ACTUS PRIMUS 13
PELIAS,
To proof, then, boy. I lay my sceptre by,
Put off my crown, descend the steps to thee.
Here is my breast. Look firmly in my face,
And slay me. Is there fear writ large and deep
In mine old eyes? Or shudderest thou with fear?
JASON.
More hate than fear. In sooth, I cannot strike.
PELIAS.
A king is not so slain—except a madman
May fall upon him with averted head.
Indeed, I conquer. [Aside.] Even so, beware!
Victory ill-nurtured breeds the babe defeat.
[4Zoud.] Listen, my brother’s son! Nay, stoop not so,
Bending ashaméd brows upon the earth!
I am well weary of the world of men.
I grow both old and hateful to myself,
Most on the throne: power which to youth is sweet
To age looks fearful. Also I have wept—
Alas! how often !—and repented me
Of those unkingly deeds whereby I gained
This throne whose joy is turned to bitterness,
I will make peace with thee, and justice still
Shall have a home and shrine in Thessaly.
Be patient notwithstanding! Prove thyself
Valiant and wise—and reign here! If in sooth
An aged counsellor, whose reverend hair
Commands a hearing, may assist at all,