Racine: Phaedra

MEDEA 1 1
Mgeus.— From Apollo's ancient shrine.
Medea.—But to that centre of the world, whence sounds
Prophetic issue, why did you repair ?
^GEUS.—To question by what means I may obtain
A race of children.
Medea.— By the gods, inform me,
Are you still doomed to drag a childless life?
iEcEus.—Such is the influence of some adverse demon.
Medea.—Have you a wife, or did you never try
The nuptial yoke ?
yEcEUS, With wedlock's sacred bonds
I am not unacquainted.
Medea.— On the subject
Of children, what did Phoebos say?
i^GEUS. His words
Were such as mortals cannot comprehend.
Medea.—Am I allowed to know the god's reply ?
JEgevs.—Thou surely art : such mystery to expound
There needs the help of thy sagacious soul.
Medea.—Inform me what the oracle pronounced,
If I may hear it.
^GEUS.
" The projecting foot,
Thou, of the vessel must not dare to loose "
Medea.—Till you do what, or to what region come?
i^GEus. — " Till thou return to thy paternal lares,"
Medea.—But what are you in need of, that you steer
Your bark to Corinth's shores ?
tEgeus.— A king, whose name
Is Pittheus, o'er Troezene's realm presides.
Medea.—That most religious man, they say, is son
Of Pelops.
iEcEUS. I with him would fain discuss
The god's prophetic voice.
Medea.— For he is wise,
And in this science long hath been expert.
^GEUS.—Dearest to me of those with whom I formed
A leagfue of friendship in the embattled field.
Medea.—But, O may you be happy, and obtain
All that you wish for.
iEcEUS. Why those downcast eyes,
That wasted form? ^, . xr , ,« ^^
Classics. Vol. 36—