But a woman is a frail thing, prone to crying.

JASON

But why then should you grieve so much for these children?

MEDEA

I am their mother. When you prayed that they might live

I felt unhappy to think that these things will be.

But come, I have said something of the things I meant

To say to you, and now I will tell you the rest.

Since it is the king’s will to banish me from here—

And for me, too, I know that this is the best thing,

Not to be in your way by living here or in

The king’s way, since they think me ill-disposed to them—

I then am going into exile from this land;

But do you, so that you may have the care of them,

Beg Creon that the children may not be banished.

JASON

I doubt if I’ll succeed, but still I’ll attempt it.

MEDEA

Then you must tell your wife to beg from her father

That the children may be reprieved from banishment.

JASON

I will, and with her I shall certainly succeed.

MEDEA

If she is like the rest of us women, you will.

And I, too, will take a hand with you in this business,

For I will send her some gifts which are far fairer,

I am sure of it, than those which now are in fashion,

A finely woven dress and a golden diadem,

And the children shall present them. Quick, let one of you

Servants bring here to me that beautiful dress.

(One of her attendants goes into the house.)

She will be happy not in one way, but in a hundred,

Having so fine a man as you to share her bed,

And with this beautiful dress which Helius of old,

My father’s father, bestowed on his descendants.

(Enter attendant carrying the poisoned dress and diadem.)

There, children, take these wedding presents in your hands.

Take them to the royal princess, the happy bride,

And give them to her. She will not think little of them.

JASON

No, don’t be foolish, and empty your hands of these.

Do you think the palace is short of dresses to wear?

Do you think there is no gold there? Keep them, don’t give them

Away. If my wife considers me of any value,

She will think more of me than money, I am sure of it.

MEDEA

No, let me have my way. They say the gods themselves

Are moved by gifts, and gold does more with men than words.

Hers is the luck, her fortune that which god blesses;

She is young and a princess; but for my children’s reprieve

I would give my very life, and not gold only.

Go children, go together to that rich palace,

Be suppliants to the new wife of your father,

My lady, beg her not to let you be banished.

And give her the dress—for this is of great importance,

That she should take the gift into her hand from yours.