Page:Ten Tragedies of Seneca (1902).djvu/479

Lines 860-884] Now, Phoebus, send on thy chariots quickly, let no tightening of the reins release the speed (this, in allusion to the day granted to Medea) and let merciful darkness obscure the light! Let the herald of the coming night, Hesperus, obliterate with its advent this fearful Day!

The messenger reports that Creusa, her father and the entire palace have been consumed by the flames arising from the present sent by Medea.

things have perished! The stabihty of the Kingdom has collapsed, father and daughter are laid low in death—their ashes are intermingled!

By what wicked treachery were they thus deprived of life?

By gifts, as Kings usually are deluded! (In the same manner, that fishes are accustomed to be taken in by the hook!)

But what treachery can there be in their case?

And I wonder myself, what it can be, I can scarcely believe, even now, that it occurred as the work of an incendiary!

But how was this terrible destruction first brought about? (Does there appear any limit to it?)

