness what
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requital she is finding from Jason.
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And here she lies fasting, yielding her body to her grief Wasting away in tears
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ever since she learned that she was wronged by her husband,
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Never lifting her eye nor raising her face from the ground,
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And she lends his deafen ear to her friend's warning as if she wore a rock or
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ocean billow Save when she turns her snow-white neck aside and softly to herself
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the moons her father dear Her country and her home,
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which she gave up to come here with a man who now holds her in dishonor.
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She, poor lady, half by sad experience, learnt how good a thing it is,
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never to quit one's native land.
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And she hates her children now, and feels no joy at seeing them.
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I fear she may contrive some untoward scene, for her mood is dangerous,
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nor will she book her cruel treatment.
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Full well I know her, and much do I dread, and she will plunge the keen sword through their hearts,
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Stealing without a worry into the chamber Where their marriage count is spread,
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Or else that she will slay the prince and bridegroom And so find some calamity
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still more greedless than the present Where dreadful is her wrath,
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Verily the man that doth incur her hate Will have no easy task to raise over her a song of triumph,
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Lo, where her sons come hither from their childish sports.
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Look they wreck of their mother's woes,
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for the soul of the young is no friend to sorrow.
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The attendant leads in Medea's children.
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Why dost thou so long, my lady's own handmaid, stand there at the gate alone,
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loudly lamenting to thyself the piteous tale?
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How comes it that Medea will have thee leave her to herself?
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Old man, attendant on the sons of Jason, our master's fortunes,
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when they go awry, make good slaves grieve and touch their hearts.
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Oh, have come to such a pitch of grief that there stole a yearning wish upon
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me to come forth hither and proclaim to heaven and earth my mistress's hard fate.
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What? Has not the poor lady ceased yet from her lamentations?
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What I were as thou art, the mischief is now but beginning, it has not reached its climax.
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O foolish one, if I may call my mistress such a name, how little she wrecks
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of evil, yet more recent.
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What meanest, old man, grudge not to tell me? Tis not, I do repent of me,
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of the words I have spoken.
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No, by thy beard I conjure thee, hide it not from thy fellow slave.
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We'll be silent, if need be, on that text.
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I heard one say, pretending not to listen as I approached the palace where our
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greybeards sit playing drops near Pyrene's sacred spring, that Creon, the ruler of this land,
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is bent on driving these children and my mother from the boundaries of corn,
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but I know not whether the news is to be relied upon, and would feign it or not.
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What? Will Jason brook such treatment of his sons, even though he be at variance with their mother?
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Old ties give way to new. He bears no longer any love to this family.
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Undone it seems are we, if to
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old wolves fresh ones we add, ere we have drained the former to the dregs.
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Hold thou thy peace. Say not a word of this. It is no time for our mistress to learn hereof.
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O children, do ye hear how your father feels towards you?
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Perdition catch him. No, he is my master still.
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It has proved a very traitor to his nearest and dearest.
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And who amongst men is not? Art learning only now that every single man cares
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for himself more than for his neighbor, some from honest motives,
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others from mere gains sake,
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seeing that to indulge his passion, their father has ceased to love his children.
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Go, children, that's in the house, all will be better. Do thou keep them as
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far as may be, and bring them not near their mother in her evil hour.
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For here this I have seen her eyeing them savagely, as though she were minded
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to do them some grievance.
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And while I know she will not cease from her fury till she hath pounced on some
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victim, at least she may turn her hand against her foes and not against her friends.
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Medea chanting with him.
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Ah, me, a wretched, suffering woman, I, oh, that I could die.
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Tis as I said, my dear children, wild fancies stir your mother's heart,
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wild fearing goats her on, into the house without delay.
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Come not near her eye, approach her not, beware her savage mood,
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the felled tempest of her reckless heart.
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In, in, with what speed ye may, for it is plain she will soon redouble her fury
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that cries but the herald of the gathering storm cloud whose lightning soon will flash.
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What will her proud, restless soul in the anguish of despair be guilty of?
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O me, the agony I have suffered, deep enough to call for these laments.
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Curse you and your father too, you children damned, sons of a doomed mother.
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Ruin sees the whole family.
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Ah me, the pity of it, why pray do thy children share their father's crimes? Why hatest thou them?
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Woe is you, poor children, how do I grieve for you, lest you suffer some outrage?
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Strange are the tempers of princes, and maybe because they seldom have to obey,
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and mostly launder over others, change they their moods with difficulty.
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Tis better then to have trained to live on equal terms, be it mine to reach
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old age, not in proud pomp, but in security.
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Moderation wins the day first is a better word for men to use,
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and likewise it is far the best course for them to pursue.
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But greatness that doth overreach itself brings no blessing to mortal man,
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but pays a penalty greater in ruin, whatever fortune is wroth within a family. The chorus enters.
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I heard the voice uplifted loud of our poor Colton lady, nor yet is she quiet.
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Speak, age dame, for as I stood by the house with double gates I heard a voice sweeping from within.
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And I do grieve, lady, for the sorrows of this house, for it hath won my love.
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Tis a house no more, all that has passed away long since.
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A royal bride keeps Jason at her side while our mistress pines away in her bower,
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finding no comfort for her soul and all her friends can say.
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Oh, would that heaven's leavened bolts would cleave this head in twain.
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What gain is life to me now?
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Oh, to die and win release, quitting this loathed existence.
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Didst thou hear, O Zeus, thou earth, and thou, O light, piteous note of woe,
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the hapless wife is uttering,
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how shall a yearning for that insatiate resting place ever hasten for me,
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poor reckless one, the end that death alone can bring?
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Never pray for that, and if thy Lord prefers a fresh love, be not angry with
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him, for that Zeus will judge betwixt me and him herein, and mourn not for thy
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husband's loss too much,
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nor waste thyself away.
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Great Themis and husband of Themis, behold what I am suffering there,
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though I did bind that accursed one my husband by strong oaths.
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Oh, see to him and his bride some day, brought to utter destruction,
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they in thy house with them.
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For that they presume to wrong me thus unprovoked, O father,
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my country, that I have left to my shame after slaying my own brother.
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Do ye hear her words, how loudly she adjures Venice, oft-invoked,
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and Zeus, whom men regard as keeper of their own.
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A no mere trifle surely will our mistress spend her rage.
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Would that she would come forth for us to see and listen to the words of counsel
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we might give, if happily she might lay aside with fight fierce fury of her
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wrath and her temper stern.
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Never be my zeal at any rate denied my friends, but go thou and bring her hither
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outside the house, and tell her this a friendly thought.
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Haste thee ere she do some mischief to those inside the house.
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For this sorrow urge is mounting high.
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This will I do, but I doubt whether I shall persuade my mistress.
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Still willingly will I undertake this trouble for you,
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Albeit she glares upon her servants With the look of a lioness cub When so anyone
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draws nigh to speak to her,
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Wirt thou to call the men of old time Rude, uncultured boars Thou wouldst not
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err Seen that they devise their hymns For festive occasions For banquets and to grace the bold
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A pleasure to catch the ear Shed over our life But no man hath found a way To
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allay hated grief by music,
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And the minstrel's varied strain when psoriasis slaughter and fell strokes of
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fate to overthrow the homes of men.
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And yet this was surely a game, to heal men's wounds by music's spell.
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But why tune they their idle song where rich banquets are spread?
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For oft itself let the rich banquet set before them afford to mend the light.
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I heard a bitter lamentation. Loudly, bitterly, she calls on the traitor of
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her marriage bed, her perfidious spouse.
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By grievous wrongs, oppressed, she invokes Themis, bride of Zeus, witness of Oaths,
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who brought her unto Hellas, the land that fronts the strand of Asia over the
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sea by night through oceans bound this gate. Midia enters.
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From the house I have come forth, Corinthian ladies, for fear lest me be blaming,
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me, for well I know that amongst men, many by showing pride have gotten them
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an ill name and a reputation for indifference.
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Both those who shun men's gaze and those who move amid the stranger crowd,
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and likewise they who choose a quiet life, walk.
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For there is no just discernment in the eyes of men, for they,
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or ever they have surely learnt their neighbor's heart, loath him at first sight,
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though never wronged by him, and so a stranger most of all should adopt the city's views.
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Nor do I commend that citizen who, in the stubbornness of his heart,
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with churlishness, resents the city's will.
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But on me hath fallen this unforeseen disaster, and sapped my life.
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Ruined I am, and long to resign the boon of existence, kind friends, and die.
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For he who was all the world to me, as well thou knowest, hath turned out the
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worst of men, my own husband.
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Of all things that have life and sense, we women are the most hapless creatures.
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First, we must buy a husband at a great price, and over our cell is a tyrant's
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set, which is an evil worse than the first.
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And herein lies the most important issue, whether our choice be good or bad.
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For divorce is not honorable to women, nor can we disown our laws.
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Next must the wife, coming as she does to ways and customs new,
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since she hath not learned the lesson in her own, have a diviner's eye to see
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how best to treat the partner of her life.
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If happily we perform these tasks with thoroughness and tact,
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and the husband lived with us without resenting the yoke, Our life is a happy one.
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If not, twere best to die.
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But when a man is vexed with what he finds indoors, he goes forth and rids his
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soul of its disgust to taking him to some friend or comrade of like age,
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whilst we must needs regard his singular self.
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And yet they say we live secure at home, while they are at the moors,
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with their sorry reasoning, for I would gladly take my stand and battle ray
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three times over and once get birth.
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But enough, this language suits not thee as it does me.
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Thou hast a city here, a father's house, of joy and life, and grunge to share thy thoughts.
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But I am destitute, without a city, and therefore scorned by my husband,
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a captive eye from a foreign shore, with no mother or brother or kinsman to
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find a new haven of refuge from this calamity.
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Wherefore this one girl and only this I wish to win from thee by silence.
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If happily I can find some way or means to devise a venge on my husband for
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this cruel treatment, and on the man who gave to him his daughter,
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and on her who is his wife.
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For though women be timorous enough in all else, and as regards courage,
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a coward at the mere sight of steel, yet in the moment she finds her honor wronged,
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no heart is filled with deadlier thoughts than hers.
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Yes, well, I do, for thou wilt be taking a just vengeance on thy husband,
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dear, that thou shouldest more, and thy lot surprises me not.
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But lo, I see Creon, king of this land, coming hither, to announce some new result. Creon entered.
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Hark thee, Medea, I bid thee take those sullen looks and angry thoughts against
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thy husband forth from this land in exile, and with thee children,
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and that without delay, for I am judge in this sentence, and I will not return
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unto my house until I banish thee beyond the borders of this land.
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Now is utter destruction come upon me, unhappy that I am.
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For my enemies are bearing down
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on me full sail, nor have I any landing place to come to in my trouble.
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For all my wretched plight I ask thee, Creon, wherefore dost thou drive me from this land?
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I fear thee no longer need I veil my dread beneath words, lest thou devise against
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my children some cureless ill.
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Many things contribute to this sphere of mine, for thou art a witch by nature,
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expert in countless sorceries, and thou art crafting for the loss of thy husband's dear affection.
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I hear too, so they tell me, that thou dost threaten the father of the bride,
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her husband, and herself with some mischief.
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Wherefore I will take precautions ere our troubles come.
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For it is better for me to incur thy hatred now, lady, and to soften my heart
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bitterly repentant that I,
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Alas, this is not now the first time, but all forth hath my reputation injure me, and cause.
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Wherefore, whoso is wise in
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his generation ought never to have his children taught to be too clever.
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For besides the reputation, they get frailness, or purchase bitter odium from the citizens.
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For if thou shouldest import new learning amongst dullards, thou wilt be thought
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a useless trichler and void of knowledge.
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While if thy fame in the city overtops that of the pretenders to cunning knowledge,
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thou wilt win their dislike.
