Medea (Abridged)
Adapted from Euripides’ “Medea” and the Roman Version by Seneca
By: Cynthia M. SoRelle of McLennan Theatre Company
Chorus
It is a simple thing. The moon reflects the sun's light and assumes it is another sun. But the sun is not a
god. He is a mass of rock.
It is a simple tale. What begins in love and jubilation ends in hate and misery. Things change but they stay
the same. Fate turns all fortunes on her wheel and smothered fires grow hotter in every time and place.
Look at the ages! What will a righteous passion leave undared?
Make your laments. See what good it does to blame the universe. The child repeats the father. Failing in
purpose, she invents a successful god and plagues him with her failures. How many chances rule the fate
of the righteous?
What madness drives you, that by turns you shed each other's blood? You pray for a bomb at your
neighbor's house. Passion fuels no easy crime nor ordinary deed.
Medea (aside)
Gods who couple men and women, hear me! I call upon those in whose name my husband Jason swore his
oaths to me, and to his children. I appeal to you to hear my hideous prayer. The Sun himself sowed my
family's seed, yet Jason has cast aside the fruit of my existence and me on foreign soil to wither. His
wedding hymn pounds at my ears. Tear wedding torches out of their hands, the very light out of the sky.
Unmake this day. His new home was born in crime. Bare your rage. Make me Medea. People expect it.
Before the dwelling of Medea and her children in Corinth
Nurse 1
How I wish the Argos had never reached the land of Colchis, nor brought to Medea's sight the seeker of
the Golden Fleece. Would that the gods had never set my mistress's heart on fire with a passion for Jason
...
Nurse 2
... nor given her the power to persuade the daughters of King Pelias to kill their own father, believing that
Medea would rejuvenate him, when she meant only to leave him for 2 dead and place his crown on Jason's
brow. Nor give Jason the words to seduce her into killing her own brother...
Nurse 1
[cuts her off] All that she did was use her powers to set her husband on his rightful throne.
Nurse 2
For all the good it did her. Now there's hatred everywhere, love is diseased, my master Jason has taken a
royal wife to his bed--and poor Medea lies without food, suffers, and wails to the gods, wasting away every
moment of her existence in tears. How hard it is to cool a wrath-filled soul.
Nurse 1
He is determined to dishonor her. Poor creature, she has no ally in this country, and I fear that she is
turning away even from the children. She doesn't even want to see them—or in them their father. Her
heart is passionate and her soul is clouded; she will never put up with this treatment. I know and fear her;
she would plunge a dagger in the heart of her enemy in this frenzied state.
Nurse 2
Shhh. The tutor returns with the children. They don't really understand their mother's grief, and we
needn't let them know how precarious their fate is.
Tutor (enters with boys)
You silly gossips, why are you standing here in front of your mistress's household moaning to yourselves?
You shouldn't leave that woman alone.
Nurse 1
Old man, if one is a good servant, it goes to one's heart when the master's luck runs out, so I for one felt
the need to unburden myself to the earth and air of Medea's sorrows.
Tutor
Has the poor lady not yet given up her crying?
Nurse 2
Given up? She's at the start, not halfway through her flood of tears.
Tutor
And another deluge yet to come . . .
Nurse 2
What do you mean?
Tutor
Nothing—I take it back.
Nurse 1
Don't hide from us, old man.
Tutor
I heard a person in the town saying—not that he knew I heard it, my being cunning about these things and
seeming not to pay attention— that Creon intends to drive these offspring here and their mother into exile
from Corinth. This would be, of course, so's the new bride, his princess daughter, can claim the full
attention of Jason. Not, mind you, that I know this to be true, having only heard it in a roundabout way.
But I hope it isn't true.
Nurse 1
And would Jason allow that his precious sons should suffer, too?
Tutor
Old ties give place to new ones. Why would he hesitate? Chance gives him both time and place. He's got
himself a young wife, and he's little enough feeling for this house. But you be quiet and don't tell our
mistress; it's not the right time.
Nurse 2
It's bleak, indeed, for us all.
Nurse 1
Do you hear, children, what a father you have? I wish he were dead—but no, he is still my master, unkind
though he is to his own.
Tutor
What's strange in that? Have you only just discovered that everyone loves himself more than his
neighbor? Some have reason—or think so—others just get something out of it. So Jason neglects his boys
for the new bride. The world turns.
