What, wilt thou banish me, and to my prayers no pity yield? Creon I will, for I love not thee above my own family. Medea O my country! what fond memories I have of thee in this hour! Creon Yea, for I myself love my city best of all things save my children. Medea Ah me! ah me! to mortal man how dread a scourge is love! Creon That, I deem, is according to the turn our fortunes take. Medea O Zeus! let not the author of these my troubles escape thee. Creon Begone, thou silly woman, and free me from my toil. Medea The toil is mine, no lack of it. Creon Soon wilt thou be thrust out forcibly by the hand of servants. Medea Not that, not that, I do entreat thee, Creon! Creon Thou wilt cause disturbance yet, it seems. Medea I will begone; I ask thee not this boon to grant. Creon Why then this violence? why dost thou not depart? Medea Suffer me to abide this single day and devise some plan for the manner of my exile, and means of living for my children, since their father cares not to provide his babes therewith. Then pity them; thou too hast children of thine own; thou needs must have a kindly heart. For my own lot I care naught, though I an exile am, but for those babes I weep, that they should learn what sorrow means. Creon Mine is a nature anything but harsh; full oft by showing pity have I suffered shipwreck; and now albeit I clearly see my error, yet shalt thou gain this request, lady; but I do forewarn thee, if to-morrow’s rising sun shall find thee and thy children within the borders of this land, thou diest; my word is spoken and it will not lie. So now, if abide thou must, stay this one day only, for in it thou canst not do any of the fearful deeds I dread. Chorus Ah! poor lady, woe is thee! Alas, for thy sorrows! Whither wilt thou turn? What protection,