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I too myself share in this dullard. Some think me clever and hate me.
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Others say I am too reserved, and some the very reverse.
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Others find me hard to please, and not so very clever after all.
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Be that as it may, thou dost fear me, lest I bring on thee something to mar thy harmony.
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Fear me not, Creon, my position scarce is such that she'd seek to quarrel with princes.
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Why should I? For hast how thou injured me. Thou hast betrothed thy daughter
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where thy fancy prompted.
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No, it is my husband that I hate, though I doubt not thou have acted wisely,
00:18:53.288 --> 00:18:55.425
and now I grudge not thy prosperity.
00:18:56.210 --> 00:19:00.753
Betrode thy child, good luck to thee, but let me abide in this land,
00:19:01.090 --> 00:19:05.751
for though I have been wronged, I will still and yield to my superiors.
00:19:06.999 --> 00:19:12.646
Thy words are soft to hear, but much I dread, lest thou art devising some mischief in thy heart.
00:19:13.370 --> 00:19:20.389
And less than ever do I trust thee now, for cunning woman and man likewise is
00:19:20.389 --> 00:19:24.058
easier to guard against when quick-tempered than than taciturn.
00:19:24.890 --> 00:19:29.975
Nay, be gone at once, speak me no speeches, for this is decreed,
00:19:30.509 --> 00:19:35.600
nor hast thou any art whereby thou shalt abide among us, since thou hatest me.
00:19:36.332 --> 00:19:41.447
O say not so, by thy knees and by thy daughters newly wed I do implore,
00:19:42.025 --> 00:19:45.160
thou wastest words that wilt never persuade me.
00:19:45.770 --> 00:19:49.990
What, wilt thou banish me, and to my prayers no pity yield?
00:19:50.419 --> 00:19:55.701
I will, for I love thee not above my own family, but my country,
00:19:56.114 --> 00:19:58.563
what fond memories I have of thee in this hour.
00:19:59.197 --> 00:20:04.118
Yea, and I myself love my city best, save my own children.
00:20:04.888 --> 00:20:11.335
To mortal man, how dread a scourge is love. That, I deem, is according to the turn of our fortunes.
00:20:11.992 --> 00:20:15.933
O Zeus, let not the offer of these my troubles escape thee.
00:20:16.572 --> 00:20:22.411
Be gone, thou silly woman, and free me from my toil. The toil is mine, no lack of it.
00:20:23.195 --> 00:20:28.155
Soon wilt thou be thrust forcibly by thy servant's hand. Not that.
00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:30.274
Not that I do entreat thee, Creon.
00:20:31.156 --> 00:20:37.917
Thou wilt cause disturbance yet, it seems. I will be gone. I ask thee not this boon to grant.
00:20:38.597 --> 00:20:41.935
Why then this violence? Why dost thou not depart?
00:20:42.701 --> 00:20:47.293
Suffer me to abide this single day and devise a plan for the manner of my exile,
00:20:47.833 --> 00:20:52.935
and means of living for my children, since their father cares not to provide his babes therewith.
00:20:53.475 --> 00:20:56.331
Then pity them. Thou too hast children of thine.
00:20:56.883 --> 00:21:01.899
Thou needs must have a kindly heart For my own that lot I care not Though in
00:21:01.899 --> 00:21:06.767
exile I am But for these babes I weep They should learn what sorrow means.
00:21:08.026 --> 00:21:13.140
Mine is in nature anything but harsh, full off by showing pity I've suffered shipwreck.
00:21:13.791 --> 00:21:19.009
And now, albeit I clearly see my error, yet shalt thou gain this frequently.
00:21:19.352 --> 00:21:24.766
But I do forewarn you, if tomorrow's rising sun shall find me and thy children
00:21:24.766 --> 00:21:27.734
within the borders of this land, thou diest.
00:21:28.100 --> 00:21:30.248
My word is spoken, and it will not lie.
00:21:30.730 --> 00:21:37.386
So now, if abide thou must, stay this one day only, for in it thou canst not
00:21:37.386 --> 00:21:39.513
do any of the fearful deeds I tread.
00:21:40.225 --> 00:21:46.696
Creon Exit O poor lady, woe is thee, alas for thy sorrows.
00:21:47.305 --> 00:21:52.056
Whither wilt thou turn? What protection, what home or country to save thee from
00:21:52.056 --> 00:21:53.782
thy troubles wilt thou find?
00:21:54.340 --> 00:21:59.030
O Medea, what a hopeless sea of misery heaven hath plunged thee.
00:22:00.093 --> 00:22:04.196
On all sides sorrow pens me in Whom shall gainsay this?
00:22:04.730 --> 00:22:10.456
But all is not yet lost Think not so Still are there troubles in store for the
00:22:10.456 --> 00:22:13.467
new bride Before her bridegroom no light toil,
00:22:14.074 --> 00:22:19.296
Dost think I would ever have fawned on yonder man Unless to gain some end or
00:22:19.296 --> 00:22:25.651
form some scheme Nay, would not so much as have spoken to him Or touched him with my hand,
00:22:26.509 --> 00:22:29.377
But he has in folly so far stepped in,
00:22:29.882 --> 00:22:33.481
though he might have checked my plot by banishing me from the land.
00:22:33.893 --> 00:22:39.026
He hath allowed me to abide this day, in which I will lay low in death three
00:22:39.026 --> 00:22:42.845
of my enemies, a father and his daughter and my husband too.
00:22:43.413 --> 00:22:48.366
Now, though I have many ways to compass their death, I am not sure,
00:22:48.366 --> 00:22:51.459
friends, which I am to try first.
00:22:52.108 --> 00:22:56.696
Shall I set fire to the bridal mansion, or plunging the wetted soul through
00:22:56.696 --> 00:23:01.501
their hearts, softly stealing into the chamber where their couches spread.
00:23:02.634 --> 00:23:07.564
One thing stands in my way. If I am caught making my way into the chamber intent
00:23:07.564 --> 00:23:12.789
on my desire, I shall be put to death and cause my foes to mock.
00:23:13.393 --> 00:23:17.909
So it best to take the shortest way, the way we women are in our skill game,
00:23:18.246 --> 00:23:20.022
by poison to destroy them.
00:23:20.667 --> 00:23:24.139
Well, suppose them dead. What city will receive me?
00:23:24.719 --> 00:23:31.029
What friendly host will give me a shelter in this land, a home secure and save my soul alive?
00:23:31.674 --> 00:23:37.772
None. So I will wait yet a little while in case some tower of defense rise up for me.
00:23:38.324 --> 00:23:42.312
Then will I proceed to this bloody deed and craft of silence.
00:23:42.840 --> 00:23:48.254
But if some expected mischance drive me forth, I will with my own hand seize
00:23:48.254 --> 00:23:54.671
the sword, even though I die for it and slay it, and go forth on my bold path of daring.
00:23:55.271 --> 00:24:01.504
By that dread queen whom I revere before all others And have chosen to share
00:24:01.504 --> 00:24:09.287
my task By Hecate who dwells within my inmost chambers Not one of them shall wound my heart and ruin.
00:24:10.628 --> 00:24:15.108
Bitter and sad will I make their marriage for them. Bitter shall be the wooing
00:24:15.108 --> 00:24:17.528
of it. Bitter my exile from the land.
00:24:17.864 --> 00:24:23.066
Up then, Medea. Spare not the secrets of my art and plotting and devising.
00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:27.530
On to the danger. Now comes a struggle meeting courage.
00:24:28.255 --> 00:24:33.168
Dost see what thou art suffering? Tis not for thee to be a laughingstock to
00:24:33.168 --> 00:24:36.967
the race of Sisyphus by reason of this wedding of Jason's.
00:24:37.304 --> 00:24:44.258
Sprung as thou art from noble sire And of the sun's god's race Thou hast cunning,
00:24:44.258 --> 00:24:46.366
and more than this We women,
00:24:46.970 --> 00:24:52.478
though by nature little apt For virtuous deeds, are most expert To fashion any
00:24:52.478 --> 00:24:59.564
mystery The chorus sings Back to their source the holy rivers Turn their tide,
00:25:00.165 --> 00:25:06.117
order in the universe Are being reversed Tis men whose counsels hold treacherous
00:25:06.268 --> 00:25:09.014
whose oath by heaven was no longer sure.
00:25:09.615 --> 00:25:14.837
Rumor shall bring a change over my life, bringing it into good repute.
00:25:15.401 --> 00:25:18.008
Honor's dawn is breaking for women's sex.
00:25:18.856 --> 00:25:22.455
No more shall the foul tongue of slanty fix upon us.
00:25:23.326 --> 00:25:28.460
The songs of the poets of old shall cease to make our faithlessness fifty.
00:25:28.981 --> 00:25:35.918
Phoebus, lord of minstreliae, hath not implanted in our mind the gift of heavenly song.
00:25:36.557 --> 00:25:42.498
Else had i sung the answer restrained in the race of males for time's long chackler
00:25:42.498 --> 00:25:46.118
for as many a theme among those sects as well as ours,
00:25:46.774 --> 00:25:52.358
with mind distraughts that plough those house desert on the voyage betwixt ocean's
00:25:52.358 --> 00:25:57.699
twin rocks and on a foreign strand outdwellest by bed left husbandless,
00:25:58.385 --> 00:26:03.534
poor lady and thou an exile from the land dishonored persecuted.
00:26:04.723 --> 00:26:11.112
Gone is the grace that Otes once had, through all the breaths of Helos, honor is found no more.
00:26:11.701 --> 00:26:17.834
To heaven hath it sped away, for thee not bother's house is open, woe is to thee.
00:26:18.437 --> 00:26:23.923
To be a haven from the troublous storm, all over thy home is set another queen,
00:26:24.428 --> 00:26:28.342
the bride that is preferred to thee. Jason enters.
00:26:29.311 --> 00:26:33.362
Medea comes out of the house. It is not now, I first remark,
00:26:33.600 --> 00:26:37.182
but often it is, how unruly a pest is a harsh temper.
00:26:37.623 --> 00:26:42.543
For instance, thou, hadst thou but patiently endured the will of thy superiors,
00:26:42.543 --> 00:26:47.904
mightest have remained here in this land, but now for thy idle words wilt thou be banished.
00:26:48.526 --> 00:26:52.752
Thy words are not to me. Cease not to call Jason basest of men,
00:26:53.268 --> 00:26:57.953
but for those words thou hast spoken against our rulers, count it all gain,
00:26:57.953 --> 00:26:59.950
that exile is thy only punishment.
00:27:00.658 --> 00:27:05.615
I ever tried to check the outbursts of that angry monarch, and would have had thee stay.
00:27:06.080 --> 00:27:10.563
Thou wouldst not forego thy silly rage, always reviling our rulers,
00:27:10.563 --> 00:27:12.280
and so wilt thou be banished.
00:27:12.900 --> 00:27:16.376
Yet even after all this I will weary not of my good will.
00:27:17.016 --> 00:27:21.843
But I'm come with this much forethought laid. But thou mayst not be destitute
00:27:21.843 --> 00:27:25.272
nor want for oft, when, with my sons, thou art cast thou.
00:27:25.885 --> 00:27:30.315
Many an evil doth exile bring in its train, for even though thou hatest me,
00:27:30.646 --> 00:27:32.602
Never will I harbor hard thoughts on you.
00:27:33.233 --> 00:27:37.693
Thou craven villain, for that is the only name my tongue can find for thee,
00:27:37.693 --> 00:27:40.785
a foul reproach on thy unmanliness.
00:27:41.296 --> 00:27:46.120
Com'st thou to me, thou most hateful gods, of me and of all mankind?
00:27:46.718 --> 00:27:50.853
T'is no proof of courage or hardihood to confront my friends after an injury
00:27:50.853 --> 00:27:55.315
then, but that worst of all human diseases, loss of shame.
