Stories from the Greek Tragedians | Page 8

her acquaintance, that were gathered
together to comfort her, and said, "I am come, my friends, to excuse
myself to you. Ye know this sudden trouble that hath undone me, and
the exceeding great wickedness of my husband. Surely we women are
of all creatures that breathe the most miserable. For we must take
husbands to rule over us, and how shall we know whether they be good
or bad? Of a truth, a woman should have the gift of divination, that she
may know what manner of man he is to whom she joineth herself,
seeing that he is a stranger to her and unknown. If indeed she find one
that is worthy, it is well with her; but if not, then had she better die. For
a man, if he be troubled at home, goeth abroad, and holdeth converse
with his friends and equals of age, and is comforted. But with a woman
it is not so; for she hath only the life that is at home. But why do I
compare myself with you? for ye dwell in your own land, and have
parents and kinsfolk and friends; but I am desolate and without a
country, and am wronged by this man that hath stolen me from a
strange land; nor have I mother, or brother, or kinsman, who may help
me in my need. This thing, therefore, I would ask of you; that if I can
contrive any device by which I may have vengeance on my husband,
and on him that giveth his daughter to him, and on the girl, ye keep
silence. And vengeance I will have; for though a woman have not
courage, nor dare to look upon the sword, yet if she be wronged in her
love, there is nothing fiercer than she."
Then the women said, "We will keep silence as thou biddest us, for 'tis
right that thou shouldest have vengeance on thy husband. But see! here
cometh King Creon, doubtless with some new purpose."
And the King said, "Hear this, Medea. I bid thee depart out of this land,
and thy children with thee. And I am come myself to execute this word,
for I depart not again to my own house till I have cast thee forth from
my borders."
Then Medea made answer, "Now am I altogether undone. But tell me,
my lord, why dost thou drive me out of thy land?"
"Because I fear thee, lest thou should do some harm beyond all remedy
to me and to my house. For I know that thou art wise, and hast
knowledge of many curious arts; and besides, I hear that thou hast
threatened grievous hurt against all that are concerned with this new

marriage."
But Medea answered, "O my lord, this report of craft and wisdom hath
wrought me harm not this day only, but many times! Truly it is not well
that a man should teach his children to be wise, for they gain thereby
no profit, but hatred only. But as for me, my lord, my wisdom is but a
small thing; nor is there cause why thou shouldest fear me. For who am
I that I should transgress against a king? Nor indeed hast thou done me
wrong. My husband, indeed, I hate; but thou hast given thy daughter as
it pleased thee. The Gods grant that it may be well with thee and thine!
Only suffer me to dwell in this land."
But the King would not, though she entreated him with many words.
Only at the last he yielded this to her, that she might abide for one day
and contrive some refuge for her children; "but," he said, "if thou tarry
after this, thou and thy children, thou shalt surely die."
Then he went his way, and Medea said to the women that stood by,
"That at least is well; be ye sure that there is evil to come for the
bridegroom and the bride in this new marriage, and for their kin. Think
ye that I had flattered this man but that I thought to gain somewhat
thereby? Surety I had not touched his hand, no, nor spoken to him. And
now--fool that he is--he hath given me this day, and when he might
have driven me from the land, he suffereth me to tarry. Verily he shall
die for it, he and his daughter and this new bridegroom. But how shall I
contrive it? Shall I put fire to the dwelling of the bride, or make my
way by stealth into her chamber and slay her? Yet if I be found so
doing, I shall perish, and my enemies will laugh me to scorn. Nay, let
me work by poison, as is my wont. Well, and if they die, what