Epeisodion 1
Creon
is easier to guard against when quick-tempered than when taciturn. Nay, begone at once! speak me no speeches, for this is decreed, nor hast thou any art whereby thou shalt abide amongst us, since thou hatest me.
320
Medea
O, say not so! by thy knees and by thy daughter newly-wed, I do implore!
Creon
Thou wastest words; thou wilt never persuade me.
325
Medea
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!
330
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.
335
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;
340
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.
345
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.
350
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.
355
