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LEADER OF THE CHORUS
From my eyes too bursts forth the copious tear; 0, may no greater ill
than the present e'er befall!
JASON
Lady, I praise this conduct, not that I blame what is past; for it is but
natural to the female sex to vent their spleen against a husband when he
trafficks in other marriages besides his own. But thy heart is changed to
wiser schemes and thou art determined on the better course, late though
it be; this is acting like a woman of sober sense. And for you, my sons,
hath your father provided with all good heed a sure refuge, by God's
grace; for ye, I trow, shall with your brothers share hereafter the foremost
rank in this Corinthian realm. Only grow up, for all the rest your
sire and whoso of the gods is kind to us is bringing to pass. May I see you
reach man's full estate, high o'er the heads of those I hate! But thou,
lady, why with fresh tears dost thou thine eyelids wet, turning away thy
wan cheek, with no welcome for these my happy tidings?
MEDEA
'Tis naught; upon these children my thoughts were turned.
JASON
Then take heart; for I will see that it is well with them.
MEDEA
I will do so; nor will I doubt thy word; woman is a weak creature, ever
given to tears.
JASON
Why prithee, unhappy one, dost moan o'er these children?
MEDEA
I gave them birth; and when thou didst pray long life for them, pity
entered into my soul to think that these things must be. But the reason of
thy coming hither to speak with me is partly told, the rest will I now mention.
Since it is the pleasure of the rulers of the land to banish me, and
well I know 'twere best for me to stand not in the way of thee or of the
rulers by dwelling here, enemy as I am thought unto their house, forth
from this land in exile am I going, but these children,—that they may
know thy fostering hand, beg Creon to remit their banishment.
JASON
I doubt whether I can persuade him, yet must I attempt it.