ance, that were gathered together to comfort her,
and said, "I am come, my friends, to excuse myself to you. Ye know this
sudden trouble that hath undone me, and the exceeding great wickedness
of my husband. Surely we women are of all creatures that breathe the
most miserable. For we must take husbands to rule over us, and how shall
we know whether they be good or bad? Of a truth, a woman should have
the gift of divination, that she may know what manner of man he is to
whom she joineth herself, seeing that he is a stranger to her and
unknown. If indeed she find one that is worthy, it is well with her; but
if not, then had she better die. For a man, if he be troubled at home,
goeth abroad, and holdeth converse with his friends and equals of age,
and is comforted. But with a woman it is not so; for she hath only the
life that is at home. But why do I compare myself with you? for ye dwell
in your own land, and have parents and kinsfolk and friends; but I am
desolate and without a country, and am wronged by this man that hath
stolen me from a strange land; nor have I mother, or brother, or
kinsman, who may help me in my need. This thing, therefore, I would ask
of you; that if I can contrive any device by which I may have vengeance
on my husband, and on him that giveth his daughter to him, and on the
girl, ye keep silence. And vengeance I will have; for though a woman
have not courage, nor dare to look upon the sword, yet if she be wronged
in her love, there is nothing fiercer than she."

Then the women said, "We will keep silence as thou biddest us, for 'tis
right that thou shouldest have vengeance on thy husband. But see! here
cometh King Creon, doubtless with some new purpose."

And the King said, "Hear this, Medea. I bid thee depart out of this
land, and thy children with thee. And I am come myself to execute this
word, for I depart not again to my own house till I have cast thee forth
from my borders."

Then Medea made answer, "Now am I altogether undone. But tell me, my
lord, why dost thou drive me out of thy land?"

"Because I fear thee, lest thou should do some harm beyond all remedy to
me and to my house. For I know that thou art wise, and hast knowledge of
many curious arts; and besides, I hear that thou hast threatened
grievous hurt against all that are concerned with this new marriage."

But Medea answered, "O my lord, this report of craft and wisdom hath
wrought me harm not this day only, but many times! Tru