Page:Medea (Webster 1868).djvu/21



Here's no more a home, home-things are all fled;

For he is kept hence by a royal couch,

While in her chamber my lady alone

Weeps away life, and no way is calmed

At heart by the words of her friends.

Woe! woe!

Oh lightning from heaven dart through my head!

For what is my gain to live any more?

Alas! alas! Might I cease in death,

Escaping from hated life!

Oh Zeus dost thou perceive, and Earth, and Light,

What wail plains out the desolate young wife?

And why should love-pangs for thy wedded right,

Speed thee, poor fool, to end in death the strife?

Nay, pray not so:

And if thine husband worship a new bride

Chafe not thyself—Zeus will judge on thy side—

Nor mourn thy spouse with too exceeding woe.