Nurse 1
Go indoors, children. Don't let them near their mother; I've seen her blazing eyes, as though she meant
some mischief. Look at the ages; what will a righteous passion leave undared? I'm sure that she'll not stop
raging until she has struck at someone.
Nurse 2
May it be an enemy and not a friend! These people's tempers are terrible, always having their own way,
seldom checked. Greatness brings no profit to people, really. God, indeed, when in anger, brings greater
ruin to great men's houses.
Chorus and Medea enter.
Chorus
We heard the wretched voice from within. Is she not yet at peace? We are sorry for the sorrow of this
home.
Medea (to herself)
I wish that lightning would strike from heaven and split my head open. I can't see what to do. I pray that I
see my faithless husband and his bride and all their new possessions shattered for the wrong they've done
me and my children, for no cause. I find it hard to grasp that this evil is really happening. In what
dishonor I left my own country for Jason's sake. What source can I tap for vengeance? Jason despises me,
yet can he suppose that my power to inflict evil has taken flight with his devotion? I never killed in anger;
love made me destroy. Yet there must be some crime, something unknown, that the gods will help me
devise to equal what I have suffered.
Chorus
Suppose your man gives honor to another woman's bed. It happens everywhere. Don't be hurt. God will be
your friend in this. You must not destroy yourself with grieving. Endure the brightness of the hoped for
day. (to servants) Speak kindly to her, before she wrongs her own. This passion of hers is moving to
something beyond measure.
Nurse 1
I will, but I doubt if it will matter. Such a look she will flash if anyone attempts to come near, like a lioness
guarding her cubs. (assists Medea) Silence, my mistress, I beg of you. Endure without sound wounds that
cut deep. If you proclaim your hatred too openly, it will lose the space it needs for vengeance.
Medea (to audience and chorus)
Women of Corinth, I have come outside to you lest you should be indignant with me, a foreigner in your
midst, for a just judgment is not evident when a person at first sight hates another, before learning his
character. And a foreigner especially must adapt herself. I'd not approve even of a fellow countryman who
offends neighbors, but on me this thing has fallen so unexpectedly. It has broken my heart; I am finished.
I let go all my life's joy. It was everything to me to think well of one man, and he, my own husband, has
turned on me in the vilest manner. Among all thinking creatures, we women are most unfortunate. For us
to buy a husband, which takes much wealth, and take for our bodies in return a master .... Not to take one
is even worse. And then the question whether we take a good or a bad one, for there is no easy escape. A
wife arrives with little to prepare her for her new behavior. And if we work out all of this well and
carefully, and the husband lives with us, and lightly bears his yoke, then life is good. If not, I'd rather die.
A man goes out of the house and puts an end to his boredom, turns to a friend or companion, yet we are
forced to keep our eyes on one alone. We're said to have a peaceful time living at home while they fight in
war, yet I would rather stand a battle three times than bear one child! Yet much that I suffer applies not to
you, for you have a country, your family and friends. I am deserted, a refugee, meaningless to my
husband—something he won in a foreign land. This I tell you—in other ways a woman is fearful,
defenseless, keeping her miseries to herself. But when wronged in the matter 5 of love, by husband and
the girl who married him, no other soul can hold so many thoughts of blood. No hope can sooth such
troubles, and the fires can know no end.
Chorus
No one would disagree, Medea. Your grief is expected. But Creon is our king, and he will have his say, for
his daughter's future is at stake. What will fortune give?
Creon (enters with attendants)
You, with that angry look, so set against your husband. Medea—did I not order you to leave my territories,
an exile—to take your children without delay? It is my decree; I will see that it is done. You are to remove
yourself from the boundaries of my land.
Medea
So this is the end for me and for my children? Is there no harbor from the storm of hate that swirls around
me? Yet in spite of it all, I must ask, what is your reason, Creon, for banishing me?
Creon
I'm afraid of you—why should I lie?—afraid that you may injure my daughter. You're a clever woman,
versed in evil arts. And you're angry at having lost your husband's love. You go about the place
threatening, so they tell me, to do some harm to Jason, Glause, and even me. So, I tell you, I prefer to earn
your hatred now than to be softhearted and later regret it. Precaution is necessary from a responsible
king.
