114
THE ARGONAUTS
MEDEA.
At the full end I see
Allusion to my magic—to that spell
Whereby an old man may renew his youth.
ALCESTIS.
Our father!
MEDEA.
You have guessed aright, my child.
Your father must abandon his old age
And—by my magic—find sweet youth again !
DANAIDES.
But this is very difficult to do.
MEDEA.
For me such miracles are merely play,
Serving to while away the idle hours
While Jason hunts——
ALCESTIS.
Hlow grand it were to see
Our aged father rival the strong youths
In feats of great agility !
MEDEA.
Agreed !
But surely you should work the charm your-
selves.
For children magic is a blithesome game!
DANAIDES.
Dear lady ! teach us how to say the spell!
MEDEA.
Words must be aided by appalling deeds !
ALCESTIS.
O! O! you frighten us.
MEDEA.
Be brave, my child !
I too passed through unutterable things !
ALCESTIS.
Let me fetch father !
MEDEA.
Nay, consider first.
Would he consent? The process is severe !
DANAIDES.
We know the sire is not exactly brave,
Though very wise and good.
MEDEA.
Tis clear to me ;
Without his knowledge we must do the deed.
ALCKSTIS.
What is this ‘‘ deed ” ?
MEDEA.
A caldron is prepared ;
And, having hewn your father limb from
limb,
We seethe him in a broth of magic herbs.
ALCESTIS.
And then ?
MEDEA.
The proper incantations said,
There rises from the steam a youthful shape
More godlike than like man. And he will
fall
In kind embraces on his children’s necks.
ALCESTIS.
O queen, this process seems indeed severe.
MEDEA.
Without
his knowledge must the thing be
done.
DANAIDES.
This also seems to us no easy task.
MEDEA.
He sleeps through noon, while others are
abroad.
ALCESTIS.
Let us make haste!
you are |
Déar queen, how good