For herein wholly extinct is Aigeus' name.
But thus it is—if to my land thou come,
I thy defence essay, in bounds of justice.
Howbeit of this do I forewarn thee, lady, 725
From this land will I not consent to lead thee.
But, if thou reachest of thyself mine homes,
Safe shalt thou bide: to no man will I yield thee.
But from this land thou must thyself escape;
For blameless will I be to allies too. 730
Medea.
So be it. Yet, were oath-pledge given for this
To me, then had I all I would of thee.
Aigeus.
Ha, dost not trust me?—Or at what dost stumble?
Medea.
I trust thee: but my foes are Pelias' house
And Kreon. Oath-bound, thou couldst never yield me 735
To these, when they would drag me from the land.
Hadst thou but promised, to the Gods unpledged,[1]
Thou mightest turn their friend, might'st lightly yield
To herald-summons. Strengthless is my cause:
Wealth is on their side, and a princely house. 740
Aigeus.
Foresight exceeding, lady, in thy words![2]
Yet, if this be thy will, I draw not back;