Medea
This is not the first time that I have been feared for my abilities. Through being considered clever I've
suffered much. A person of sense ought never to bring his children up to be clever; it will make them the
object of envy and ill will. Yet my cleverness is not so much. Are you frightened, then, Creon, that I will
harm you? You needn't be—it's not my way to transgress the authority of a king. Have you harmed me?
You gave your daughter away to the man you wanted as a son and successor. Oh, certainly I hate him, but
you, I think, have acted as a father and wisely. I do not begrudge you this. May the marriage, insofar as
your affairs are concerned, be a lucky one. Only let me live in this land with my children. I will not raise
my voice against my better.
Creon
What you say sounds gentle enough, and yet I fear in my heart that your words mask some evil. A sharptempered woman is easier to deal with than a clever one. Base blood bespeaks its primal self. No, you
must go. By no manner of tricks shall you stay in my country and pose a threat to my own. You are an
enemy of the state.
Medea
I beg you, by your knees, by your new-wedded girl. Will you drive me out and give my sorrow no heed?
Creon
Your words are wasted; you will not persuade me.
Medea
O what an evil to men is passionate love.
Creon
That would depend on the luck that goes along with it.
Medea
O God, do not forget who is the cause of this.
Creon
Woman, you seem to want to create a disturbance. Why this violence and clinging to that which is lost?
You'll be forcibly removed by my men. Sooner or later you must learn to tolerate imperial commands.
Medea
No, Creon, listen, I beg of you. If you're the judge, then hear my cause and case. I will go into exile. This is
not what I beg for. Allow me to remain here just this one day. I must consider where to live, and look for
support for my children, whose father has made no provision for them. You have a child of your own; it is
natural for you to look kindly on them. For myself, I do not mind exile; it is the children being cast adrift
without a plan that I mind. Let me be a mother to my sons.
Creon
You combine a woman's brazen schemes with a man's stamina. I am not a tyrant, yet even as I say it, I
sense that showing mercy is a mistake. All the same, you will have your will. But mark my words, if the
light of heaven tomorrow shall catch you and your children within our sight, you will die. Stay for this day
alone, for in it you can do none of the harms I fear. Sentence is passed. (exit)
Chorus
Where will you go, unfortunate wife? Who will help you? The gods continue to send you waves of despair.
Time cannot make all sorrow light.
Medea
Pluck up courage; then luck fears you. But she crushes all cowards. Things have gone badly for me. But
things may go as much so for the newlyweds. Pain is everywhere. Do you think that I would have fawned
on that man unless I had some end to gain? Touched him with my hands? He could have made nothing of
my plans, but he gave me this one day—and in it I will make the deaths of my enemies. Medea still stands.
My father, too, was a king. In me you see the energy of earth and water, fire, steel, the gods, and heaven's
vengeance. I have only to set aside the obstacles in my path. I shall become Medea. Fortune has power to
take away my goods but not my spirit.
But if I carry out this act, what town will receive me; who would offer me refuge? I should wait and think,
and something may appear to me as a sign that the heavens support my cause. But if my fate should drive
me on alone to a certain death, bitter still I will make their marriage, and mournful. The test has come for
resolution, and I was born for it.
Chorus
Now she is standing still—threatening and heaving. Where will the crushing force of her intent strike? Her
madness rises and swirls around her like water. What she turns over in her mind will be no ordinary deed;
she will surpass her median of crime. Some enormity looms over us. Flow backwards to your sources,
sacred rivers, and let the world's great order be reversed. Passion fuels no easy crime nor ordinary deed.
Jason (enters) The moment I see you, I recognize those ancient hallmarks of your rage. It is near hopeless
to deal with a stubborn temper. Medea, Fate is always hard. Luck is hopelessly rough, and whether she
devours us whole or lets us go, she's impartially evil. If I had wanted to make good the oath I gave you, my
life would have been miserable. You have the heart of a wild beast, but I appeal to you despite your anger,
to act on your children's behalf. That should mean more than your standing as my wife. You might have
stayed in this country but for your loose tongue. I, for my part, have tried to calm Creon, despite your
telling everyone that I am a worthless man. But your folly in speaking ill of this country and its king has
got you banished. In spite of your conduct, I've come to make provision for you, though you hate me. In
exile you won't be penniless.
