Page:Medea (Webster 1868).djvu/75

 Since few of the race of women there be,

(Thou wert like to find among many but one),

Not friendless of any muse.

And now I aver that of mortals those

Who have never wed, or known children theirs,

Than parents are happier far.

For the childless at least, through not making essay

If sons be born for a joy or a curse,

Having none are safe from much miseries.

But such as have springing up in their homes

Sweet blossom and growth of children, them

I see worn with cares through the weary while:

First how to rear them in seemly wise

And how to leave the children estate;

Then next, whether they are spending themselves

For ignoble beings or for good,

That is left dark from their ken.

But one last ill of all to all men

Now will I speak. For if they have found

Sufficing estate, and their children have waxed

To the glory of youth, and moreover are good,

If their lot have chanced to them thus, lo Death,

Vanished back to his Hades again,