00:27:56.072 --> 00:28:00.832
It hast thou done well to come, for I shall ease my soul by reviling thee,
00:28:00.832 --> 00:28:03.042
when thou wilt be vexed at my recital.
00:28:03.506 --> 00:28:05.114
I will begin at the very beginning.
00:28:05.584 --> 00:28:09.764
I saved thy life, as every Hellene knows who sailed aboard me,
00:28:10.002 --> 00:28:14.852
good ship Argo, when thou wert sent to tame and yoke fire-breathing bulls,
00:28:14.852 --> 00:28:16.300
and to sow the deadly tilth.
00:28:16.914 --> 00:28:21.362
Yea, and I slew the dragon which guarded the golden fleece, keeping sleepless
00:28:21.362 --> 00:28:26.818
watch over, with many a revet coil, and I raised for thee a beacon of deliverance.
00:28:27.375 --> 00:28:32.922
Father and home of my free will I left and came to Iolcus beneath Peleon's hills,
00:28:32.922 --> 00:28:35.037
for my love was stronger than my prudence.
00:28:35.554 --> 00:28:41.052
Next I caused the death of Peleus by a due most grievous, even by his own children's
00:28:41.052 --> 00:28:43.658
hands, beguiling them all out of fear.
00:28:44.076 --> 00:28:48.282
All this have I done for thee, thou traitor, and now cast, cast,
00:28:48.282 --> 00:28:53.677
O me, over, taking to thyself another wife, though children have been born to us.
00:28:54.298 --> 00:28:59.064
Hadst thou been childless still, I could have pardoned thy desires from this new union.
00:28:59.540 --> 00:29:03.772
Gone is now the trust I put in oaths. I cannot even understand whether thou
00:29:03.772 --> 00:29:08.162
thinkest that the gods of old no longer rule, or that fresh decrees are now
00:29:08.162 --> 00:29:09.775
in vogue amongst mankind.
00:29:10.134 --> 00:29:13.437
But I conscious must tell thee thou hast not kept faith.
00:29:13.867 --> 00:29:20.521
Ah, poor right The hand which thou oft did grasp, these knees did thou embrace,
00:29:20.696 --> 00:29:23.912
all in vain, I suffered a traitor to touch me.
00:29:24.312 --> 00:29:26.402
How short of my hopes I am fallen!
00:29:26.802 --> 00:29:30.779
But come, I will deal with thee as though thou wert my friend.
00:29:31.568 --> 00:29:34.697
Yet what kindness can I expect from one so base as me?
00:29:35.316 --> 00:29:38.938
But yet will I do, for my questioning will show thee yet more base.
00:29:39.391 --> 00:29:43.054
Whither can I turn now? To my father's house? To my own country?
00:29:43.704 --> 00:29:47.901
Which I for thee deserted to come hither? To the hapless daughters of Peleus?
00:29:48.174 --> 00:29:53.097
A glad welcome I trow when they give me in their home, whose father's death I compass?
00:29:53.718 --> 00:29:58.849
My case stands even thus. I am become the bitter foe to those of mine own home,
00:29:59.180 --> 00:30:03.818
and those whom I need never have wronged, I have made enemies to pleasure me.
00:30:04.410 --> 00:30:08.678
Wherefore, to reward me for this, thou hast made me doubly blessed in the eyes
00:30:08.678 --> 00:30:13.459
of many white and hellas, and in me I own a peerless, trusty lull.
00:30:14.027 --> 00:30:18.990
Woe is mine, if indeed I am to be cast forth in exile from the land,
00:30:19.199 --> 00:30:23.169
without one friend, one lone woman with her beige full of lords.
00:30:23.727 --> 00:30:28.408
Yea, a fine reproach to thee and thy bride allow, that thy children and thy
00:30:28.408 --> 00:30:35.128
wife who saved are now beggars and vagabonds o mighty zeus why hast thou granted
00:30:35.128 --> 00:30:38.152
unto man clear signs to know the sham and gold
00:30:38.546 --> 00:30:43.475
while on man's brow no brand is stamped whereby to gauge the villain's heart.
00:30:45.233 --> 00:30:50.709
There is something terrible in past, all cure, and quarrels arise betwixt those who are new and dear.
00:30:51.372 --> 00:30:56.323
Needs must I now, it seems, turn orator, and like a good helmsman on a ship
00:30:56.323 --> 00:31:00.173
with close-reefed sails, whether that worrisome tongue of thine.
00:31:00.515 --> 00:31:05.483
Now I believe, since thou wilt exaggerate thy favor, that to Cypri alone of
00:31:05.483 --> 00:31:10.407
gods or men I owe the safety of my voyage, thou hast to settle wit enough.
00:31:10.889 --> 00:31:14.773
It were it a hateful thing for me to say that the love God constrained thee
00:31:14.773 --> 00:31:17.442
by his resistless shaft to save my life.
00:31:18.002 --> 00:31:21.863
However, I will not reckon this too nicely. It was kindly done,
00:31:21.863 --> 00:31:23.470
however thou didst serve me.
00:31:23.847 --> 00:31:28.764
Yet for my safety hast thou received more than ever thou gavest, as I will show.
00:31:29.153 --> 00:31:32.740
First, thou dwellest in Hellas, instead of thy barbarian land,
00:31:33.083 --> 00:31:38.311
and hast learned what justice means and how to live by law, not by the dictates of brute force.
00:31:38.711 --> 00:31:42.752
And all the hellenes recognize thy cleverness, and thou hast gained a name,
00:31:43.158 --> 00:31:47.808
whereas if thou hadst dwelt upon the confines of the earth, no tongue had mentioned thee.
00:31:48.663 --> 00:31:53.433
Give me no gold within my halls, nor skill to sing a fairer strain than ever
00:31:53.433 --> 00:31:57.890
Orpheus sang, unless there with my fame be spread abroad.
00:31:58.482 --> 00:32:05.326
So much I say to thee about my own toils, for t'was thou didst challenge me to this retort.
00:32:05.785 --> 00:32:09.123
As for the taunts thou urged against my marriage with the princess,
00:32:09.123 --> 00:32:13.500
I will prove to thee first that I am prudent here, next chastened in my love.
00:32:15.383 --> 00:32:19.548
And the last powerful friend to thee and to thy sons. Only hold thy peace.
00:32:20.239 --> 00:32:24.343
Since I have here withdrawn from the Alcus, many a hopeless trouble at my back.
00:32:24.802 --> 00:32:29.022
What happier device could I in exile, praying in marriage with the daughter of the king?
00:32:29.591 --> 00:32:33.939
Tis not because I loathe thee for my wife, the thought that rankles in thy heart.
00:32:34.386 --> 00:32:38.783
Tis not because I am smitten with desire for a new bride, nor yet that I am
00:32:38.783 --> 00:32:41.277
eager to buy with others and be getting many children.
00:32:41.718 --> 00:32:44.690
For those we have are quite enough, and I do not complain.
00:32:45.239 --> 00:32:51.739
Nay, tis that we and this is most important, we may dwell in comfort instead of suffering want.
00:32:53.030 --> 00:32:56.750
And that I might rear my sons as doth befit my house. Further,
00:32:56.750 --> 00:33:00.289
that I might be the father of brothers for the children thou hast for.
00:33:00.858 --> 00:33:04.626
Raise thee to the same high rank, uniting the family in one.
00:33:05.239 --> 00:33:09.890
Thou, indeed, hast no need of more children, but it profits me to help my present
00:33:09.890 --> 00:33:13.424
family by that which it is to be. Have I miscarried here?
00:33:13.952 --> 00:33:18.213
Not even thou wouldst say, so unless a rival's charm rankled in my bosom.
00:33:18.648 --> 00:33:23.340
No, but you women have such strange ideas. that you think all ends well as long
00:33:23.340 --> 00:33:24.947
as your married life runs smooth.
00:33:25.440 --> 00:33:29.870
But if some mischance occur to ruffle your love, all that was good and lovely
00:33:29.870 --> 00:33:34.590
ere she reckoned as your foes, yea, men should have begotten children from some
00:33:34.590 --> 00:33:37.253
other source, no female race existing.
00:33:37.723 --> 00:33:40.603
Thus would no evil ever have fallen on mankind.
00:33:41.664 --> 00:33:45.459
This speech, O Jason, hast thou specious art arranged.
00:33:45.935 --> 00:33:49.726
But yet, I think, albeit in speaking, I am indiscreet, screed,
00:33:50.243 --> 00:33:52.744
that thou hast sinned in thy betrayal with thy wife.
00:33:53.632 --> 00:33:58.680
No doubt I differ from the mass of many on many points, for to my mind whoso
00:33:58.680 --> 00:34:03.420
hath skilled to fence with words in an unjust cause incurs the heaviest penalty.
00:34:04.110 --> 00:34:08.620
For such is one, confident that he can cast the decent failed words over his
00:34:08.620 --> 00:34:14.019
own justice, dares to practice it, and yet he is not so very clever after all.
00:34:14.466 --> 00:34:19.523
For do not thou put forth thy specious pleas and clever words to me now,
00:34:19.917 --> 00:34:22.263
for one word of mine will lay me low.
00:34:22.859 --> 00:34:28.090
Hats thou not a villain's heart, thou shouldest gain my consent and made this
00:34:28.090 --> 00:34:30.783
match instead of hiding it from those who love thee.
00:34:32.171 --> 00:34:36.191
Thou wouldst have let me ready aid, no doubt, in this proposal,
00:34:36.191 --> 00:34:42.153
if I had told thee of my marriage, seeing that not even now canst thou restraining thy soul's hot fury.
00:34:42.840 --> 00:34:47.731
This was not what restrained thee, but thine eyes was turned towards old age,
00:34:47.731 --> 00:34:50.787
and a foreign wife began to appear ashamed to thee.
00:34:51.462 --> 00:34:57.132
Be well assured of this, with not for the woman's sake I wedded the king's daughter, my present wife.
00:34:57.875 --> 00:35:02.571
But as I have already told thee, I wish to ensure thy safety to be the father
00:35:02.571 --> 00:35:07.297
of royal sons bound by blood to my own children, a bulwark to our house.
00:35:08.667 --> 00:35:14.820
May that prosperity whose end is woe never be mine, nor such wealth as would ever sting my heart.
00:35:15.387 --> 00:35:19.927
Change that prayer, or else I will teach thee, and thou wilt show more wisdom.
00:35:20.292 --> 00:35:26.067
Never let happiness appear in sorrow's guise, nor will my fortune's smiles pretend she frown.
00:35:26.750 --> 00:35:32.386
Mock on, thou hast a place of refuge. I am alone, and exile seem to be.
00:35:33.304 --> 00:35:36.393
Thy own free choice was this, blame no one else.
00:35:37.003 --> 00:35:43.620
What did I do? marry, then betray thee. Against the king thou didst invoke an impious curse.
00:35:44.570 --> 00:35:47.229
On thy house too may I bring this curse.
00:35:48.300 --> 00:35:53.897
Know this, I will no further dispute this point with thee, but thou wilt of
00:35:53.897 --> 00:35:58.887
mine fortune somewhat take from the children of thyself to help thy exalt, say on,
00:35:59.462 --> 00:36:03.677
for I am ready to grant it with an ungrudging hand, yea, and to bend tokens
00:36:03.677 --> 00:36:06.202
to friends elsewhere who shall treat thee well.
00:36:06.824 --> 00:36:11.557
If thou refuse this offer, thou wilt do a foolish deed. But if thou cease from
00:36:11.557 --> 00:36:13.474
anger, the greater will be thy gain.
00:36:14.275 --> 00:36:19.567
I will have nothing to do with friends of mine. Not will I receive with thee, offer it not to me.
00:36:19.947 --> 00:36:22.338
A villain's gift can bring no blessing.
