Full text of "Medea Euripedes Jeffers"

Medea FREELY ADAPTED FROM THE “MEDEA” OF EURIPIDES By Robinson Jeffers SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. 45 West 25th Street NEW YORK 10010 7623 Sunset Boulevard HOLLYWOOD 90046 LONDON TORONTO MEDEA DESCRIPTION OF CHARACTERS The Nurse: An old slave -woman, Medea's nurse in childhood , now her devoted servant. The Tutor: An old man, a slave, tutor to Medea's children. The Children : Two little boys. Chorus : Corinthian women of various types. Medea Creon: A man of fifty, perhaps; the ruler of Corinth. Jason : Famous hero and explorer, now settling toward middle age. ^geus (E'geus — accent on first syllable ) : ruler of Athens, visiting Corinth. A kindly person, a little older than Creon. A Young Man : A slave of Jason's. Also men in attendance on Creon, Jason, Mgeus, and serving women belonging to Medea. Medea act one HOUSE LIGHTS UP CURTAIN LIGHT CUE #r UP LIGHT CUE #i DOWN . CUE dk2 SCRIM at front of scene. MUSIC , LIGHT CUE #2, SEA EFFECT (all together). The Nurse comes from the door Left toward the front of the stage, as soon as SCRIM SEA EFFECT STOPS The Nurse. (Reaches up stage Right position, then '/wist/the long ship Argo had never passed that peri- lous channel between the Symplegades, I wish the pines that made her mast and her oars still waved in the wind on Mount Pelion, and the gray fishhawk , Still nested in them, the great adventurers had never voyaged . , Into the Asian sunrise to the shores of morning tor the Golden Fleece (UGHT CUE # 4 ) (Crosses up to 3rd step, Center) For then my mistress Medea Would never have seen Jason, nor loved and saved him, nor cut herself off from home to come with him Into this country of the smiling chattering Greeks and the roofs of Corinth : over which I see evil 9 IO MEDEA ACT I Hang like a cloud. For she is not meek but fierce, and the daughter of a king. Yet at first all went well. The folk of Corinth were kind to her, they were proud of her beauty, and Jason loved her. Happy is the house Where the man and the woman love and are faithful. (Sits on 3rd step) Now all is changed ; all is black hatred. For Jason has turned from her; he calls the old bond a bar- barian mating, not a Greek marriage; he has cast her off And wedded the yellow-haired child of Creon, the ruler here. He wants worldly advantage, fine friends, And a high place in Corinth. For these he is willing to cast Medea like a harlot, and betray the children That she has borne him. He is not wise, I think (LIGHT CUE #5; But Medea Lies in the house, broken with pain and rage ; she will neither eat nor drink, except h«r own tears, She turns her face toward the earth, remembering her father's house and her native land, which she abandoned For the love of this man: who now despises her. And if I try to speak comfort to her she only stares at me, great eyes like stones. She is like a stone on the shore Or a wave of the sea, and I think she hates Even her children. (Rises and crosses to rock down Right) She is learning what it is to be a foreigner, cast out, alone and despised. She will never learn to be humble, she will never learn to drink insult Like harmless water. O I’m in terror of her: whether she’ll thread a knife through her own heart, Or whether she’ll hunt the bridegroom and his new ACT l MEDEA XI bride, or what more dreadful evil stalks in the Of her dark mind. I know that Jason would have been wiser to tempt a lioness, or naked-handed Steal the whelps of a tiger. (From up Right she sees Medea’s Boys coming with their Tutor, Elder Boy first with sea - shell, Younger Boy on Tutor’s back.) Here comes the happy children. Little they know Of their mother’s grief. (LIGHT CUE #6) (During this speech Tutor lets Boy off his back. Boys go up and sit up Right corner of house. Tutor crosses down Center to Left of Nurse.) The Tutor. Old servant of my lady, why do you stand out here, keeping watch in solitude With those grim eyes? Is it some trouble of your own that you are lamenting? I should think Medea Would need your care. The Nurse It is all one to Medea, whether I am there or here. Yes, it is mine, , . . My trouble. My