ACTUS PRIMUS
87
JASON.
Where is the son of ‘Tyro and Poseidon?
MEN.
Iolchus’ King has here a dwelling-place.
WOMEN.
See you the sword shake—and the iron
hand
Not shaking? The man’s mood is full of
wrath.
MEN.
Peace, foolish! Were it so, we would not
see.
WOMEN.
Ay me! this stranger seems most ominous.
JASON,
Where is the son of Tyro and Poseidon?
MEN.
This is the Palace-place of Pelias,
Son of Poseidon, of Iolchus King.
JASON.
Iolchus’ King is here, in very truth.
Where is the son of Tyro?
MEN.
Who art thou?
JASON.
Know me for Jason and great Aeson’s heir.
MEN.
We learn good news, most enviable sir ;
That Aeson hath such grand inheritance.
JASON.
You have grown fat beneath an evil rule.
Your period is at hand. Go, one of you,
And drag the impious wretch before my
sight !
MEN.
Aeson? Thy father?
JASON.
Play not with my wrath !
My mood is something dangerous.
MEN.
Dangerous sir,
I go indeed, to bring some danger more
Hither.
JASON.
Poltroonery dislikes the wise.
Fair maidens, I salute you pleasantly.
WOMEN.
Welcome, O welcome to the land,
Young heir of prophecy !
The arméd hand, the glittering brand,
The scabbard’s jewellery !
That wealth avails not: cast it down!
The sword alone may win the crown!
JASON.
Ye languish wretched in the tyrant’s rule?
WOMEN.
Most happy are we, King. But change is
sweet.
JASON.
A short-lived omen of success to me.
WOMEN.
Nay, but adventure and the prophecy!
JASON.
I see I have but small support in you.
WOMEN.
Not so, great Jason ! Had I suffered much,
My spirit had been broken to the scourge,
Now, being strong and happy, with what
joy
I cry: Evohe! Revolution!
I have grown weary of this tiresome peace.
JASON.
I promise you intense unhappiness.