THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

730 Euripides [311-335]
wisely herein. And now I grudge not thy prosperity; betroth thy child,
good luck to thee, but let me abide in this land, for though I have been
wronged I will be still and yield to my superiors.
CREON
Thy words are soft to hear, but much I dread lest thou art devising
some mischief in thy heart, and less than ever do I trust thee now; for a
cunning woman, and man likewise, is easier to guard against when quicktempered
than when taciturn. Nay, begone at once! speak me no speeches,
for this is decreed, nor hast thou any art whereby thou shalt abide
amongst us, since thou hatest me.
MEDEA
O, say not so! by thy knees and by thy daughter newly-wed, I do implore
I
CREON
Thou wastest words; thou wilt never persuade me.
MEDEA
What, wilt thou banish me, and to my prayers no pity yield?
CREON
I will, for I love not thee above my own family.
«
MEDEA
O my country! what fond memories I have of thee in this hour!
CREON
Yea, for I myself love my city best of all things save my children.
MEDEA
Ah me! ah me! to mortal man how dread a scourge is love!
CREON
That, I deem, is according to the turn our fortunes take.
MEDEA
O Zeus! let not the author of these my troubles escape thee.
CREON
Begone, thou silly woman, and free me from my toil.
The toil is mine, no lack of it.
MEDEA
CREON
Soon wilt thou be thrust out forcibly by the hand of servants.