lady’s grief is my grief. And it has hurt me , So that I had to come out and speak it to the earth and sky. The Tutor. Is she still in that deep despair? The Nurse You are lucky, Old watchdog of Jason’s boys. I envy you, _ _ You do not see her. This evil is not declining, it is just at dawn. I dread the lion-eyed Glare of its noon. The Tutor. Is she so wrought? Yet neither you nor Medea 12 MEDEA ACT I Knows the latest and worst. The Nurse. (Rises from rock) _ What? What? The Tutor. (Crosses to Center ) . I shouldn’t have spoken. The Nurse. (She follows him to Left Center. As she does this Boys cross down to rock. One sits on rock and other sits on ground at his feet ) Tell me the truth, old man. You and I are two slaves, we can trust each other, We can keep secrets. The Tutor I heard them saying — when we walked beside the holy fountain Peirene, Where the old men sit in the sun on the stone benches —they were saying that Creon, the lord of this land, Intends to drive out Medea and the children with her, these innocent boys, out of this house And out of Corinth, and they must wander through the wild world Homeless and helpless. The Nurse. I don’t believe it. Ah, no! Jason may hate the mother, but he would hardly Let his sons be cast out. The Tutor. Well — he has made a new alliance. He is not a friend of this house. The Nurse. (She crosses below Tutor to Left) If this were true! — Medea. (Within house. She is Asiatic and laments loudly) Death. The Nurse. Listen ! I hear her voice Medea. ( Within ) ACT i MEDEA 13 Death. Death is my wish. For myself, my enemies, my children. Destruction. The Nurse Take the children away, keep them away from her. Take them to the other door. Quickly. (During “ Deaths ” Younger Boy rises from rock. Tutor crosses, picks him up and exits Left, followed by Elder Boy. They go out, toward rear door of the house. The Nurse looks after them, wringing her hands.) Medea. That’s the word. Grind, crush, bum. Destruction. Ai — Ai — The Nurse. (Wringing her hands) This is my terror: To hear her always harking back to the children, like a fierce hound at fault. O unhappy one, They’re not to blame. (Sits step Right of pillar down Left.) n.ICHT CUR d±7) Medea. ( Within ) If any god hears me: let me die. Ah, rotten, rotten, rotten : death is the only Water to wash this dirt. (First and Second Woman are coming in up Right, but the Nurse does not yet notice them. She is intent on Medea’s cries and her own thoughts.) The Nurse Oh, it’s a bad thing (LIGHT CUE # 8 ) To be born of high race, and brought up wilful and powerful in a great house, unruled. And ruling many : for then if misfortune comes it is unendurable, it drives you mad. I say that poor people MEDEA ACT I Are happier : the little commoners and humble people, the poor in spirit: they can lie low Under the wind and live : (Enter Third Woman ; joins First and Second up Right Center.) while the tall oaks and cloud- . raking mountain pines go mad in the storm, Writhe, groan and crash. Medea. Ai! The Nurse. This is the wild and terrible justice of God: it brings on great persons The great disasters. Medea. Aim The Nurse. (Becomes aware of the Women zvho have come in, and is startled from her reverie. First Woman crosses down Center) What do you want? First Woman. . , . I hear her crying again: it is dreadful. Second Woman. ( Crosses down to Right of First Woman; ' Her lamentation. She is beautiful and deep in grief: we couldn’t help coming. Third Woman, (Crosses down to Right of Second Woman; We are friends of this house and its trouble hurts us The Nurse. You are right, friends ; it is not a home. It is broken. A house of grief and of weeping. Medea. (Within) 4 r . „ , . Hear me, God, let me die. What I need : all dead, all dead, all dead (Third Woman crosses down Right of rock.) Under the great cold stones. For a year and a thousand act 1 MEDEA 15 years and another thousand: cold as the stones, cold. But noble again, proud, straight and silent, crimson- cloaked In the blood of our wounds. (First Woman crosses to 3rd step, Center.) First Woman. O shining sky, divine earth, Harken not to the song that this woman sings. It is