Medea
What a coward you are, to come to me, my worst enemy, with such overconfidence. Shamelessness is the
worst human disease. I can't tell whether you think the gods whose names you swore by then have ceased
to rule, since you must know that you have broken every oath to me. The children and I--we're on the run,
Jason, not that moving home is new. I'm used to being on the run solely for you. I'm leaving you to your
new homestead in the sun. But you did well to come, for I can speak ill of you and lighten my heart. I
saved your life, and every Greek knows I saved it. Thankless body without a mind, think. Wind your
thoughts back to your encounter with the scorching breath of a flame-breathing bull, and the terror
gripping you. Think of the foe that sprouted without warning from the earth. I bade them slaughter one
another; they sank back to death without a human word. Throw on the fleece. Think of my brother; I put
him to death—one child cut down, but with how many cuts? Remember horrors seen and overcome, these
hands that showed no pity when employed for you. In seeking power for you, I threw my own away. I gave
up brother, father, fatherland and my virginity. This was my dowry when I married you. I want it back
now.
Jason
Creon wanted you dead. My pleas crushed him; I won you exile instead.
Medea
Oh, I see it now. Exile is a reward.
Jason
Cease this mouthing tempest of your bitter tongue, woman. My view is that Cypris was alone responsible
of men and gods for preserving my life. You are clever enough—but really I needn't rehash the story of
how love's inescapable power compelled you to keep my person safe on that journey towards the Golden
Fleece. Insofar as you helped me, you did well enough. But on this question of saving me, you certainly got
more from me than you gave. You were living among barbarians; but I brought you to Greek lands to learn
our ways, to live by laws instead of the bloodied will of force. And the Greeks have honored you for your
cleverness, but your attack on my marriage will cost you face. It was a clever and wise move on my part,
and for the good of our family. For you well know that, despite our trials, we arrived here in every kind of
difficulty and little to show for our marriage save the children. It was not—the point that seems to upset
you—that I grew tired of your bed and felt the need of a new bride—nor with any wish to outdo your
number of children. What better luck than this chance for a foreigner to marry the daughter of the king.
This was the main reason—that we might live well and not be short of anything. Also that my sons might
be brought up worthy of my position, and producing more of them to be brothers to yours, we might draw
them together as families. Do you think this a bad plan? You wouldn't if the love question didn't upset
you. But you women have got into such a state of mind that if your life at night is good, you think you have
everything, but if in that quarter things go wrong, you lose sight of your best and true interests. It would
be better for men to have got their children some other way. Then life would have been good.
Medea
Confident in his tongue's power to adorn evil, he stops at nothing. Is he wise? Is he clever? (to Jason)
Answer me this; if you were not a coward, you would not have married behind my back, but would have
discussed this plan with me first.
Jason
And you, no doubt, would have understood, you who are incapable of controlling your bitter temper. Why
don't you master your emotions for the children's sake and calm yourself down? Make sure of this—it was
not because of a woman that I made this royal alliance. As I said before, I wished to preserve you and
breed a royal progeny to be brothers to the children I have now—a sure defense to us.
Medea
That will be an evil day for them, poor creatures, mingling shining families with base and low. So may it
never come. May sons of Phoebus never mix with sons of Sisyphus.
Jason
Again you call down curses on the king's family. I am prepared to send you into exile with money and an
introduction to friends who may help you. Accept this. Cease your anger and you will profit.
Medea
Everywhere I've opened up a road for you, I've closed one for myself. Enjoy your wedding.
Jason
I call the gods to witness that I tried to help you. You are sure to suffer for your obstinacy.
Medea
Never has luck with all its twists and turns challenged as yet my primacy in power. Run away with me.
Jason
We've talked too long. Let's cut this short right now. People will start to get suspicious. (exit)
Medea
Is that it? You stroll away, erasing everything that I've done? Almighty Jupiter, thunder across the skies,
ready your fires of vengeance, burst the veil of clouds, shake this tidy world to its foundations. Don't worry
which you hit. If either of us falls, the guilty die. (starts to exit)
Enter Aegeus, King of Athens
Aegeus
Medea, greeting! This is an unexpected pleasure, to see an old friend.
Medea
Aegeus, son of King Pandion, what brings you to this country's soil?
Aegeus
I have just left the ancient oracle of Phoebus, where, I confess to you, my friend, I have sought relief from
great sorrow that plagues my marriage bed. I went to inquire how children might be born to me.
