ACTUS TERTIUS © 101
MEDEA. CHORUS.
I tell you—thus the night passed. What? Canst thou save us from this newer
doom ?
CHORUS.
Verily, MEDEA.
The woman raves.
MEDEA.
Such victory as this
Outsails all shame. Before the dawn was up
I bound such talismans about his breast
That fire and steel grow dew and flowery
wreaths
For all their power to hurt him. Presently
I made a posset, drugged with somnolence,
Sleepy with poppy and white hellebore,
Fit for the dragon. This was my design.
CHORUS.
Beware thy father’s anger when he finds
His plans thus baffled ! He will murder us.
MEDEA.
Heroes indeed ye are, and lion hearts.
CHORUS.
No woman need school me in bravery.
MEDEA.
Rather a hare.
CHORUS.
Most impudent of whores !
MEDEA.
But when my husband comes victorious
Fleece-laden, he will rather
CHORUS.
Wilt thou then
Further my ruin, making known this shame !
MEDEA.
Here is the Argive sense of gratitude.
Let me stir up its subtler thought, und show
What favours ye may gather afterward
From hands and lips ye scorn—not courte-
ously.
I love your leader with no mortal Jove,
But with the whole strength of a sorceress.
CHORUS.
It seems indeed thy hot will can bewitch
Our chaste one with one action impudent.
MEDEA.
I will not leave him ever in the world.
CHORUS.
Persistence in these ills—will cure them not.
‘¢ Worst” is the hunter, ‘‘ worse’ the hound,
when ‘ bad”
Is the stag’s name.
MEDEA,
We rule Iolchus’ land.
CHORUS.
Indeed the hunter follows. I despise
Lewd conduct in the lowest, and detest
Spells hurtful to the head, when ancient
hags
Brew their bad liquors at the waning moon,
Barking their chants of murder. Butto rule
A land, and wive a king, and breed to him
Kings—then such persons are unsuitable.
MEDEA.
Unless these words were well repented of
I might transform ye into—--—
CHORUS.
Stay, great queen !
MEDEA.
Well for your respite comes this messenger.