Medea (946-1016)

I too will aid thee in this task, for by the children’s hand I will send to her gifts that far surpass in beauty, I well know, aught that now is seen ’mongst men, a robe of finest tissue and a chaplet of chased gold.

But one of my attendants must haste and bring the ornaments hither. Happy shall she be not once alone but ten thousandfold, for in thee she wins the noblest soul to share her love, and gets these gifts as well which on a day my father’s sire, the Sun-god,

bestowed on his descendants. My children, take in your hands these wedding gifts, and bear them as an offering to the royal maid, the happy bride; for verily the gifts she shall receive are not to be scorned.

But why so rashly rob thyself of these gifts?

Dost think a royal palace wants for robes or gold? Keep them, nor give them to another. For well I know that if my lady hold me in esteem, she will set my price above all wealth.

Say not so; ’tis said that gifts tempt even gods;

and o’er men’s minds gold holds more potent sway than countless words. Fortune smiles upon thy bride, and heaven now doth swell her triumph; youth is hers and princely power; yet to save my children from exile I would barter life, not dross alone. Children, when ye are come to the rich palace,

pray your father’s new bride, my mistress, with suppliant voice to save you from exile, offering her these ornaments the while; for it is most needful that she receive the gifts in her own hand. Now go and linger not; may ye succeed and to your mother bring back

the glad tidings she fain would hear!

Thy children, lady, are from exile freed, and gladly did the royal bride accept thy gifts in her own hands, and so thy children made their peace with her.

Ah!

Why art so disquieted in thy prosperous hour? Why turnest thou thy cheek away, and hast no welcome for my glad news?

Ah me!

These groans but ill accord with the news I bring.

Ah me! once more I say.

Have I unwittingly announced some evil tidings?

Have I erred in thinking my news was good?

Thy news is as it is; I blame thee not.

Then why this downcast eye, these floods of tears?

Old friend, needs must I weep; for the gods and I with fell intent devised these schemes.

Be of good cheer; thou too of a surety shalt by thy sons yet be brought home again.

Ere that shall I bring others to their home, ah! woe is me!