00:36:23.557 --> 00:36:28.781
At least I call the gods to witness, but I am ready in all things to serve thee and thy children.
00:36:29.269 --> 00:36:33.599
But thou dost score my favors and thrust us my friends stubbornly away.
00:36:34.186 --> 00:36:36.316
Wherefore thy lot will be more bitter.
00:36:36.956 --> 00:36:43.263
Away, by love for thy young bride and trap, too long thou wanderest outside her chamber.
00:36:43.635 --> 00:36:46.500
Go, wed, if God will.
00:36:46.895 --> 00:36:50.349
Thou shalt have such a marriage as thou wouldest fame refuse.
00:36:51.340 --> 00:36:53.587
Jason Leeds, The Question.
00:36:56.001 --> 00:37:02.116
When in excess and past all limits love doth come, he brings back glory or repute to man.
00:37:02.789 --> 00:37:07.231
But if the Cyprian queen in a moderate might approach, the goddess is so full
00:37:07.231 --> 00:37:12.851
of charm as she, never, oh never, lady mine, discharge of me from my golden
00:37:12.851 --> 00:37:16.679
vow, a shaft invincible, and passion's venom dip.
00:37:17.240 --> 00:37:22.093
On me may chastity heaven's fairest gift, look with a favoring eye.
00:37:22.662 --> 00:37:27.834
Never may Cyprus, goddess dread Fasten on me in a temper too disple,
00:37:28.513 --> 00:37:34.711
Or restless jealousy Smiting my soul with mad desire For unlawful love But may
00:37:34.711 --> 00:37:39.711
she hallow peaceful married life And truly decide who each of us shall lead,
00:37:40.375 --> 00:37:47.021
O my country, O my dear home God grant I may never be an outcast Of my city,
00:37:47.631 --> 00:37:51.427
Leading that cruel helpless life Whose every day is misery,
00:37:52.211 --> 00:37:55.671
Ere that may I this my life complete and yield to death.
00:37:57.221 --> 00:38:00.983
For there is no misery that doth surpass the loss of Father Lamb.
00:38:01.580 --> 00:38:07.457
I have seen with my eyes, nor from the lips of others have I blessed the world.
00:38:07.864 --> 00:38:12.572
No city, not one friend doth pity thee in this thine awful woe.
00:38:13.189 --> 00:38:19.412
May he perish and find no favor, whoso hath not in him honor for his friends,
00:38:19.998 --> 00:38:24.377
really unlocking his heart never shall he be friend and one.
00:38:25.420 --> 00:38:29.794
Medea has been seated in despair on her doorstep during the choral song,
00:38:30.148 --> 00:38:31.913
Aegeus and his attendant center.
00:38:32.609 --> 00:38:38.031
All hail, Medea. No man knoweth fairer prelude to the greetings of friends than this.
00:38:38.685 --> 00:38:43.690
All hail to thee likewise, Aegeus, son of wise Pandion. Whence comest thou to
00:38:43.690 --> 00:38:46.620
this land? From Phoebus's ancient oracle.
00:38:47.310 --> 00:38:50.503
What took thee on thy travels to the prophetic center of the earth?
00:38:51.225 --> 00:38:54.969
The wish to ask how I might raise up seed unto myself.
00:38:55.631 --> 00:38:59.381
Pray tell me, hast thou till now dragged on a child in this life?
00:39:00.019 --> 00:39:03.021
I have no child owing to the visitation of some god.
00:39:03.626 --> 00:39:07.191
Hadst thou a wife, or hast thou never known the married stake?
00:39:07.788 --> 00:39:10.406
I have a wife joined to me in bloodlocks bond.
00:39:11.026 --> 00:39:16.158
What said Phoebus to thee as to children? Words too subtle for a man to comprehend.
00:39:16.751 --> 00:39:18.671
Surely I may learn the god's answer.
00:39:19.271 --> 00:39:22.712
Most assuredly, for it is just thy son a whittet means.
00:39:23.326 --> 00:39:30.350
What said the god? speak if I may hear it. He bade me not loose the wineskin's pendant neck.
00:39:31.036 --> 00:39:36.792
Till when? What must thou do first? What country visit? Till I return to my native home.
00:39:37.446 --> 00:39:43.188
What object hast thou in sailing to this land? Over treason's realm is piteous king.
00:39:43.933 --> 00:39:46.621
Pelop's son, a man devout, they say.
00:39:47.548 --> 00:39:52.218
Him I have feigned would be part the oracle of the god. The man is shrewd and
00:39:52.218 --> 00:39:53.775
versed in such light, Lord.
00:39:54.297 --> 00:39:57.622
Ay, and to me the dearest of all my warrior friends.
00:39:58.242 --> 00:40:03.925
Good luck to thee, success to all thy wishes. But why that downcast eye, that wasted cheek?
00:40:04.538 --> 00:40:07.237
O Aegeus, my husband has proved much evil.
00:40:07.858 --> 00:40:11.567
What meanest thou? Explain to me clearly the cause of thy despondency.
00:40:12.203 --> 00:40:15.070
Jason is longing me, though I have given him no cause.
00:40:15.708 --> 00:40:20.788
What hath he done? Tell me more clearly. He is taking another wife to succeed
00:40:20.788 --> 00:40:22.233
me as mistress of this house.
00:40:22.753 --> 00:40:26.919
Can he have brought himself to such a dastard deed? Be assured thereof.
00:40:27.583 --> 00:40:32.318
I, whom he loved, have yore in the dishonor now. Hath he found a new love,
00:40:32.318 --> 00:40:33.642
or does he love Thadette?
00:40:34.317 --> 00:40:37.829
Much in love is he, a traitor to his friend, does he become.
00:40:38.429 --> 00:40:40.675
Enough. Is he a villain, as thou sayest?
00:40:41.278 --> 00:40:44.379
The alliance he is so in every of is with the princess.
00:40:45.052 --> 00:40:50.648
Who gives him his daughter? Go on, I pray. Creon, who is lord of this land of corn.
00:40:51.390 --> 00:40:57.683
Lady, I can well pardon thy grief. I am undone, and more than that am banished from the land.
00:40:58.269 --> 00:41:01.648
By whom? Fresh woe, this word of thine unfolds.
00:41:02.286 --> 00:41:04.817
Creon drives me forth in exile from corn.
00:41:05.478 --> 00:41:08.578
And Jason allows this? This too I blame him.
00:41:09.286 --> 00:41:12.079
Not in words, but he will stand not against it.
00:41:12.473 --> 00:41:18.992
Oh, I implore thee by this beard and by thy knees in suppliant posture. Pity, oh pity my sorrow.
00:41:19.579 --> 00:41:24.920
Do not see me cast forth forlorn, but receive me in thy country to a seat within thy hollows.
00:41:25.610 --> 00:41:29.820
So may thy wish by heaven's grace be crowned with a full harvest of offspring
00:41:30.231 --> 00:41:35.647
and may thy life close in happiness i know it's not the rare good luck that i find is here,
00:41:36.106 --> 00:41:40.343
for i will make thy childlessness to cease and cause them to forget fair issue
00:41:40.691 --> 00:41:42.643
so potent are the spells i know.
00:41:43.776 --> 00:41:47.547
Lady, on many grounds I am most fain to grant thee this boon,
00:41:47.878 --> 00:41:52.156
first for the gods' sake, next for my children, whom thou dost promise I shall beget.
00:41:52.776 --> 00:41:56.867
For in respect of this I am completely lost. Tis thus with me.
00:41:57.273 --> 00:42:01.206
If ever thou reach my land, I will attempt to champion thee as I am bound to
00:42:01.206 --> 00:42:04.396
do it. Only one warning I do give thee, Spurs, lady.
00:42:04.872 --> 00:42:07.176
I will not from this land bear thee away.
00:42:08.001 --> 00:42:13.216
If of thyself thou reach my hold, there shalt thy bid in safety,
00:42:13.216 --> 00:42:15.488
and I will never yield thee up to any man.
00:42:15.900 --> 00:42:21.265
But from this land escape without my aid, for I have no wish to incur the blame of my allies.
00:42:22.621 --> 00:42:27.331
Shall be even so. But wouldst thou pledge thy word to this, I should be well
00:42:27.331 --> 00:42:28.678
in land content with thee.
00:42:29.262 --> 00:42:32.576
Surely thou dost trust me, as there are all that troubles thee.
00:42:33.174 --> 00:42:37.209
Thee I trust, but Peleus' house and Creon are my foes.
00:42:37.644 --> 00:42:42.501
Wherefore, if thou art bond by an oath, thou wilt not give me up to them when
00:42:42.501 --> 00:42:46.961
they come to drag me from the lair, but having entered into a compact and sworn
00:42:46.961 --> 00:42:51.687
by heaven as well, thou wilt become my friend and disregard their overtures.
00:42:52.319 --> 00:42:56.615
Weak is any aid of mine, whilst they have wealth in a princely house.
00:42:57.569 --> 00:43:02.538
Lady, thy words show much foresight, so if this is thy will I do not refuse,
00:43:03.009 --> 00:43:07.293
for I shall feel secure and safe if I have some pretext to offer to thy foes,
00:43:07.711 --> 00:43:11.501
in thy case too the firmer stands. Now name thy gods.
00:43:12.187 --> 00:43:17.751
Swear by the plain of earth, by Heliosus, my father's sire, and in one comprehensive
00:43:17.751 --> 00:43:19.525
oath by all the race of the gods.
00:43:20.267 --> 00:43:23.546
What shall I swear to do? From what refrain, tell me that.
00:43:24.153 --> 00:43:27.641
Swear that thou wilt never of thyself expel me from thy land,
00:43:27.641 --> 00:43:32.231
nor, whilst life is thine, commit any other, one of my foes may be,
00:43:32.231 --> 00:43:34.303
to hail me then, since he so will.
00:43:35.035 --> 00:43:39.981
By earth I swear, by the Son God's holy being, and by all the hosts of heaven,
00:43:39.981 --> 00:43:42.808
that I will stand fast in the terms I hear thee make.
00:43:43.449 --> 00:43:47.941
But soon enough, that thou shouldst break this oath, what curse dost thou invoke
00:43:47.941 --> 00:43:51.302
upon ourselves, whatever betides the impious.
00:43:52.044 --> 00:43:56.171
Go in peace, all is well, and I with speed will come to thee,
00:43:56.647 --> 00:43:58.998
but I have wrought my purpose and obtained my wish.
00:44:00.281 --> 00:44:01.848
Jesus and his brethren will depart.
00:44:03.869 --> 00:44:08.650
Am I as prince's son, go with me on thy way to bring thee to thy home,
00:44:09.160 --> 00:44:13.514
and mayest thou attain that on thy soul which is so firmly set,
00:44:14.100 --> 00:44:17.984
thou to mind, thou seemest a generous man, O Jesus.
00:44:19.151 --> 00:44:26.181
O Zeus, injustice, child of Zeus, and sun god's light, now will triumph over my foes.
00:44:26.709 --> 00:44:32.659
Kind friends, on victory's road have I set forth. Good hope have I of wreaking
00:44:32.659 --> 00:44:34.418
vengeance on moves I hate.
00:44:35.353 --> 00:44:40.926
For where we were in most distress, a stranger had appeared to be a haven in my counsels.
00:44:41.541 --> 00:44:47.729
To him will we make fast the cables of our ship when we come to the town's citadel palace.
00:44:48.281 --> 00:44:53.511
But now I'll explain to thee my plans in full. Do not expect to hear a pleasant tale.
00:44:54.123 --> 00:44:57.775
A servant of mine will lie to Jason Sen and crave an interview.
00:44:58.320 --> 00:45:01.936
Then when he comes I will address him with soft words and say,
00:45:02.254 --> 00:45:04.443
This pleases me, and that as well.
