Racine: Phaedra

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EURIPIDES
Medea.— I will obey,
Nor disbelieve the promise thou hast made:
But woman, ever frail, is prone to shed
Involuntary tears.
Jason.— But why bewail
With such deep groans these children?
Medea.— Them I bore;
And that our sons might live, while to the gods
Thou didst address thy vows, a pitying thought
Entered my soul ; 'twas whether this could be.
But of th' affairs on which thou com'st to hold
This conference with me, have I told a part
Already, and to thee will now disclose
The sequel : since the rulers of this land
Resolve to banish me, as well I know
That it were best for me to give no umbrage.
Or to the king of Corinth, or to thee,
By dwelling here : because I to this house
Seem to bear enmity, from these domains
Will I depart : but urge thy suit to Creon,
That under thy paternal care our sons
May be trained up, nor from this realm expelled.
Jason.—Though doubtful of success, I yet am bound
To make th' attempt.
Medea.— Thou rather shouldst enjoin
Thy bride her royal father to entreat.
That he these children's exile may reverse.
Jason.—With pleasure ; and I doubt not but on her,
If like her sex humane, I shall prevail.
Medea.—To aid thee in this difficult emprise
Shall be my care, for I to her will send
Gifts that I know in beauty far exceed
The gorgeous works of man ;
a tissued vest
And golden crown the children shall present,
But with the utmost speed these ornaments
One of thy menial train must hither bring,
For not with one, but with ten thousand blessings
Shall she be gratified ; thee, best of men,
Obtaining for the partner of her bed,
And in possession of those splendid robes