Medea
And what did the oracle have to say?
Aegeus
Words too wise for me, mere man, to guess their meaning, but perhaps in your cleverness you can
interpret them?
Medea
Then tell me, if I may hear.
Aegeus
I am not to loosen the mouth of the wineskin ...
Medea
Until you have done something or reached some country?
Aegeus
Until I return again to my hearth and house.
Medea
Then why did you come here?
Aegeus
To see a man called Pittheus, King of Troezen, to discuss the gods' reply. But why do you look so
downcast, Medea? You're pale.
Medea
Well, I hope you have good luck in your endeavors, better than I. Jason wrongs me, though I never injured
him. He has taken a wife to his house, supplanting me.
Aegeus
Surely he wouldn't dare to do it. Did he fall in love, or tire of your affection? If he is so callous, then
perhaps you should let him go.
Medea
He is greatly in love—a passionate love—for an alliance with the king. It is Glause, the daughter of Creon,
who rules this land of Corinth. I am ruined, and I am banished.
Aegeus
Banished? Here you tell me of another wrong. Surely Jason does not consent? I cannot approve of this.
Medea
He pretends to be upset, but he will do nothing. Oh, Aegeus, I beg and beseech you, I make myself your
suppliant, have pity on your poor friend and do not let me go into exile so desolate. Will you receive me in
your land and at your hearth? You do not know what a chance you have come upon here. I will end your
childlessness, make you and your love able to beget children. The drugs I know can do this.
Aegeus
For many reasons, woman, I desire to do this favor for you. First, for the gods, and for the sake of the
children whose birth you promise, for I confess to be at my wit's end on that. But this is my position; if
you reach my land, I, being within my rights as king, will try to befriend you. But I will not take you out of
country. You by yourself must reach my house; then you shall reside there safely. To none will I give you
up, but I must not assist you in your escape from this country, which is not my own.
Medea
So it will be, but I ask of you one pledge. The house of Pelias hates me, as does that of Creon, so I request
that you make your oath by the gods. When they seek to drag me from your lands, only having sworn by
the gods will you be armed enough to resist their summons, for they have wealth and power and will
challenge me.
Aegeus
You show much foresight in these negotiations. Well, if you will have it so, I won't refuse. This will also be
the safest way to put forth some excuse to your enemies. You may name the gods.
Medea
Swear by the plain of Earth, and Helius, father of my father, that you will never cast me from your land,
nor willingly hand me over to my enemies.
Aegeus
I swear by the Earth and by the holy light of Helius the Sun, I will abide by what you say.
Medea
And if you fail your oath, what will happen to you?
Aegeus
What comes to those who have no regard for heaven.
Medea
Farewell, then, and on your way. I will reach your city as soon as I can, when my deeds are done. (Aegeus
exit)
Chorus
May Hermes, god of travelers, escort you home, generous man.
Medea
Now has come my time of triumph over my enemies. I must find Jason and approve his marriage, but beg
for my children to reside in his new house—not that I would subject them to their enemies' insults, but to
send them bearing gifts for the new bride—a finely woven dress and diadem--family heirlooms, especially
bewitched for her. I weep to think of what deed I must do after that. And when I am done ruining Jason's
house, then shall I flee. What shall I have but pain as my reward? I made my mistake when I left behind
my father's house and trusted the words of a Greek--who with Heaven's help will pay me the price for that.
Chorus
Can you have the heart to destroy your own flesh and blood? Medea The blessing of a life lived criminally
is that you don't think of anything as crime. It is the best way to wound my husband.
Chorus
And yourself. Of all women you will be most unhappy.
Medea
So it must be. No compromise is possible.
(to nurse) Go at once and get Jason to return to me. If you love your mistress, if you were born a woman,
say nothing of these oaths.
Chorus
How can any land love you, or dare to offer you any home, you who will harm your children? Where will
you find the dreadful courage, or the skill of hand, to attempt such a deed? You will not be able, when your
children implore you, to remain steadfast in this purpose. Enough, gods, spare them, for these children
had no choice in their parents.
Jason
I've come at your request, despite your bitterness, to listen, woman. What do you want?
Medea
Jason, I beg you to forgive my temper. I've talked with myself and reproached myself for my foolish anger.
