Racine: Phaedra

MEDEA 109
Jason.—You uttered impious curses 'gainst the king.
Medea.—I also in thy mansions am accursed.
Jason.—With you I on these subjects will contend
No longer. But speak freely, what reUef,
Or for the children or your exiled state,
You from my prosperous fortunes would receive:
For with a liberal hand am I inclined
My bounties to confer, and hence despatch
Such tokens, as to hospitable kindness
Will recommend you. Woman, to refuse
These offers were mere folly ; from your soul
Banish resentment, and no trifling gain
Will hence ensue.
Medea.— No use I of thy friends
Will make, nor aught accept ; thy presents spare,
For nothing which the wicked man can give
Proves beneficial.
Jason.— I invoke the gods
To witness that I gladly would supply
You and your children with whate'er ye need:
But you these favors loathe, and with disdain
Repel your friends : hence an increase of woe
Shall be your lot.
Medea.— Be gone ; for thou, with love
For thy young bride inflamed, too long remain'st
Without the palace. Wed her ; though perhaps
(Yet with submission to the righteous gods,
This I announce) such marriage thou may'st rue.
[Exit Jason.
Chorus.—Th' immoderate loves in their career.
Nor glory nor esteem attends.
But when the Cyprian queen descends
Benignant from her starry sphere,
No goddess can more justly claim
From man the grateful prayer.
Thy wrath, O Venus, still forbear.
Nor at my tender bosom aim
That venomed arrow, ever wont t' inspire
Winged from thy golden bov; the pangs of keen desire.
V