00:45:04.965 --> 00:45:09.639
Even the marriage with the princess which my treacherous lord is celebrating
00:45:09.639 --> 00:45:12.767
and add it suits us both was well thought out,
00:45:13.388 --> 00:45:18.079
then will I entreat that here my children may abide not that I mean to leave
00:45:18.079 --> 00:45:23.628
them in a hostile land with those to flout but that I may slay the king's daughter by guile,
00:45:24.116 --> 00:45:28.429
where I will send them with gifts in their hands carrying them unto the bride
00:45:28.429 --> 00:45:30.020
to save them from banishment,
00:45:30.513 --> 00:45:33.445
a robe of finest wool and a chaplet of gold,
00:45:34.019 --> 00:45:38.710
And if these ornaments she'd taken put them on, miserably Salcee died.
00:45:39.116 --> 00:45:44.480
Likewise, everyone who touches her with such fell poisons will I smear my gifts.
00:45:45.031 --> 00:45:49.408
And here I quit this thing, but I shudder at the deed I must do next.
00:45:50.303 --> 00:45:55.388
I will slay the children I have borne. There is none shall take them from my toils.
00:45:55.905 --> 00:45:59.932
And when I have utterly confounded Jason's house, I will leave the land,
00:46:00.304 --> 00:46:05.685
escaping punishment and my dear children's murder after my most unholy deed.
00:46:06.209 --> 00:46:11.666
For I cannot endure the taunts of enemies, kinds from this enough. What gain is left to me?
00:46:12.252 --> 00:46:14.696
I have no country, home, or refuge left.
00:46:15.305 --> 00:46:20.363
Oh, I did wrong that hour I left my father's home, Persuaded by that Hellene's
00:46:20.363 --> 00:46:24.099
words, Who now shall pay the penalty, so help me God.
00:46:24.647 --> 00:46:30.313
Never shall he see again alive the children I bore to him, Or from his new bribe
00:46:30.313 --> 00:46:35.820
shall he beget issue, For she must die a hideous death, slain by my drugs.
00:46:36.406 --> 00:46:40.626
Let no one deem me a poor, weak woman Who sits with folded hands,
00:46:41.033 --> 00:46:45.288
But of another mold, dangerous to foes And well-disposed to ends.
00:46:45.943 --> 00:46:50.482
For they win the fairest fame, who's lived a life like mine.
00:46:54.849 --> 00:46:59.132
Since thou hast imparted this design to me, I bid thee hold thy hand,
00:46:59.242 --> 00:47:03.224
both from a wish to serve me and because I would uphold the laws in the midst.
00:47:03.972 --> 00:47:09.486
Cannot be. By words I pardon, since thou art not in the same sorry plight as I.
00:47:09.980 --> 00:47:13.921
O lady, would thou steal thyself to slay thy children?
00:47:14.472 --> 00:47:17.887
I will, for thou wilt stab my husband to the heart.
00:47:18.499 --> 00:47:21.581
It may, but thou wilt be the saddest wife alive.
00:47:22.182 --> 00:47:28.015
No matter. Wasted is every word that comes betwixt thou and then. Nurse, enter me.
00:47:28.730 --> 00:47:33.443
Then go to Jason who me, for thee I do employ on every mission of trust.
00:47:33.983 --> 00:47:38.989
No word divulge of all my purpose, as thou art to thy mistress loyal,
00:47:38.989 --> 00:47:42.521
likewise of my sex. Precouris sings.
00:47:43.338 --> 00:47:48.820
Sons of Erechtheus, heroes happy from all your children of the blessed God,
00:47:49.743 --> 00:47:54.550
bed on the wisdom's glorious field and holy land never pillaged by its foes.
00:47:55.728 --> 00:48:01.749
Yea, you move with sprightly step through a climate ever bright and clear where,
00:48:01.749 --> 00:48:05.199
as legend tells, in Muses 9, Pyrian's
00:48:05.199 --> 00:48:09.444
homey maids were brought to birth by Harmonia with the golden hair.
00:48:10.082 --> 00:48:16.419
And poets sing how sickles drawing water from the streams of fair-flowing Cepheus's
00:48:16.419 --> 00:48:19.875
breasts over the land, the gentle breeze of balmy winds.
00:48:20.497 --> 00:48:25.239
And ever as she crowns with tracety, the garland of sweet rose buds,
00:48:25.837 --> 00:48:31.404
sends forth the love to sit by wisdom's eye, to take part in every excellence.
00:48:32.839 --> 00:48:37.349
Now then shall the city of sacred streams, the land that welcomes those who
00:48:37.349 --> 00:48:44.311
it loves, receive thee, the murderers of thy child, thee whose presence with others is a pollution.
00:48:44.836 --> 00:48:49.374
Think on the murder of thy children. Consider the bloody deed thou takest on me.
00:48:49.970 --> 00:48:56.976
Nay, by thy knees we, one and all, implore them, slay not thy face.
00:48:57.518 --> 00:49:03.497
Where shall hand or heart find hardihood enough And greet me such a fearsome deed upon my sons?
00:49:04.136 --> 00:49:09.749
How wilt thou look upon my babes And still without a tear retain thy bloody purpose?
00:49:10.274 --> 00:49:15.949
Thou canst not, when they fall thy feet in their seat, Steal thy heart and dip
00:49:15.949 --> 00:49:18.906
in their blood thy hair. Jason enters.
00:49:20.107 --> 00:49:21.499
I am come at thy bidding, for.
00:49:24.044 --> 00:49:28.159
Even though thy hate for me is bitter, Thou shalt not fail in this small bull,
00:49:28.159 --> 00:49:31.596
but I will hear what new request thou hast to make of me ready.
00:49:32.368 --> 00:49:38.388
Jason, I crave my pardon for the words I spoke, and well, thou mayest brook my burst of passion.
00:49:39.160 --> 00:49:44.489
For never now we twain have shared much love, for I have reasoned with my soul
00:49:44.489 --> 00:49:46.120
and rallied upon me thus.
00:49:46.841 --> 00:49:52.526
Ah, poor heart, why am I thus distraught? Why so angered against all good advice?
00:49:53.059 --> 00:49:57.739
Why have I come to hate the rulers of the land my husband too who does the best
00:49:57.739 --> 00:50:02.248
for me he can wedding with a princess and rearing for my children noble brothers and,
00:50:03.303 --> 00:50:08.264
Shall I not cease to fret what possesses me when heaven is death's death out there?
00:50:09.503 --> 00:50:14.626
Have I not my children to consider? Do I forget that we are fugitives and need of friends?
00:50:15.537 --> 00:50:18.683
When I had thought all of this and how sadly foolish I had been,
00:50:19.589 --> 00:50:21.197
how senselessly enraged.
00:50:21.603 --> 00:50:27.815
So now do commend thee and think thee most wise in forming this connection for us. For I was mad.
00:50:28.563 --> 00:50:31.903
I, who should have shared in these designs, helped on my plans,
00:50:31.903 --> 00:50:36.400
and let my aid to bring about the match, only too pleased to wait upon thy bride.
00:50:37.015 --> 00:50:40.696
For what we are, we are, we women, evil I will not say.
00:50:41.230 --> 00:50:42.723
Wherefore, thou shouldest not
00:50:42.723 --> 00:50:46.563
sink to our sorrow and level, nor with our weapons be our childishness.
00:50:48.183 --> 00:50:53.367
I yield and do confess, Jason, that I was wrong, but now have I come to a better mind.
00:50:53.657 --> 00:50:57.753
Come hither, my children, come Leave the house, step forth, and with me Greet
00:50:57.753 --> 00:51:02.103
and bid farewell to your father Be reconciled from all past Bitterness unto
00:51:02.103 --> 00:51:07.421
your friends As now your mother is But we have made a truce and anger no more,
00:51:08.193 --> 00:51:10.329
The attendant comes out of the house With your children,
00:51:11.193 --> 00:51:16.406
Take his right hand, my sad faith When I reflect is now upon The hidden future,
00:51:16.917 --> 00:51:21.933
O my children, since there awaits you You need thus a long, long life Stretch
00:51:21.933 --> 00:51:24.028
forth the hand to take a on farewell.
00:51:24.799 --> 00:51:29.983
How new to tears am I, how sore fear, for now that I have at last released me
00:51:29.983 --> 00:51:35.235
from my call with your father, I let the tears drop, stream down my tender cheek.
00:51:36.413 --> 00:51:43.203
Are my eyes too garstful with the copious tear? Oh, may no greater ill than the present ever fall.
00:51:43.944 --> 00:51:47.746
Lady, I praise this conduct, not that I blame for what is past,
00:51:47.897 --> 00:51:52.093
for it is but natural to the female sex to vent their spleen against the husband
00:51:52.093 --> 00:51:53.964
when it traffics in other marriages.
00:51:54.613 --> 00:51:56.523
But thy heart is changed to wiser
00:51:56.523 --> 00:52:00.418
schemes, and thou art determined on a better course, late thou it be.
00:52:00.929 --> 00:52:03.169
This is acting like a woman of sober sense.
00:52:03.898 --> 00:52:09.569
And for you, my sons, hath your father provided with all good a heed so absurd refuge.
00:52:09.917 --> 00:52:14.163
By God's grace, for me, I trow, shall with your brothers share her act with
00:52:14.163 --> 00:52:16.587
the foremost moraginous current in the realm.
00:52:17.121 --> 00:52:22.053
Only grow up, for all the rest your sire and whoso of the gods is kind to us
00:52:22.053 --> 00:52:23.604
in bringing this to pass.
00:52:24.295 --> 00:52:28.817
May I see you reach man's full estate, high over the heads of those I hate.
00:52:29.473 --> 00:52:35.033
But thou, lady, with thy fresh tears Dost thine eyelids wet Turning away thy
00:52:35.033 --> 00:52:38.303
warm cheek With no welcome for me's my happy tidings,
00:52:39.047 --> 00:52:43.443
Tis not Upon these children my thoughts will turn Take heart,
00:52:43.443 --> 00:52:49.273
then For I will see that it is well with them I will do so Nor will I doubt
00:52:49.273 --> 00:52:53.056
thy worry Woman is a weak creature Ever given to tears,
00:52:53.812 --> 00:52:57.382
Why pray the unhappy one Dost moan over these children.
00:52:58.293 --> 00:53:02.253
I gave them birth, and when thou didst pray a long life for them,
00:53:02.253 --> 00:53:05.688
pity entered into my soul to think that these things must be.
00:53:06.385 --> 00:53:10.013
But the reason of thy coming hither to speak with me is partly told,
00:53:10.367 --> 00:53:11.847
the rest I will now mention.
00:53:12.573 --> 00:53:15.551
Since it is the pleasure of the rulers of the land to banish me,
00:53:15.998 --> 00:53:19.963
and while I know it were best for me to stand not in the way of thee or the
00:53:19.963 --> 00:53:24.552
rulers by dwelling here, and amidst I am, thought unto their house.
00:53:25.335 --> 00:53:28.723
For with from this land in exile am I going, with these children,
00:53:28.723 --> 00:53:33.433
that they may know thy fostering hand, beg Creon to remit their vanishing.
00:53:33.945 --> 00:53:36.993
I doubt whether I can persuade him, yet must I attempt it.
00:53:38.331 --> 00:53:43.281
At least do thou bid thy wife ask her sire in this boon, to remit the exile
00:53:43.281 --> 00:53:44.728
of you children from this land.
00:53:45.338 --> 00:53:50.994
Yea, that I will, and her in me thinks I shall persuade, since she is a woman like the rest.
00:53:51.877 --> 00:53:56.471
I too will aid thee in this task, for by the children's hands I will send to
00:53:56.471 --> 00:53:58.918
her gifts that far surpass in beauty.
00:53:59.514 --> 00:54:06.224
I well know that now is seen amongst men, a robe of finest tissue and a chaplet of chaste gold.
