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

MEDEA
I know she will, if she is a woman like the rest of us.
I’ll help also. I shall have the children bring her gifts
that I know are more beautiful than humanly possible:
a fine dress and a golden circlet for her hair. 950
To SERVANT
You there, bring out the lovely gifts.
To JASON
She will delight in these in not only one way, but thousands,
first getting such a fine bedmate in you;
and to have such beautiful gifts that the Sun himself
once gave to his own descendants.
To CHILDREN
Here children, take these gifts
and deliver them to the divine princess!
She won’t scorn these gifts.
JASON
Silly woman, why give these things up?
Do you think that the royal house needs your dresses?
Or your gold? 960
Save them. Don’t give them away.
I’m sure my wife will love me more than gifts of gold.
MEDEA
Don’t you be silly now. They say that gifts persuade even the gods,
and gold is worth more to men than a thousand words.
She has the power now.
To save my children from exile,
I’d give my life, not only gold.
Children, go to the royal palace;
Go beg your father’s young wife, my ruler, 970
not to force you into exile.
Give her these glorious gifts, and listen now,
this is very important; put these gifts into her hands alone.
Go now, quickly. I pray you are successful and
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