Weeping for his dead son, and cursing loud
His daughter? But lord Jason swung the Fleece
High o'er his head, with fierce, triumphant shouts!
'Twas then I swore revenge upon this traitor
Who first did slay my best-beloved, now
Would slay me, too! Had I my bloody charms
And secret magic here, I'd keep that vow!
But no, I dare not fetch them, for I fear
Lest, shining through the Fleece's golden blaze,
Mine eyes should see my father's ghostly face
Stare forth at me--and oh! I should go mad!

GORA. What wilt thou do, then?

MEDEA (_wearily_).

Even let them come
And slay me, if they will! I can no more!
Not one step will I stir from where I stand;
My dearest wish is death! And when he sees
Me lying dead, mayhap he'll follow me,
Deep-smitten with remorse!

GORA. The King draws nigh;
Look to thyself!

MEDEA. Nay, all my strength is gone,
What can I do? If he would trample me
Beneath his feet--well, let him have his will!

_The _KING_ enters._

KING. Night falls apace, thine hours of grace are fled!

MEDEA. I know it.

KING. Art thou ready to go forth?

MEDEA. Thou tauntest me! If I were not prepared,
Must I the less go forth?

KING. My heart is glad
To find thee minded so. 'Twill make thee think
Less bitterly upon thy sorry fate,
And for thy children it doth spell great good:
For now they may remember who she was
That bare them.

MEDEA. May remember? If they will,
Thou meanest!

KING. That they shall, must be my care.
I'll rear them to be mighty heroes both;
And then--who knows?--on some far-distant day
Their hero-deeds may bring them to the shores.
Of Colchis, where they'll find thee once again,
Older in years, grown soft and gentle now,
And with fond love will press thee to their hearts.

MEDEA. Alas!

KING. What say'st thou?

MEDEA. Naught! I did but think
On happy days long vanished, and forgot
All that hath happened since.--Was this the cause
That b