00:54:06.831 --> 00:54:09.925
One of my attendants must haste and bring the ornaments hither.
00:54:11.094 --> 00:54:14.803
Happy shall be she once allowed but ten thousandfold.
00:54:14.966 --> 00:54:19.961
When be she when the noah's soul to share her love, and gets these gifts as
00:54:19.961 --> 00:54:24.846
well, which on a day my father's side, the sun god, bestowed on those descendants.
00:54:25.608 --> 00:54:28.632
The servant returns and hands the gifts to the children.
00:54:29.304 --> 00:54:31.001
My children, take these in thy
00:54:31.001 --> 00:54:35.492
hands, and bear them as an offering to the royal maid, the happy bride.
00:54:36.334 --> 00:54:39.480
For verily the gifts she shall receive are not to be scored.
00:54:40.969 --> 00:54:46.673
Why so rashly rob thyself of these gifts? Thust think a royal palace wants her robes or gold?
00:54:47.160 --> 00:54:49.546
Keep them, Medea, and give them to another.
00:54:50.074 --> 00:54:54.718
For well I know that if my lady hold me in esteem, she will set my price above all wealth.
00:54:55.739 --> 00:55:01.599
Say not so. Tis said that gifts tempt even gods, and of the men's minds gold
00:55:01.599 --> 00:55:04.441
hold more potent sway than countless words.
00:55:05.126 --> 00:55:09.317
Fortune smiles upon my bride, and heaven now doth swell her triumph.
00:55:09.839 --> 00:55:14.119
Youth is hers, and princely power. Yet to save my children from exile,
00:55:14.119 --> 00:55:16.416
I would barter a lion, not cross alone.
00:55:17.153 --> 00:55:21.099
Children, when we are come to the rich palace, pray your father's new bride,
00:55:21.099 --> 00:55:27.345
my mistress, with suppliant voice to save me from exile, offering her these ornaments to lie.
00:55:27.918 --> 00:55:32.661
For it is most needful that she receive the gifts in her own hand. Now go on my no-no.
00:55:33.196 --> 00:55:37.677
May you succeed, and your mother bring back the glad tithing that she would bring to hear.
00:55:38.567 --> 00:55:42.433
Jason and the children go out together. Chorus sings.
00:55:43.293 --> 00:55:50.266
Gone, gone is every hope I had in the children yet I live. Forth to their doom they now proceed.
00:55:50.847 --> 00:55:55.880
The hapless bride will take the golden crown that is to be her lumen.
00:55:56.350 --> 00:56:01.472
With her own hand will she lift and place upon her golden locks the garniture of death.
00:56:02.267 --> 00:56:07.044
Its grace and sheen divine will tempt her to put on the robe and crown of gold.
00:56:07.642 --> 00:56:11.706
And in that act will she deck herself to be a bride amid the dead.
00:56:12.396 --> 00:56:18.793
Such is the snare whereinto she will fall. Such is the deadly doom that waits for hapless maid.
00:56:19.257 --> 00:56:21.219
Nor shall she from the curse escape.
00:56:21.694 --> 00:56:26.535
And thou, poor wretch, who to thyself art wedding with the king's daughter.
00:56:27.057 --> 00:56:30.453
Then I'll thinkest of thy doom thou art bringing on thy children's life.
00:56:30.993 --> 00:56:34.505
For of the cruel death that waits by brother, woe is you.
00:56:35.057 --> 00:56:37.413
How art thou falling from thy highest day?
00:56:38.664 --> 00:56:44.164
Do I bewail thy sorrows, O mother, hapless in thy children, thou who wilt slay
00:56:44.164 --> 00:56:50.014
thy babes, because thou hast arrival, the babes thy husband hath deserted impiously
00:56:50.014 --> 00:56:51.823
to join them to another bride.
00:56:53.141 --> 00:56:58.041
Attendant enters with each other. Thy children, lady, are from exile free,
00:56:58.366 --> 00:57:01.866
and gladly did the royal bride accept thy gifts in her own hands,
00:57:01.988 --> 00:57:04.275
and so thy children made their peace with her.
00:57:05.212 --> 00:57:10.051
But why art so disquiet in thy prosperous hour? Why turnest thou cheek away,
00:57:10.051 --> 00:57:12.223
and hast no welcome for my glad news?
00:57:13.005 --> 00:57:16.932
O Lord, these groans ill accord with the news I bring.
00:57:17.596 --> 00:57:22.311
O Lord, once more I say, Have I unwittingly announced some evil tidings?
00:57:22.311 --> 00:57:24.690
Have I erred in my thinking my news was good?
00:57:25.326 --> 00:57:31.810
The news is as it was, I blame thee not. And why this downcast eye, this flood of tears?
00:57:32.469 --> 00:57:37.591
Old friends, needs must I weep, for the gods and I, with fell intent,
00:57:37.591 --> 00:57:40.718
devise these schemes. Be of good cheer.
00:57:41.452 --> 00:57:45.284
Thou too of a surety shalt thy sons yet be brought home again.
00:57:45.875 --> 00:57:50.211
Ere that shall I bring others to their home. Woe is mine.
00:57:50.872 --> 00:57:55.866
Thou art not the mother from thy children wrath. Fear patiently thy troubles as a mortal must.
00:57:56.587 --> 00:58:01.173
I will obey. Go thou within the house and make the day's provisions for the children.
00:58:01.937 --> 00:58:05.437
The attendant enters the house. Medea turns to the children.
00:58:06.211 --> 00:58:10.750
O my babes, my babes, ye have still a city and a home.
00:58:11.360 --> 00:58:15.911
Where far from me and my sad lot you will live your lives, rest of your mother
00:58:15.911 --> 00:58:19.516
forever, while I must go to another land of banishment.
00:58:20.197 --> 00:58:24.116
Or ever have I had you in my joy, or lived to see you happy,
00:58:24.644 --> 00:58:29.001
or ever had I graced your marriage couch, your bride, your bridal power,
00:58:29.001 --> 00:58:31.036
or lifted high the wedding torch.
00:58:31.831 --> 00:58:37.451
Oh, a victim of my own self-will. So it was all in vain I reared you,
00:58:37.451 --> 00:58:42.982
oh my sons, in vain did suffer a wreck with anguish and during the cruel pangs of childhood.
00:58:43.342 --> 00:58:48.721
Before heaven I once had hope for me. I hope of ye that you would nurse me in
00:58:48.721 --> 00:58:53.675
my age and deck my corpse with loving hands, a boon we mortals covet.
00:58:54.314 --> 00:58:57.065
But now is my sweet fancy dead and gone.
00:58:58.137 --> 00:59:03.004
For I must lose you both, that in bitterness and sorrow drag through life.
00:59:03.909 --> 00:59:08.677
And ye shall never with fond eyes see your mother mourn, For over your life
00:59:08.677 --> 00:59:10.359
there now comes a change.
00:59:11.456 --> 00:59:16.013
Why do you look at me so, my children? Why smile that last sweet smile?
00:59:17.239 --> 00:59:22.671
Am I to do? My heart gives way when I behold my children's laughing eyes.
00:59:23.443 --> 00:59:25.859
Oh, I cannot. Farewell to all
00:59:25.859 --> 00:59:29.452
my former schemes. I will take the children from the land of Apes I bore.
00:59:29.829 --> 00:59:33.759
Why should I wound their sire by wounding them and get me a twofold measure
00:59:33.759 --> 00:59:36.093
of sorrow? No, no, I will not do it.
00:59:36.348 --> 00:59:39.094
Farewell, my scheming, and yet what possesses me?
00:59:39.680 --> 00:59:44.759
Can I consent to let those thrones of mine escape from punishment and incur their mockery?
00:59:45.530 --> 00:59:52.329
No, I must face this deed out upon my craven heart to think that I should even
00:59:52.329 --> 00:59:55.443
have let the soft words escape my soul.
00:59:56.173 --> 00:59:59.651
Into the house, children. Children go into the house.
01:00:00.508 --> 01:00:06.330
And whoso feels he must not be present at my sacrifice, must see to it himself.
01:00:06.934 --> 01:00:08.885
I will not spoil my handiwork.
01:00:09.631 --> 01:00:12.754
Do not, my heart, oh, do not do this deed.
01:00:13.108 --> 01:00:18.877
Let the children go, unhappy ones, spare the babes, for if they live they will cheer thee in thy exile.
01:00:19.330 --> 01:00:24.229
Nay, by the themes of hell's abyss, never, never will I hand my children over
01:00:24.229 --> 01:00:26.360
to their foes to mock and flout.
01:00:27.211 --> 01:00:32.249
Die they must in any case, and since see so, why I, the mother who bore them,
01:00:32.249 --> 01:00:33.648
will give the fatal blow.
01:00:34.316 --> 01:00:39.229
In any case, their doom is fixed and there is no escape. Already the crown is
01:00:39.229 --> 01:00:43.472
on her head, the robe is around her and she is dying, the royal bride.
01:00:44.070 --> 01:00:48.949
That I do know full well. But now, since I have a piteous path to tread,
01:00:48.949 --> 01:00:54.802
and yet more piteous still the path I send my children on, feign what I say farewell to me.
01:00:55.701 --> 01:01:02.080
She takes her children in her arms. Oh, my babes, my babes, Let your mother kiss your hand.
01:01:03.531 --> 01:01:09.231
I love so well. Oh, lips most dear to me. Oh, noble form and features of my
01:01:09.231 --> 01:01:11.269
children. I wish he'd joy.
01:01:11.842 --> 01:01:15.749
But in that other land, where here your father robbed you of your home.
01:01:16.600 --> 01:01:22.642
Oh, the sweet embrace, the soft young cheek, the fragrant breath. My children, go.
01:01:23.274 --> 01:01:26.025
Leave me. I cannot bear to look upon you.
01:01:26.629 --> 01:01:31.743
My sorrow wins the day. At last I understand the awful deed I am to do.
01:01:32.341 --> 01:01:40.206
With passion that causeth diarous woes to murder man has triumphed over my silver thought.
01:01:40.912 --> 01:01:44.259
She goes into the house with the children, the chorus songs.
01:01:44.674 --> 01:01:49.931
Oft here now have I pursued subtler themes and have faced graver issues than
01:01:49.931 --> 01:01:51.902
the woman's sack she'd seek to probe.
01:01:52.574 --> 01:01:58.256
But then, even we aspire to culture, which dwells with us each to teach us wisdom.
01:01:58.807 --> 01:02:04.724
I say not all, for small is the class amongst women that is not incapable of wisdom.
01:02:05.404 --> 01:02:09.691
But amongst mortals do I assert that they are wholly without experience and
01:02:09.691 --> 01:02:13.822
have never had children far surpassed in happiness to those who are parents.
01:02:14.262 --> 01:02:17.861
The childless, because they have never proved whether children grow up to be
01:02:17.861 --> 01:02:22.453
a blessing or a curse to men, are removed from all share and many troubles.
01:02:23.074 --> 01:02:28.511
While stems who have a race of children growing up in their house do wear away
01:02:28.831 --> 01:02:30.533
as I perceive their whole life.
01:02:31.626 --> 01:02:34.690
First with the thought how they may train them up in virtue.
01:02:35.185 --> 01:02:37.855
Next time they shall leave their son the means to live.
01:02:38.504 --> 01:02:43.642
And after all this, it is far from clear whether I'm good or bad children. They bestow their toil.
01:02:44.449 --> 01:02:48.977
But one last crowning lobe for every mortal man will now name.
01:02:49.331 --> 01:02:52.605
Suppose that they have sufficient life and means to live.
01:02:52.982 --> 01:02:56.952
And see their children grow into man's estate and walk in virtue's path.
01:02:57.580 --> 01:03:03.169
Still a fortune so long comes death and bears the children's bodies off to Hades.