not her mind’s music ; her mind is not here. She does not know what she prays for. Pain and wrath are the singers. Second Woman. (Crosses to second step, facing door) Unhappy one, (LIGHT CUE #p) Never pray for death, never pray for death, He is here all too soon. He strikes from the clear sky like a hawk, He hides behind green leaves, or he waits Around the corner of the wall. 0 never pray for death, never pray for death — Because that prayer will be answered. Medea. (The rise and fall of her voice indicate that she is prowling back and forth beyond the main door- way, like a caged animal) 1 know poisons. I know the bright teeth of steel. I know fire. But I will not be mocked by my enemies, (Third Woman crosses up Right of rock to Right Center.) And I will not endure pity. Pity and contempt are sister and brother, twin-born. I will not die tamely. I will not allow blubber-eyed pity, nor contempt either, to snivel over the stones of my tomb. I am not a Greek woman. Third Woman. (Crosses to step Center) No, a barbarian woman from savage Colchis, at the bitter end ACT I 16 MEDEA Of the Black Sea. Does she boast of that? Second Woman. She doesn’t know what she is saying. Medea. ( Within ) Poisons. Death-magic. The sharp sword. The hemp rope. Death-magic. Death — Second Woman. ( Crosses down Right of rock. Third Woman joins her) I hate Jason, who made this sorrow. First Woman. ( Crosses to Nurse in front of doors) Old and honored servant of a great house, do you think it is wise To leave your lady alone in there, except perhaps a few slaves, building that terrible acropolis Of deadly thoughts? We Greeks believe that solitude is very dangerous, great passions grow into monsters In the dark of the mind; but if you share them with loving friends they remain human, they can be endured. Medea. ( Within ) Ai! First Woman. I think you ought to persuade Medea to come from the dark dwelling, and speak with us, before her heart breaks, Or she does harm to herself. She has lived among us, we’ve learned to love her, we’d gladly tell her so. It might comfort her spirit. (LIGHT CUE ffio.) The Nurse. Do you think so ? She wouldn’t listen (Door BOLT is heard. Nurse rises. First Woman crosses down Right , joining other two Women, and sits on rock) — Oh, oh, she is coming [ Speak carefully to her: make your words a soft music. ACT I MEDEA 1 7 (Medea comes through the doorway, prop- ping herself against one of the pillars, and stands staring.) The Nurse. Oh, my dear, my poor child. (Nurse sits. ) Second Woman. (Whispering) They say she is dangerous. Look at her eyes.- First Woman. She is a witch, but not evil. She can make old men young again : she did it for Jason’s father. Third Woman. All the people of her country are witches. They know about drugs and magic. They are savages, but they have a wild wisdom. Second Woman. Poor soul, it hasn’t helped this one much. Medea. (She does not see the gaping and whispering Women) I will look at the light of the sun, this last time. I wish from that blue sky the white wolf of lightning _ Would leap, and burst my skull and my brain, and like a burning babe cling to these breasts — Ai ! — Ai 1 (She checks and looks fiercely at the Women below) Someone is here? (Her hostile eyes range back and forth; she sees the Women clearly now, and assumes full self-control. Her voice is cautious and insincere ) I did not know I had visitors. — Women of Corinth : If anything has been spoken too loudly here, consider That I believed I was alone ; and I have some provoca- tion. You’ve come — let me suppose With love and sympathy — to peer at my sorrow. I understand well enough _ That nothing is ever private in a Greek city ; whoever withholds anything ACT I 18 MEDEA Is thought sullen or proud — (With irony) undemocratic I think you call it. This is not always just, but we know that justice, at least on earth, Is a name, not a fact; and as for me, I wish to avoid any appearance Of being — proud. Of what? Of affliction? I will show you my naked heart. (The Three Women rise; cross to Center.) You know that my lord Jason Has left me and made a second marriage, with the bright-haired child Of