Medea (800-855)

Ο, I did wrong, that hour I left my father’s home, persuaded by that Hellene’s words, who now shall pay the penalty, so help me God. Never shall he see again alive the children I bore to him,

nor from his new bride shall he beget issue, for she must die a hideous death, slain by my drugs. Let no one deem me a poor weak woman who sits with folded hands, but of another mould, dangerous to foes and well-disposed to friends;

for they win the fairest fame who live their life like me.

Since thou hast imparted this design to me, I bid thee hold thy hand, both from a wish to serve thee and because I would uphold the laws men make.

It cannot but be so; thy words

I pardon since thou art not in the same sorry plight that I am.

O lady, wilt thou steel thyself to slay thy children twain?

I will, for that will stab my husband to the heart.

It may, but thou wilt be the saddest wife alive.

No matter; wasted is every word that comes ’twixt now and then.

(To the Nurse.) Ho! thou, go call me Jason hither, for thee I do employ on every mission of trust. No word divulge of all my purpose, as thou art to thy mistress loyal and likewise of my sex.