ly it is not well
that a man should teach his children to be wise, for they gain thereby
no profit, but hatred only. But as for me, my lord, my wisdom is but a
small thing; nor is there cause why thou shouldest fear me. For who am I
that I should transgress against a king? Nor indeed hast thou done me
wrong. My husband, indeed, I hate; but thou hast given thy daughter as
it pleased thee. The Gods grant that it may be well with thee and thine!
Only suffer me to dwell in this land."

But the King would not, though she entreated him with many words. Only
at the last he yielded this to her, that she might abide for one day and
contrive some refuge for her children; "but," he said, "if thou tarry
after this, thou and thy children, thou shalt surely die."

Then he went his way, and Medea said to the women that stood by, "That
at least is well; be ye sure that there is evil to come for the
bridegroom and the bride in this new marriage, and for their kin. Think
ye that I had flattered this man but that I thought to gain somewhat
thereby? Surety I had not touched his hand, no, nor spoken to him. And
now--fool that he is--he hath given me this day, and when he might have
driven me from the land, he suffereth me to tarry. Verily he shall die
for it, he and his daughter and this new bridegroom. But how shall I
contrive it? Shall I put fire to the dwelling of the bride, or make my
way by stealth into her chamber and slay her? Yet if I be found so
doing, I shall perish, and my enemies will laugh me to scorn. Nay, let
me work by poison, as is my wont. Well, and if they die, what then? What
city will receive me? what friend shall give me protection? I know not.
I will tarry awhile, and if some help appear, I will work my end with
guile; but if not, I will take my sword and slay them that I hate,
though I die. For by Hecate, whom I reverence most of all the Gods, no
man shall vex my heart and prosper. Therefore, Medea, fear not; use all
thy counsel and craft. Shall the race of Sisyphus, shall Jason, laugh
thee to scorn that art of the race of the Sun?"

When she had ended these words, there came Jason telling her that she
did not well to be thus angry, and that she had brought upon herself
this trouble of banishment by idle words against the rulers of the land;
but that nevertheless he would have a care for her, and see that she
wanted nothing needful. But when Medea heard him so speak, she burst out
upon him in great fury, calling to