Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1894) v1.djvu/129

Rh

Woman, wilt have the heart to slay thy sons?

Yea: so mine husband's heart shall most be wrung.

But thou of wives most wretched shouldst become.

So be it: wasted are all hindering words.

But ho! [to the Nurse] go thou and Jason bring to me—

Thou whom I use for every deed of trust.

And look thou tell none aught of mine intent,

If thine is loyal service, thou a woman.

[Exit Medea and Nurse.

O happy the race in the ages olden

Of Erechtheus, the seed of the blest Gods' line,

In a land unravaged, peace-enfolden,

Aye quaffing of Wisdom's glorious wine,

Ever through air clear-shining brightly

As on wings uplifted pacing lightly,

Where they tell how Harmonia of tresses golden

Bare the Pierid Muses, the stainless Nine.

And the streams of Cephisus the lovely-flowing

They tell how the Lady of Cyprus drew,

And in Zephyr-wafts of the winds sweet-blowing

Breathed far over the land their dew.

And she sendeth her Loves which, throned in glory