Thou shouldest, if not base, have wed this bride
With my consent, not hid it from thy friends.
Jason.
Ay, nobly hadst thou helped in this my purpose,
Had I a marriage named, who even now
Canst not refrain thy heart's exceeding wrath! 590
Medea.
Not this thine hindrance, but the alien wife
No crown of honour was as eld drew on.
Jason.
Now know this well—not for the woman's sake
I wed the royal bride whom I have won,
But, as I said, of my desire to save 595
Thee, and beget seed royal, to my sons
Brethren, and for mine house a tower of strength.
Medea.
No prosperous life 'neath sorrow's cloud for me,
Nor weal, with thorns of conscience in mine heart!
Jason.
Know'st how to change thy prayer, and show the wiser? 600
May thy good never seem to thee thy sorrow;
Nor in fair fortune deem thy lot misfortune.
Medea.
O yea, insult!—Thou hast a refuge, thou;
But desolate I am banished from this land.
Jason.
Thyself hast chosen this: none other blame. 605
