ACTUS QUINTUS
That Pelias should wander, free to slide
His sidelong looks among our courtiers
Ripe ever for some mischief. Yet methinks
There is a wandering other than this present—
Say, by the Stygian waves, unburied corpse !—
But, for the means? It ill befits our power
And grace—my husband’s honour—to stretch forth
The arm of murder o’er the head of age.
But surely must be means——
MADNESS.
The prophecy!
MEDEA.
Happy my thought be! I have found it! Ha!
“ Athena shall relent not till the king
Shall die and live.” Vainly the prophet meant
Mere transference of the crown. I'll twist his saying
To daze the children—fools they are! So mask
Evil beneath the waxen face of Good,
Trick out Calamity in robes of Luck—
Come, children! Is the sun bright? And your eyes?
ALCESTIS.
Dear queen, all’s well with us. Such happiness
Crowds daylight—even sleep seems sorrowful,
Though bright with dainty dreams!
FIRST DANAID.
But you are sad!
M
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