Page:Medea (Webster 1868).djvu/26

 To be a prophetess, unless at home

She learned the likeliest prospect with her spouse.

And if, we having aptly searched out this,

A husband house with us not savagely

Drawing in the yoke, ours is an envied life;

But if not, most to be desired is death.

And if a man grow sick to herd indoors,

He, going forth, stays his heart's weariness,

Turning him to some friend or natural peer;

But we perforce to one sole being look.

But, say they, we, while they fight with the spear,

Lead in our homes a life undangerous:

Judging amiss; for I would liefer thrice

Bear brunt of arms than once bring forth a child.

Ah well! the like words fit not thee and me:

For thee there is a country, and for thee

A father's home, for thee are life's delights

And the familiar intercourse of friends;

But I, alone, calling no city mine,

Am outraged by a spouse, I led a prey

From a far land, who have no mother more,

Nor brother, nor a kinsman of my blood,

Where to seek harbour in this evil day.