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Jason
Lady, I praise this conduct, not that I blame what is past; for it is but natural to the female sex to vent their spleen against a husband
when he trafficks in other marriages besides his own.
1
But thy heart is changed to wiser schemes and thou art determined on the better course, late though it be; this is acting like a woman of sober sense. And for you, my sons, hath your father provided
910
with all good heed a sure refuge, by God’s grace; for ye, I trow, shall with your brothers share hereafter the foremost rank in this Corinthian realm. Only grow up, for all the rest your sire and whoso of the gods is kind to us is bringing to pass.
915
May I see you reach man’s full estate, high o’er the heads of those I hate! But thou, lady, why with fresh tears dost thou thine eyelids wet, turning away thy wan cheek, with no welcome for these my happy tidings?
920
Lady, I praise this conduct, not that I blame what is past; for it is but natural to the female sex to vent their spleen against a husband
when he trafficks in other marriages besides his own.
1
But thy heart is changed to wiser schemes and thou art determined on the better course, late though it be; this is acting like a woman of sober sense. And for you, my sons, hath your father provided
910
with all good heed a sure refuge, by God’s grace; for ye, I trow, shall with your brothers share hereafter the foremost rank in this Corinthian realm. Only grow up, for all the rest your sire and whoso of the gods is kind to us is bringing to pass.
915
May I see you reach man’s full estate, high o’er the heads of those I hate! But thou, lady, why with fresh tears dost thou thine eyelids wet, turning away thy wan cheek, with no welcome for these my happy tidings?
920
Medea
’Tis naught; upon these children my thoughts were turned.
925
’Tis naught; upon these children my thoughts were turned.
925
Jason
Then take heart; for I will see that it is well with them.
Then take heart; for I will see that it is well with them.
Medea
I will do so; nor will I doubt thy word; woman is a weak creature, ever given to tears.
I will do so; nor will I doubt thy word; woman is a weak creature, ever given to tears.
Jason
Why prithee, unhappy one, dost moan o’er these children?
Why prithee, unhappy one, dost moan o’er these children?
Medea
I gave them birth; and when thou didst pray long life for them, pity entered into my soul to think that these things must be. But the reason of thy coming hither to speak with me is partly told, the rest will I now mention. Since it is the pleasure of the rulers of the land to banish me,
930
and well I know ’twere best for me to stand not in the way of thee or of the rulers by dwelling here, enemy as I am thought unto their house, forth from this land in exile am I going, but these children,—that they may know thy fostering hand,
935
beg Creon to remit their banishment
940
I gave them birth; and when thou didst pray long life for them, pity entered into my soul to think that these things must be. But the reason of thy coming hither to speak with me is partly told, the rest will I now mention. Since it is the pleasure of the rulers of the land to banish me,
930
and well I know ’twere best for me to stand not in the way of thee or of the rulers by dwelling here, enemy as I am thought unto their house, forth from this land in exile am I going, but these children,—that they may know thy fostering hand,
935
beg Creon to remit their banishment
940
Medea. Euripides. Edward P. Coleridge (Translator). London. 1906.
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