brings him gold to ease his bitter heart.
Why trips she down the forest-path? She hastes
To meet her brother who is waiting there
In some green copse. Together then they wend
Homeward their way along the well-known path,
Like twin-stars shining through the forest-gloom.
Another draweth nigh; his brow is crowned
With coronet of gold; he is the King,
Their royal father, and he lays his hand
In blessing on their heads, and names them both
His joy, his dearest treasure.--Welcome, then,
Most dear and friendly faces! Are ye come
To comfort me in this my loneliness?
Draw nearer, nearer yet! I fain would look
Into your eyes! Dear brother, dost thou smile
So friendly on me? Ah, how fair thou art,
My heart's best treasure! But my father's face
Is sober, earnest; yet he loves me still,
Yea, loveth his good daughter!

[_She springs up suddenly._]

Good? Ha, good?
'Tis a false lie! For know, thou old, gray man,
She will betray thee, _hath_ betrayed thee, thee,
Ay, and herself! But thou didst curse her sore
"Know thou shalt be thrust forth
Like a beast of the wilderness," thou saidst;
"Friendless and homeless, with no place
To lay thy head! And he, for whom
Thou hast betrayed me, he will be
First to take vengeance on thee, first
To leave thee, thrust thee forth, and first
To slay thee!" See, thy words were true!
For here I stand, thrust forth indeed,
By all men like a monster shunned,
Deserted by the wretch for whom
I gave thee up, and with no place
To lay me down; alas! not dead;
Black thoughts of murder in my heart!--
Dost thou rejoice at thy revenge?
Com'st closer?--Children! O my babes!

[_She rushes across to where the children lie sleeping, and shakes them
violently._]

My children, did ye hear? Awake!

BOY (_waking_).

What wouldst thou?

MEDEA (_pressing them fiercely to her_).

Clasp your arms about me close!

BOY. I slept so soundly.

MEDEA. Slept? How could ye sl