t be any comfort!

MEDEA (_falling upon her knees to him_).

Jason!

JASON. Well?
What wouldst thou further?

MEDEA (_rising suddenly_).

Nothing! It is past
And done with! O proud sires, O mighty gods
Of Colchis, grant forgiveness to thy child
Who hath so humbled and dishonored you,
(Ay, and herself as well)--for I was pressed
And needs must do it. Now, receive me back!

[JASON _turns to leave her._]

Jason!

JASON. Hope not that thou canst soften me!

MEDEA. Nay, never think I wished it! Give me back
My babes!

JASON.

Thy children? Never!

MEDEA (_wildly_).

They are mine!

JASON. Men call them by their father's name; and that
Shall never grace barbarians! Here in Greece
I'll rear them, to be Greeks!

MEDEA. To be despised
And scorned by offspring of thy later bed?
I tell thee, they are mine!

JASON. Nay, have a care,
Lest thou shouldst turn my pity unto hate!
And keep a quiet mien, since that is all
Can soften thy hard fate.

MEDEA. To prayers and tears
I needs must humble me! My husband!--No,
For that thou art no more! Beloved!--No,
For that, thou never wert! Man, shall I say?
He is no man who breaks his solemn oath!
Lord Jason!--Pah! It is a traitor's name!
How shall I name thee? Devil!--Gentle! Good!
Give me my babes, and let me go in peace!

JASON. I cannot, I have told thee, cannot do it.

MEDEA. Hard heart! Thou tak'st the husband from the wife,
And robb'st the mother of her babes as well?

JASON. Nay, then, that thou may'st know how I have yet
Some kindness left, take with thee when thou goest
One of the babes.

MEDEA. But one? Say, only one?

JASON. Beware thou ask too much! The little I
Have just now granted, oversteps the right.

MEDEA. Which shall it be?

JASON. We'll leave the choice to them,
The babes themselves; and whichsoever will,
Him thou shalt take.

MEDEA. O thanks a thousand times,
Thou gentle, kindly man! He lies who calls
Thee tra