Of children, and so may you yourself die happy.

You do not know what a chance you have come on here.

I will end your childlessness, and I will make you able

To beget children. The drugs I know can do this.

AEGEUS

For many reasons, woman, I am anxious to do

This favor for you. First, for the sake of the gods,

And then for the birth of children which you promise,

For in that respect I am entirely at my wits’ end.

But this is my position: if you reach my land,

I, being in my rights, will try to befriend you.

But this much I must warn you of beforehand:

I shall not agree to take you out of this country;

But if you by yourself can reach my house, then you

Shall stay there safely. To none will I give you up

But from this land you must make your escape yourself,

For I do not wish to incur blame from my friends.

MEDEA

It shall be so. But, if I might have a pledge from you

For this, then I would have from you all I desire.

AEGEUS

DO you not trust me? What is it rankles with you?

MEDEA

I trust you, yes. But the house of Pelias hates me,

And so does Creon. If you are bound by this oath,

When they try to drag me from your land, you will not

Abandon me; but if our pact is only words,

With no oath to the gods, you will be lightly armed,

Unable to resist their summons. I am weak,

While they have wealth to help them and a royal house.

AEGEUS

YOU show much foresight for such negotiations.

Well, if you will have it so, I will not refuse.

For, both on my side this will be the safest way

To have some excuse to put forward to your enemies,

And for you it is more certain. You may name the gods.

MEDEA

Swear by the plain of Earth, and Helius, father

Of my father, and name together all the gods . . .

AEGEUS

That I will act or not act in what way? Speak.

MEDEA

That you yourself will never cast me from your land,

Nor, if any of my enemies should demand me,

Will you, in your life, willingly hand me over.

AEGEUS

I swear by the Earth, by the holy light of Helius,

By all the gods, I will abide by this you say.

MEDEA

Enough. And, if you fail, what shall happen to you?

AEGEUS

What comes to those who have no regard for heaven.

MEDEA

GO on your way. Farewell. For I am satisfied.

And I will reach your city as soon as I can,

Having done the deed I have to do and gained my end.

(Aegeus goes out.)

CHORUS

May Hermes, god of travelers,

Escort you, Aegeus, to your home!

And may you have the things you wish

So eagerly; for you

Appear to me to be a generous man.