Why am I so mad? Why set against a wise plan? Why make myself an enemy of the state and of my
husband? We have had much love together; it is natural for me, but I have considered this and see that we
would be short of friends in our exile were it not for your marriage to this kingdom. I give in. I admit that I
was wrong. I understand now. Children, come make peace with your father. Our anger is ended. Take his
hand. (aside) Oh children, will you just so, hold out your arms to me at my grave? I am ending at last this
quarrel with your father. And look, my eyes have suddenly filled with tears.
Jason
I approve of what you say. And I cannot blame you for what you said before. It's natural for a woman to be
wild with her husband when he goes in for secret love. But in the end you have come to the right decision,
clever woman that you are. My sons, I make ample provision for you, and I look forward to seeing you
young men grow healthy and strong, better than my enemies. Medea, why do you turn from me? Are these
words not pleasing to you?
Medea
It's not that I distrust your words. When you prayed that they might live well, I grew unhappy to think
that they would be banished with me. Perhaps Creon could be dissuaded. Can you not speak to your wife,
that she might beg her father to reprieve my children from their banishment?
Jason
I doubt that I could convince him, but with her I shall certainly succeed.
Medea
If she is like the rest of women, you will. And I, too, will take a hand in this business. I will send some gifts
far fairer than those currently in fashion—a finely woven dress and a diadem, and the children shall
present them. (to nurse) Quick, one of you fetch them.
Go, my sons, and appease your stepmother with this offering, but hurry home so I can have the pleasure
of a farewell kiss from you.
Jason
Do you think the palace is short of dresses to wear? Do you think there is no gold there? Keep these, don't
give them away.
Medea
No. Let me have my way. The gods themselves are moved by gifts, and gold does more than words. Give
her the dress, children. This is of great importance. That she should take the gift into her hand from yours.
Now go. (exit Jason, tutor, children with gifts)
Chorus
Medea is the cloud the sun cannot penetrate. She is the sun the clouds cannot resist. Medea is a soul
divided against herself. The poor bride will accept the curse. Medea does not know how to rein in love or
anger.
[Dance of the Poisoned Dress here or with messenger scene. Music. Glause receives gifts from the
children behind scrim. Reluctant at first, but intrigued. Children exit. Puts on the dress and dances
around in it until it attacks her. Her father tries to save her and is also poisoned. They die.]
Enter tutor with sons.
Tutor
Mistress, I'm happy to report that your sons are unbanished, and the royal bride was pleased to take in
her hands your gifts. What's the matter? Are my words not pleasing for you to hear? Is this not the good
news I thought?
Medea
You have told what you have told. I do not blame you. The gods and I, I in a kind of madness, have
contrived all this. My sons, I am going in exile to another land. Before I have seen you grow up happy.
Before I have dressed your brides and made your marriage beds. What was the purpose for which I reared
you? They were sterile, those pains I had in bearing you. You will never see your mother again. Why do
you smile so sweetly at me? I cannot bear to do it. I renounce my plans. I'll take my children away from
this land. Why should I hurt their father with the pain they feel, and suffer twice as much myself? What a
weak woman even to admit to my mind these soft arguments. I can never suffer my children to be the prey
of my enemies. Every way, it is now fixed. Come, children, give me your hands. I wish you happiness, but
not here in this world. (Sends children off) I know what evil I intend to do. Mind, you vacillate so much.
Why do tears dampen your face, why does anger tear you one way now and love another? We'll pay the
penalty. All of us will pay. Mind, concentrate and face things like a man.
Messenger enters.
Messenger
Medea, you who have done such a dreadful thing, so outrageous, run for your life, take what you can!
Medea
And what is the reason that deserves such flight?
Messenger
She is dead only just now, the royal princess, and her father, too, by your poisons.
Medea
Now and hereafter I shall count you among my friends.
Messenger
What! Are you right in the mind? Are you not mad, woman? The house of the king is outraged by you.
Medea
Do not hurry so, my friend, but speak. How did they die? Was it in agony?
Messenger
When your children entered, their father with them, and passed into the bride's house, we were pleased;
we who were distressed by your curses. All through the house we were talking of but one thing—how you
and your husband had made up your quarrel. Our mistress at first turned away from your children coming
there, but your husband begged her and the king to reprieve these children from their exile. When our
mistress saw the dress, she could not restrain herself. She took the gorgeous robe and cloaked herself in it
and placed the golden crown upon her head, and danced about like some exotic princess. But after that it
was a fearful thing to see. The wreath of gold that was resting around her head and the finely woven dress
that your children gave to her fastened on her unhappy flesh till, beaten by her fate, she fell to the ground.
