Page:Medea (Webster 1868).djvu/63



Jason, I pray thee, be to my past words

Forgiving. For thou shouldst bear with my passion,

Since once there was much love between us two.

But I have taken counsel with myself

And chid me: "Oh cross fool, why do I rave,

And am in wrath at those who plan me good?

And why stand I at war with this realm's lords

And with my husband who, in that he does,

Does it for our most profit, marrying him

A royal bride and giving my sons brothers?

Shall I not turn from anger? What my hurt,

For whom the gods so graciously provide?

Truly have I not children, and do know

We are but fugitives and poor of friends?"

And, having pondered these things, I discerned

My much unreason and how fond my rage.

Now therefore I approve, and politic

Account thee taking to us this alliance,

But myself witless, I who should have shared

Thy counsels with thee and accomplished them,

Stood by the bed and joyed to tend the bride.

But what we are we are—I'll say no worse—