Racine: Phaedra

MEDEA lai
Which erst the sun my grandsire did bestow
On his descendants : take them in your hands.
My children, to the happy royal bride
Instantly bear them, and in dower bestow.
For such a gift as ought not to be scorned
Shall she receive.
Jason.— Why rashly part with these?
Of tissued robes or gold can you suppose
The palace destitute ? These trappings keep.
Nor to another give : for if the dame
On me place real value, well I know
My love she to all treasures will prefer.
Medea.—Speak not so hastily : the gods themselves
By gifts are swayed, as fame relates ; and gold
Hath a far greater influence o'er the souls
Of mortals than the most persuasive words
With fortune, the propitious heavens conspire
To add fresh glories to thy youthful bride.
All here submits to her despotic sway.
But I my children's exile would redeem,
Though at the cost of life, not gold alone.
But these adjacent mansions of the king
Soon as ye enter, O ye little ones,
Your sire's new consort and my queen entreat
That ye may not be banished from this land:
At the same time these ornaments present.
For most important is it that these gifts
With her own hands the royal dame receive.
Go forth, delay not, and, if ye succeed,
Your mother with the welcome tidings greet.
[Exeunt Jason and Sons.
Chorus.—Now from my soul each hope is fled,
I deem those hapless children dead,
They rush to meet the wound
Mistrustful of no latent pest
Th' exulting bride will seize the gorgeous vest.
Her auburn tresses crowned
By baleful Pluto, shall she stand,
And take the presents with an eager hand.