I shudder to confess that not one of us could move; terror held us all from touching the corpse. But her
wretched father at once cried out and folded his arms about her and kissed her. He cried out, "O, let me
die with you, my child." So he stuck to the fine dress, and she was pulling him down. At last his life was
quenched, and the unhappy man gave up the ghost. There they lay, daughter and father, dead bodies, an
event he prayed for with his last tears. Together at the limits of the known world.
Medea
My task is now irrevocably fixed. Do not hang back from doing this final fearful and necessary wrong.
Take up the sword, step forward to this bitter starting point, and do not be a coward. Do not think of
them, how sweet they are, and how you are their mother. (Medea exits; messenger runs)
Chorus
Earth and sun, look down upon this woman before she raises the hand of murder against her flesh and
blood.
[Murder of the Sons]
Enter Jason with attendants.
Jason
You women, is she who did this dreadful deed still in the house, or has she run away in flight, for she will
have to hide herself beneath the earth, or raise herself on wings if she wishes to escape the royal
vengeance. Does she imagine that having killed our rulers she will escape uninjured from this country? I
have come to save the lives of my boys in case the royal house should try to harm them to avenge their
mother's wicked deed.
Nurse 1
If you but knew how deeply you are surrounded by sorrow, you would not have spoken so.
Jason
Is she planning to kill me, too?
Nurse 2
Your children are dead by their own mother's hand.
Jason
Woman, you have destroyed me. Where did she kill them?
Medea (appears above)
Why do you batter these gates and try to unbar them? You will never touch me with your hand.
Jason
You hateful thing! You are the woman most utterly loathed by all the race of mankind. You who have had
the heart to raise a sword against your children and left me childless. Do you still look at the sun and the
earth? I wish you dead. There is no Greek woman who would have dared such deeds--out of all those
whom I passed over and chose you to marry instead, a monster, not a woman. Now I see it plain, though
at that time I did not. When I took you from your foreign home and brought you to a Greek house, you
were an evil thing and a traitress.
Medea
Long would be the answer that I might have made to these words of yours, if Zeus, the father, did not
know how I have treated you and what you did to me. Great was the passion in my heart—beyond the
bonds of human nature. It was not to be that you should scorn my love and pleasantly live your life
through, so now you may call me a monster if you wish.
Jason
You feel the pain yourself. You share in my sorrow. O, children, what a wicked mother she was to you.
Medea
They died from a disease they caught from their father. The gods know who was the author of this sorrow.
Jason
Yes, the gods know, indeed. They know your loathsome heart. Give me the bodies to bury and to mourn
them.
Medea
No, that I will not. I will bury them myself, so that no enemy may tear up their grave. I go to dwell in
Aegeus' house, and you will have seen the bitter end of my love. Some greater crime let grief invent.
Jason
May a Fury for the children's sake destroy you.
Medea
Go to your palace, bury your bride.
Jason
I go with two children to mourn for, lost to my love.
Medea
I loved them; you did not.
Jason
You loved them and killed them.
Medea
To make you feel pain.
Jason
O, God, do you hear it, this persecution? I will lament and cry upon heaven calling the gods to bear me
witness. I wish I had never begot them, to see them afterward slaughtered by you.
Medea
The gods my wifely prayers heard not, but had I asked their prayers in evil deeds, how ready they had
been. This is my sole, inevitable way of going into exile. A pathway into the hidden sky that my ancestry
has opened up. I ride through the rifted clouds.
Jason
Wherever you may go, you will be proof that gods do not exist.
Chorus
It is a simple tale. Fate turns all fortunes on her wheel, and smothered fires grow hotter in every time and
place.
It is a simple thing. The moon reflects the sun's light and assumes it is another sun. But the sun is not a
god. It is a mass of rock.
Make your laments. See what good it does to blame the universe. Failing in purpose, we invent a
successful god and plague him with our failures. How many chances rule the fate of the righteous?
What madness drives, that by turns we shed each other's blood? We pray for a bomb at our neighbor's
house. Passion fuels no easy crime nor ordinary deed.