Classic Greek Drama_ 10 Plays by Euripides in a Single File [NOOK Book] - Euripides [76]
CRE. Thou speakest soft words to the ear, but within my mind I have my fears, lest thou meditate some evil intent. And so much the less do I trust thee than before. For a woman that is quick to anger, and a man likewise, is easier to guard against, than one that is crafty and keeps silence. But begone as quick as possible, make no more words; since this is decreed, and thou hast no art, by which thou wilt stay with us, being hostile to me.
MED. No I beseech you by your knees, and your newly-married daughter.
CRE. Thou wastest words; for thou wilt never persuade me.
MED. Wilt thou then banish me, nor reverence my prayers?
CRE. For I do not love thee better than my own family.
MED. O my country, how I remember thee now!
CRE. For next to my children it is much the dearest thing to me.
MED. Alas! alas! how great an ill is love to man!
CRE. That is, I think, as fortune also shall attend it.
MED. Jove, let it not escape thine eye, who is the cause of these misfortunes.
CRE. Begone, fond woman, and free me from these cares.
MED. Care indeed;[15] and do not I experience cares?
CRE. Quickly shalt thou be driven hence by force by the hands of my domestics.
MED. No, I pray not this at least; but I implore thee, Creon.
CRE. Thou wilt give trouble, woman, it seems.[16]
MED. I will go; I dare not ask to obtain this of you.
CRE. Why then dost thou resist, and wilt not depart from these realms?
MED. Permit me to remain here this one day, and to bring my purpose to a conclusion, in what way we shall fly, and to make provision for my sons, since their father in no way regards providing for his children; but pity them, for thou also art the father of children; and it is probable that thou hast tenderness: for of myself I have no care whether I may suffer banishment, but I weep for them experiencing this calamity.
CRE. My disposition is least of all imperious, and through feeling pity in many cases have I injured myself. And now I see that I am doing wrong, O lady, but nevertheless thou shalt obtain thy request; but this I warn thee, if to-morrow's light of the God of day shall behold thee and thy children within the confines of these realms, thou shalt die: this word is spoken in truth. But now if thou must stay, remain here yet one day, for thou wilt not do any horrid deed of which I have dread.
MEDEA, CHORUS.
CHOR. Unhappy woman! alas wretched on account of thy griefs! whither wilt thou turn? what hospitality, or house, or country wilt thou find a refuge for these ills? how the Deity hath led thee, Medea, into a pathless tide of woes!
MED. Ill hath it been done on every side. Who will gainsay it? but these things are not in this way, do not yet think it. Still is there a contest for those lately married, and to those allied to them no small affliction. For dost thou think I ever would have fawned upon this man, if I were not to gain something, or form some plan? I would not even have addressed him. I would not even have touched him with my hands. But he hath arrived at such a height of folly, as that, when it was in his power to have crushed my plans, by banishing me from this land, he hath granted me to stay this day in which three of mine enemies will I put to death, the father, the bride, and my husband. But having in my power many resources of destruction against them, I know not, my friends, which I shall first attempt. Whether shall I consume the bridal house with fire, or force the sharpened sword through her heart having entered the chamber by stealth where the couch is spread? But one thing is against me;