Part 34 (1/2)

MED. Is it allowable for me to know the oracle of the G.o.d?

aeG. Certainly, inasmuch as it needs also a deep-skilled mind.

MED. What then did he say? Speak, if I may hear.

aeG. That I was not to loose the projecting foot of the vessel--

MED. Before thou didst what, or came to what land?

aeG. Before I revisit my paternal hearth.

MED. Then as desiring what dost thou direct thy voyage to this land?

aeG. There is one Pittheus, king of the country of Trazene.

MED. The most pious son, as report says, of Pelops.

aeG. To him I wish to communicate the oracle of the G.o.d.

MED. For he is a wise man, and versed in such matters.

aeG. And to me at least the dearest of all my friends in war.

MED. Mayest thou prosper, and obtain what thou desirest.

aeG. But why is thine eye and thy color thus faded?

MED. aegeus, my husband is the worst of all men.

aeG. What sayest thou? tell me all thy troubles.

MED. Jason wrongs me, having never suffered wrong from me.

aeG. Having done what? tell me more clearly.

MED. He hath here a wife besides me, mistress of the house.

aeG. Hath he dared to commit this disgraceful action?

MED. Be a.s.sured he has; but we his former friends are dishonored.

aeG. Enamored of her, or hating thy bed?

MED. [Smitten with] violent love indeed, he was faithless to his friends.

aeG. Let him perish then, since, as you say, he is a bad man.

MED. He was charmed to receive an alliance with princes.

aeG. And who gives the bride to him? finish the account, I beg.