Euripides' Medea Int. and Trans. by Marianne McDonald Copyright ...

Why are they your enemies?
O children,
I’m terrified for what might happen to you.
The moods of the powerful are dangerous.
They know how to control others, 120
But seldom take advice:
Their moods change from moment to moment.
For myself, I try to get along with people.
Security’s what I want as I grow old.
Having too much or being too great just means trouble.
“Moderation” has a nice sound to it,
And in the end it’s best for everyone.
Excess benefits no one.
If a god gets angry,
The higher the house, the greater the fall. 130
Enter chorus.
CHORUS
I heard the voice, I heard the cry
Of the poor woman from Colchis.
Has she found no relief? Tell me.
Her cry reached my house;
It pierced through my double gates.
Her pain brings me no joy
Because I’ve become friends with her.
NURSE
Her home is no more. Lost to the winds!
Her husband’s in bed with a princess, 140
While my lady lies all alone,
Her life wasting away.
The words of her friends are no help.
MEDEA, wailing
I wish a lightning bolt would strike me dead!
Why should I live any longer?
(More wailing) I’d like to leave this miserable life
And find peace in death.
CHORUS
Zeus, Earth, and Sun with your blazing light,
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