Page:Medea (Webster 1868).djvu/17

 Around Pirene's sacred water sit,

That, with their mother, from the soil of Corinth,

The realm's lord, Creon, exiles presently

The boys. In sooth thus runs the tale: if true

I know not. But I pray it be not thus.

What, and will Jason see his sons so used,

Even though he be in quarrel with their mother?

New ties stand foremost to the old. Henceforth

Towards this home he has no kindliness.

We are undone then if to the first ill,

Ere yet it be drained dry, we add a new.

But thou, since for our lady to hear this

'Tis no fit time, peace and hush up the news.

Oh children, hear ye what your father is?

I pray—no harm on him, he is my master;

But sure he is proved an ill friend to his kin.