01:03:05.178 --> 01:03:10.066
Can it be any profit to the gods to keep upon us mortal men besides our other
01:03:10.066 --> 01:03:14.806
woes this further grief for children lost? The grief is surpassing all.
01:03:15.575 --> 01:03:21.406
Medea comes out of the house. Kind friends, long have I waited expectantly to
01:03:21.406 --> 01:03:23.734
know how things would be at the palace.
01:03:24.372 --> 01:03:30.386
And lo, I see one of Jason's servants coming hither, whose hurried gasps with
01:03:30.386 --> 01:03:33.596
breath proclaiming the bearer of some fresh nighting.
01:03:34.385 --> 01:03:40.226
A messenger. Fly, fly, Medea, who has wrought an awful deed transgressing every
01:03:40.226 --> 01:03:45.394
law, nor leave behind or seen one bark or car that scours the plain.
01:03:46.027 --> 01:03:50.229
Why, what hath chance that calls for such a flight of mine?
01:03:50.647 --> 01:03:56.899
The princess is dead, a moment gone, and Creon, too, her sire slain by those drugs of thine.
01:03:57.663 --> 01:04:04.709
Tidings most fair are thine. Henceforth shalt thou be raked among my friends. What? Out thou sane?
01:04:05.370 --> 01:04:09.756
Art not distraught, lady, who hears with joy the outrage to a royal house done?
01:04:09.756 --> 01:04:12.272
And art thou not afraid of the horrid tale?
01:04:13.857 --> 01:04:17.479
Somewhat have I, too, to say in answer to thy words.
01:04:18.202 --> 01:04:22.626
But not so hasty friend but tell the manner of their death for thou wouldst
01:04:22.626 --> 01:04:25.897
givest me double joy if they so perished miserably.
01:04:28.412 --> 01:04:30.092
And the children twain whom thou
01:04:30.092 --> 01:04:33.563
didst bear came with their father and entered the palace of the bride.
01:04:33.993 --> 01:04:38.682
Right glad were weak thralls who had shared thy griefs, for instantly from ear
01:04:38.682 --> 01:04:42.265
to ear rumors spread that thou and thy lord had made up their quarrel.
01:04:42.911 --> 01:04:46.137
One kissed thy children's hands and another their golden hair,
01:04:46.573 --> 01:04:50.631
while I for very joy went with them in person to the woman's chambers.
01:04:51.223 --> 01:04:56.592
Our mistress, whom we now do revere in thy room, cast a longing glance at Jason,
01:04:57.091 --> 01:05:01.592
ere she saw thy children twain, but then she veiled her eyes and turned her
01:05:01.592 --> 01:05:04.655
blanching cheek away, disgusted at their coming.
01:05:05.183 --> 01:05:09.312
But thy husband tried to check his young bride's anger and humor with these
01:05:09.312 --> 01:05:12.382
words. Oh, be not angered against thy friends.
01:05:12.754 --> 01:05:14.602
Cease from wrath and turn once
01:05:14.602 --> 01:05:18.959
more thy face this way, counting as friends whom so thy husband counts.
01:05:19.258 --> 01:05:25.127
And accept these gifts, and for my sake crave thy sire to ruin these children's exile.
01:05:26.207 --> 01:05:30.961
As soon as she saw the ornaments, no longer she held out, but yielded to her lord and all.
01:05:31.681 --> 01:05:35.622
And where her father and sons were gone from the palace, she took the broidered
01:05:35.622 --> 01:05:39.499
robe and put it on and set the golden crown about her tresses,
01:05:39.842 --> 01:05:44.770
arranging her hair at the bright air, with many a happy smile of the breathless counterfeit.
01:05:46.172 --> 01:05:50.282
Then, rising from her seat, she passed across the chamber, tripping lightly
01:05:50.282 --> 01:05:52.777
on her fair white foot, exulting in the king.
01:05:53.004 --> 01:05:55.361
Many a glance at her uplifted ankle.
01:05:57.291 --> 01:06:02.161
When lo, a scene of awful horror did ensue. In a moment she turned pale,
01:06:02.161 --> 01:06:07.251
reeled backwards, trembling every limb, and sinks upon a seat scarce sooner
01:06:07.251 --> 01:06:09.698
enough to save herself from falling to the ground.
01:06:10.267 --> 01:06:15.601
An aged dame, one of her company, thinking alike it was a fit of a tan or some
01:06:15.601 --> 01:06:21.161
godsend, raised a cry of prayer, till from her mouth she saw the foam flakes
01:06:21.161 --> 01:06:23.700
as she put eyeballs rolling in their sockets,
01:06:24.309 --> 01:06:26.323
and all the blood her face deserved.
01:06:27.043 --> 01:06:31.496
Then did she raise a loud scream, far different from a formal cry.
01:06:32.094 --> 01:06:36.861
Forthwith one hand made rush to her father's house, and another to her new bridegroom
01:06:36.861 --> 01:06:38.781
to tell his dry and sad fate.
01:06:39.309 --> 01:06:42.223
And the whole house echoed with her running to and fro.
01:06:42.844 --> 01:06:47.161
By this time would a quick walker have made the turn and chorus of six plethora
01:06:47.161 --> 01:06:50.841
and meet the goal. But when she with one awful shriek awoke,
01:06:50.841 --> 01:06:54.982
poor sufferer, from the speechless trance, it poked her closed eyes.
01:06:55.585 --> 01:06:58.558
For against her a twofold English was worn.
01:06:59.139 --> 01:07:04.241
The chaplet of gold about her head was sending forth a wondrous stream of ravening
01:07:04.241 --> 01:07:09.591
flame, while the fine raiment, my children's gift, was preying on the hapless
01:07:09.591 --> 01:07:11.216
maiden's fair white flesh.
01:07:11.715 --> 01:07:15.101
When she starts from her seat in her blaze and seeks to fly,
01:07:15.634 --> 01:07:19.922
shaking her hair and head this way and that, to cast the crown their thumb.
01:07:21.102 --> 01:07:25.722
But the gold held firm to its fastenings in the flame as she shook her locks,
01:07:25.722 --> 01:07:28.268
blazed forth them more with double fury.
01:07:28.884 --> 01:07:34.162
Then to the earth she sinks by the cruel glow of her cum, past all recognition
01:07:34.162 --> 01:07:36.092
now saved to her father's eye.
01:07:36.737 --> 01:07:42.221
For her eyes had lost their tranquil gaze, her face no more its natural look preserved.
01:07:42.815 --> 01:07:48.032
And from the crown of her head blood and fire and mingled stream ran down and
01:07:48.032 --> 01:07:53.351
from her bones the flesh kept peeling off beneath the gnawing of those secret drugs,
01:07:53.966 --> 01:07:58.864
even as when the pine tree meets its tears in pitch a fearsome sight to see,
01:07:59.852 --> 01:08:04.664
and all were afraid to touch the corpse but we were warned by what had chanced
01:08:04.937 --> 01:08:10.222
and on came her hapless father unto the house all unwitting for doom and stumbles
01:08:10.222 --> 01:08:12.257
over the dead and loud he cries,
01:08:12.791 --> 01:08:16.585
and folding his arms around her kiss with words like these,
01:08:17.124 --> 01:08:21.565
oh my poor poor child which of the gods hath destroyed me thus fouled,
01:08:22.169 --> 01:08:26.145
who is robbing me of thee old as i am and ripe for death,
01:08:26.767 --> 01:08:30.162
oh my child alas what i could die with thee.
01:08:32.130 --> 01:08:35.758
He ceased his sad lament and would have raised his age of frame,
01:08:36.044 --> 01:08:40.970
but found himself held fast by the fine spun of the old man's ivy that clings
01:08:40.970 --> 01:08:45.087
in the branches of the bay, and then ensued a fearful struggle.
01:08:45.737 --> 01:08:51.190
He strove to rise, but she still held him back, and if ever he pulled with all
01:08:51.190 --> 01:08:55.490
his might, from off his bones his page flesh he tore.
01:08:55.949 --> 01:09:00.557
At last he gave it up and breathed forth his soul of awful suffering,
01:09:01.171 --> 01:09:03.208
so he could no longer master the pain.
01:09:03.875 --> 01:09:08.600
So there they lie, daughter and aged side, dead side by side,
01:09:09.029 --> 01:09:11.143
a grievous sight that calls for two.
01:09:11.827 --> 01:09:17.300
And as for thee, I leave thee out of my consideration, where thyself must discover
01:09:17.300 --> 01:09:19.066
a means to escape punishment.
01:09:19.548 --> 01:09:23.054
Not now, for the first time, I think this human life is shattered.
01:09:23.518 --> 01:09:28.470
Yea, without shrinking, I will say that they amongst men who pretend to listen
01:09:28.470 --> 01:09:32.829
and expand deep thought on words do incur a serious charge of folly.
01:09:33.427 --> 01:09:35.621
For amongst mortals, no man is happy.
01:09:36.403 --> 01:09:42.789
Wealth may pour and make one luckier than another, but none can be happy. Messenger of the Taurus.
01:09:44.175 --> 01:09:50.754
This day the deity, it seems, will mass on Jason, as he well deserves a heavy load of evil.
01:09:51.386 --> 01:09:54.741
Woe is thee, daughter of Creon, we pity thy sad fate.
01:09:55.351 --> 01:09:59.761
Gone as thou art to Hades' halls is the price of thy merit to Jason.
01:10:00.721 --> 01:10:05.574
My friends, I am resolved upon the deed. Once will I slay my children,
01:10:05.836 --> 01:10:10.265
and then leave this land, without laying long enough to hand them over to some
01:10:10.265 --> 01:10:12.105
more savage hand to butcher.
01:10:12.698 --> 01:10:17.667
Needs must they die in any case, and since they must, I will slay them.
01:10:17.998 --> 01:10:22.196
I, the mother that bear them, O hearted mind, steal thyself.
01:10:22.690 --> 01:10:25.987
Why do I hesitate to do the awful deed that must be done?
01:10:26.632 --> 01:10:30.179
Come, take the sword, thou wretched hand of mine.
01:10:30.602 --> 01:10:34.970
Take it, and advance to the post when life starts, the life of sorrow.
01:10:35.651 --> 01:10:42.365
Away with cowardice, give not one thought to thy babies. How dear they are, how thou art them, Lord.
01:10:42.838 --> 01:10:47.301
This one brief day forget thy children, dear. And after that lament.
01:10:48.695 --> 01:10:53.023
For though thou wilt slay them, yet they were thy darlings still,
01:10:53.376 --> 01:10:56.665
that I am a lady of sorrow. Dear enters the house.
01:10:57.571 --> 01:11:03.295
The chorus sings, O earth, O sun, whose being the wounds at all,
01:11:03.794 --> 01:11:10.127
look upon this lost woman, ere she stretched forth over earth's hand upon her sons for blood.
01:11:10.563 --> 01:11:17.645
For lo, these scions of thine golden sea, where the blood of gods is endangered and shed by mere.
01:11:18.191 --> 01:11:22.626
O light, from Zeus proceeding, stay her, hold her hand.
01:11:23.166 --> 01:11:27.241
Forth in the house, chase this spell of bloody steel, thy demons led.
01:11:27.857 --> 01:11:35.181
Vainly wasted were the throes thy children costly. Vainly hast thou more seen, sweet babe.
01:11:35.826 --> 01:11:40.894
O thou who left behind that passage through the rooms and feel like Addis,
01:11:41.295 --> 01:11:43.303
that strangers justly hate.
01:11:43.806 --> 01:11:47.813
Ah, hapless one who doth fierce anger thy sorrow assail.
01:11:48.334 --> 01:11:51.029
Why in its place is fell murder growing up?
01:11:51.551 --> 01:11:56.624
For grievous unto mortal men are pollutions that come with kindred blood poured on the earth.
