Page:Medea (Webster 1868).djvu/58

 Then I'll implore him that my sons may stay—

Not in an unkind land to leave my children

To the despitings of mine enemies,

But to destroy the king's child by my wiles:

For I will send them, holding gifts in hand,

To bear the bride, that they be not driven hence,

And if she take the gauds and prank her in them

She shall die horribly, and with her too

Whoso shall touch the girl: with such rare salves

Will I anoint the gifts. Thus then I end

That theme. But I am woe for what a deed

Needs must be done: for I shall slay my sons.

No one there is who may deliver them.

And, having hurled down the whole house of Jason,

I shall go forth this land, flying the curse

Of my dear children's death and having borne

To do the most unhallowed of all deeds.

For, oh my friends, the mockeries of foes

May not be borne. Well, be it as it must be.

What good for me to live? No home for me,

Nor fatherland, nor refuge from my woes.

Oh then I erred when I went forth and left

My father's house lured by a Hellene's talk,