Page:Tragedies of Seneca (1907) Miller.djvu/130

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[Sees a vision of the furies and her brother's ghost.]
But whither hastes that throng
Of furies? What their quest? What mean their brandished
fires?
Whom threats this hellish host with horrid, bloody brands? 960
I hear the writhing lash resound of serpents huge.
Whom Seeks Megaera with her deadly torch? Whose shade
Comes gibbering there with scattered limbs? It is my brother!
Revenge he seeks, and w will grant his quest. Then come,
Within my heart plunge all your torches, rend me, burn; 965
For lo, my bosom open to your fury's stroke.
brother, bid these vengeful goddesses depart
And go in peace down to the lowest shades of hell.
And do thou leave me to myself, and let this hand
That slew thee with the sword now offer sacrifice 970
Unto thy shade.
[Slays her first son.]
What sudden uproar meets my ear?
'Tis Corinth's citizens on my destruction bent.
Unto the palace roof I'll mount and there complete
This bloody sacrifice.
[To her remaining son.]
Do thou come hence with me.
But thee, poor senseless corse, within mine arms I'll bear. 975
Now gird thyself, my heart, with strength. Nor must this deed
Lose all its just renown because in secret done;
But to the public eye my hand must be approved.
Jason [in the street below shouting to citizens]: Ho, all ye loyal sons,
who mourn the death of kings!
Come, let us seize the worker of this hideous crime. 980
Now ply your arms and raze her palace to the ground.
Medea [appearing on the housetop with her two sons]: Now, now have
I regained my regal state, my sire,
My brother! Once again the Colchians hold the spoil
Of precious gold! And by the magic of this hour
I am a maid once more. O heavenly powers, appeased
At length! O festal hour! O nuptial day! On, on! 985
Accomplished is the guilt, but not the recompense.
Complete the task while yet thy hands are strong to act!