01:11:57.251 --> 01:12:02.903
Woes to suit each crime Hurled in heaven in the murderer's house The first son
01:12:03.147 --> 01:12:05.251
One was eight What can I do?
01:12:05.751 --> 01:12:08.237
Whither fly to escape my mother's blows?
01:12:08.952 --> 01:12:14.973
Second son I know not, sweet brother of mine I think we are lost Tid's tear,
01:12:15.217 --> 01:12:22.021
did's tear the children's cry O lady born to sorrow Victim of an evil fate Shall I enter the house?
01:12:22.021 --> 01:12:27.071
For the children's sake I am resolved To ward off the murder First son Yea,
01:12:27.071 --> 01:12:31.479
by heaven I adjure you, help, your hate is needed, the second son.
01:12:31.867 --> 01:12:35.107
Even now the toils of the sword are closed around us.
01:12:36.695 --> 01:12:42.885
Oh, haptest mother, surely thou hast a hard stone of steel to slay the offspring
01:12:42.885 --> 01:12:45.367
of thy womb by such a murderous doom.
01:12:45.837 --> 01:12:50.945
While the wives of evil, I know but one who laid her hand upon her own children.
01:12:51.426 --> 01:12:55.495
Even I know from the gods that maddened the day that the wife was used to her
01:12:55.495 --> 01:12:57.016
for wandering in their home.
01:12:57.614 --> 01:13:03.466
But she, poor sufferer, won herself into the sea because of the foul murder of her children.
01:13:04.469 --> 01:13:09.863
Leaping over the way the cleft and in her death was she united to her soul of the twain,
01:13:10.512 --> 01:13:15.335
can there be any deed of horror left to follow this woe for the wound of women
01:13:15.335 --> 01:13:22.762
fraught with disaster what sorrows has thou caused men before now chasing as the tenrils enter,
01:13:23.533 --> 01:13:29.605
ladies stationed near this house pray tell me is the author of these hideous deeds,
01:13:30.773 --> 01:13:34.135
Medea still within or has she fled from hence.
01:13:35.453 --> 01:13:40.023
For she must hide beneath the earth, or soar on wings towards heaven's wall,
01:13:40.023 --> 01:13:42.885
if she would avoid the vengeance of the royal house.
01:13:43.719 --> 01:13:47.463
Is she so sure she will escape herself unpunished from this house,
01:13:47.463 --> 01:13:50.032
when she hath slain the rulers of this land?
01:13:50.630 --> 01:13:53.126
But enough of this, I am forgetting her children.
01:13:53.747 --> 01:13:57.759
As for her, those whom she hath longed will do the like by her.
01:13:58.914 --> 01:14:03.563
But I am come to save her children's life, Lest the victim's kin whizzle their
01:14:03.563 --> 01:14:08.693
wrath on me In vengeance for the murder of thou Brought by my children's mother,
01:14:09.368 --> 01:14:14.533
Unhappy man, thou knowest not the full extent of thy misery Else thou would
01:14:14.533 --> 01:14:16.096
have never said those words,
01:14:16.879 --> 01:14:19.335
How now, can she want to kill me too?
01:14:19.999 --> 01:14:26.814
Thy sons are dead, slain by their own mother's hands No, God, what sayest thou?
01:14:27.418 --> 01:14:34.627
Woman, thou hast sealed my doom Thy children are no more, be sure of this Who,
01:14:34.900 --> 01:14:38.372
where she slew them, within the palace or outside?
01:14:38.925 --> 01:14:44.373
Throw wide the doors and see thy children the murdered corpses Haste ye slaves,
01:14:44.373 --> 01:14:48.373
loose the bolts, undo the fastenings That I may see the sight of twofold woe,
01:14:48.373 --> 01:14:52.519
my murdered sons In her whose blood and vengeance I will shed,
01:14:53.324 --> 01:14:57.963
Medea appears above the house on the chariot drawn by dragons The children's
01:14:57.963 --> 01:15:03.113
corpse is beside her Why shake those doors and attempt to loose their bolts
01:15:03.113 --> 01:15:05.606
in quest of the dead and me their murderous?
01:15:06.214 --> 01:15:08.008
From such toil desist.
01:15:08.617 --> 01:15:16.738
Thou wouldst ought with me, say on, if so thou wilt, but never shalt thou lay hand on me.
01:15:17.022 --> 01:15:24.180
So swift the steeds of the sun my father's sire to me doth give to save me from the hands of my foes.
01:15:25.154 --> 01:15:30.502
A cursed woman, by gods, by me, and all mankind, abhorred as never a woman was,
01:15:30.994 --> 01:15:33.508
who hast the heart to stab thy babes?
01:15:33.881 --> 01:15:36.863
Thou their mother, leaving me undone and childless?
01:15:37.271 --> 01:15:41.700
This house thou done, and still dost gaze upon the sun and earth,
01:15:41.937 --> 01:15:45.804
after this deed most impious, curses on me.
01:15:46.238 --> 01:15:51.654
Now proceed what then I missed in the day I brought thee, fraught with doom
01:15:51.654 --> 01:15:56.994
from thy home in a barbarian land to dwell in Halas, traitorous to thy sire
01:15:56.994 --> 01:15:58.928
and to the land that nurtured thee.
01:15:59.410 --> 01:16:03.178
On me the gods have hurled the curse that dog my steps.
01:16:03.642 --> 01:16:08.598
For thou didst slay thy brother at his heart, ere thou camest aboard our fair ship.
01:16:09.458 --> 01:16:13.974
Such was the outset of thy life of crime. Then didst thou wed with me,
01:16:13.974 --> 01:16:19.489
and having borne me sons to glut thy passion's lust, thou now hast slain them.
01:16:19.925 --> 01:16:23.669
Not one amongst the wives of Hellas ever dared this deed.
01:16:24.016 --> 01:16:28.701
Yet before them all I chose thee for my wife, wedding a foe to be my doom.
01:16:29.223 --> 01:16:33.630
No woman but a lioness fiercer than Tyrion's scylla in nature.
01:16:34.036 --> 01:16:39.167
But with the poach's heap thousandfold I cannot ruin thee, so brazen is thy nature.
01:16:39.620 --> 01:16:45.321
Perish, vile sorceress, murderous of thy babes, whilst I must mourn my luckless fate,
01:16:45.826 --> 01:16:50.204
for I shall never enjoy my new-ground bride, nor shall I have the children whom
01:16:50.204 --> 01:16:56.313
I have bred and reared, allowed to say the last farewell to me. Nay, I have lost them.
01:16:58.247 --> 01:17:03.167
To this thy speech I could have made a long reply, but Father Zeus knows well
01:17:03.167 --> 01:17:06.420
all I have done for thee and the treatment thou hast given me.
01:17:06.960 --> 01:17:11.587
If thou were not ordained to score my love and lead a life of joy and mockery
01:17:11.587 --> 01:17:17.477
of me, nor was thy royal bride Creon, who gave thee a second wife to thrust
01:17:17.477 --> 01:17:19.463
me from this land and rue it not.
01:17:19.963 --> 01:17:25.487
Wherefore, if thou wilt call me a lioness in Scylla, whose home is in the Tyrian
01:17:25.487 --> 01:17:29.713
land, For I in turn have wrung thy heart As well I might,
01:17:30.625 --> 01:17:36.547
Thou too art grieved thyself And share in my sorrow Be well assured I am But
01:17:36.547 --> 01:17:43.076
it relieves my pain to know Thou canst not mock me O my children how vile a mother ye have found,
01:17:43.669 --> 01:17:47.105
My sons Your father's feeble lust has been in ruin,
01:17:47.706 --> 01:17:55.031
T'was not by my hand At any rate that slew them No, a thou foul treatment of me In thy new marriage,
01:17:55.742 --> 01:17:58.691
Didst think that marriage caused enough to murder?
01:17:59.339 --> 01:18:02.085
Dost think a woman counts this a trifling injury?
01:18:02.794 --> 01:18:06.849
So she be self-restrained, but in thy eyes always evil.
01:18:07.929 --> 01:18:11.644
My sons are dead and gone, that will stab thee in thy heart.
01:18:12.474 --> 01:18:17.007
They live, methinks, to bring a curse upon thy head. The gods know,
01:18:17.347 --> 01:18:20.170
whoso of them began this troublous coil.
01:18:20.809 --> 01:18:25.504
Indeed, they know that hateful heart of mine. Thou art as hateful,
01:18:25.771 --> 01:18:32.108
I am wary of thy bitter tongue, and I likewise of thine, but parting is easy.
01:18:32.757 --> 01:18:34.608
Say now, what am I to do?
01:18:35.427 --> 01:18:37.261
For I am fain as thou to go.
01:18:38.640 --> 01:18:43.220
Give up to me those dead to bury and lament? No, never.
01:18:43.560 --> 01:18:48.810
I will bury them myself, burying them to Hera's sacred fields who watches over
01:18:48.810 --> 01:18:53.649
the Cape, that none of their foes may insult them by pulling down their tombs.
01:18:54.160 --> 01:18:59.330
And in this land of Sisyphus I will ordain hereafter a solemn feast and mystic
01:18:59.330 --> 01:19:01.689
rites to atone for this impious murder.
01:19:02.327 --> 01:19:06.040
Myself will now to the land of Erectus, to dwell with Aegeus,
01:19:06.040 --> 01:19:11.829
Pandian's son, but thou, as well now mayest, shall die in Catelyn's death.
01:19:13.218 --> 01:19:17.988
Thy head crushed beneath the shattered relic of our wealth, and thou hast seen
01:19:17.988 --> 01:19:23.048
the bitter ending of my marriage, the curse of our son's avenging spirit of
01:19:23.048 --> 01:19:25.744
justice that calls for blood beyond me.
01:19:26.388 --> 01:19:31.973
What God or divine power hears thee, breaker of oaths and every law of hospitality,
01:19:32.648 --> 01:19:38.739
be upon me cursed witch, child murderous, to thy house go bury thy wife.
01:19:39.466 --> 01:19:44.076
I go, reft of both my son. My grief is yet to come.
01:19:44.622 --> 01:19:51.150
Wait till old age is with me. Oh, my dear, dear children, dear to their mother, not to thee.
01:19:51.758 --> 01:19:55.479
And yet thou did slain them. Yes, to vex thy heart.
01:19:56.169 --> 01:20:00.446
One last fond kiss I would slain to put upon their lips.
01:20:01.184 --> 01:20:05.933
Embraces now and fond farewells alone, but then a cold repulse.
01:20:06.616 --> 01:20:10.888
By heaven, I do it cheerily. Let me touch the tender skin.
01:20:11.652 --> 01:20:15.170
No, in vain this word has sped its flight.
01:20:15.821 --> 01:20:18.973
O Zeus, dost hear how I am driven hence?
01:20:19.397 --> 01:20:25.104
Dost mark the treatment I received from this she-lion, fell murderous of her own?
01:20:25.737 --> 01:20:32.118
Yet so far as I may and can, I am raised for them a dirge to endure the gods
01:20:32.118 --> 01:20:39.413
to witness how thou hast slain my sons and wilt not suffer me to embrace or bury their dead bodies.
01:20:40.040 --> 01:20:43.588
When I had never gotten them to see them slain in that world.
01:20:44.392 --> 01:20:47.833
Chariot carries Medea away. The chorus sings.
01:20:48.657 --> 01:20:53.393
Many a fate doth Zeus dispense high on his immobile groan.
01:20:54.026 --> 01:20:58.594
Off do the gods bring things to pass beyond man's expectations.
01:20:59.239 --> 01:21:02.397
That which we thought would be is not fulfilled.
01:21:02.992 --> 01:21:10.573
Although the unlooked-for god finds a way, such has been the issue on this matter the end.