wealth and power. I too was a child of power, but not in this country ; and I spent my power For love of Jason. I poured it out before him like water, I made him drink it like wine. I gave him Success and fame; I saved him his precious life; not once, many times. You may have heard what I did for him: I betrayed my father for him, I killed my brother to save him ; I made my own land to hate me forever ; And I fled west with Jason in the Greek ship, under the thunder of the sail, weeping and laughing, That huge journey through the Black Sea and the Bosphorus, where the rocks clang together, through the Sea of Marmora, And through Hellespont, (LIGHT CUE #jjJ watched by the spearmen of wealthy Troy, and home to Greek water: his home, my exile, My endless exile. (Crosses to pillar Left of house) And here I have loved him and borne him sons; and this — man — Has left me and taken Creon's daughter, to enjoy her fortune, and put aside her soft yellow hair And kiss her young mouth. ACT l MEDEA 19 (Medea stands rigid, struggling for self- control.) First Woman. She is terrible. Stone with stone eyes. Second Woman. Look: the foam-flake on her lip, that flickers with her breathing. Third Woman. She is pitiable: she is under great injuries. Medea. (Low-voiced) I do not know what other woman — I do not know how much a Greek woman Will endure. The people of my race are somewhat rash and intemperate. As for me, I want simply to die. (She sits at pillar Left) But Jason is not to smile at his bride over my grave, nor that great man Creon Hang wreaths and make a feast-day in Corinth. Or let the wreaths be bright blinding fire, and the songs a high wailing, And the wine, blood. First Woman. ( Crosses to Center) Daughter of sorrow, beware. (LIGHT CUE #12) It is dangerous to dream of wine; it is worse To speak of wailing or blood : For the images that the mind makes Find a way out, they work into life. Medea. Let them work into life! First Woman. There are evils that cannot be cured by evil. Patience remains, and the gods watch all. Medea. (Dully, without hope) Let them watch my enemies go down in blood. (First TRUMPET off up Right is heard. The Three Women cross up Right.) 30 MEDEA act i Second Woman. Medea, beware! Some great person is coming. — (Second TRUMPET is heard) It is Creon himself. (Third TRUMPET) Third Woman. Creon is coming. (The Three Women cross down stage of rock Right.) The Nurse. He is dark with anger. O my lady — my child — bend in this wind, And not be broken ! (Medea rises. Creon comes in up Right with Men attending him. The Women move to one side. He speaks to Medea, with an angry gesture toward Women.) Creon. (At Center) You have admirers, I see. Abate your pride: these people will not be with you where you are going. ( A pause. Medea does not answer. Creon brings his wrath under control and crosses up to second step to Right of Medea) Medea, woman of the stone forehead and hate-filled eyes : I have made my decision. I have decided That you must leave this land at once and go into banishment Three Women. Oohh ! Creon. with your children. Three Women. Oohh. Creon. I intend to remove act i MEDEA 21 A root of disturbance out of the soil of Corinth. I am here to see to it. I will not return home Until it is done. (The Three Women sit.) Medea. You mean — banishment? Creon. Exile : banishment : go where you may, Medea, but here You abide no more. Medea. — I with my children? Creon. I will not take them away from you. Medea. The children, my lord— (Her lips move angrily, but the voice is not heard.) Creon. What are you muttering? Medea. Nothing — I am praying to my gods for wisdom, And you for mercy. My sons are still very young, tender and helpless. You know, my lord, What exile means — to wander with fear and famine for guide and driver, through all the wild winter storms And the rage of the sun ; and beg a bread-crust and be derided ; pelted with stones in the villages, Held a little lower than the scavenger dogs, kicked, scorned and slaved — the children, my lord, Are Jason’s children. Your chosen friend, I believe, and now Even closer bound. And as for me, your servant, O master of Corinth, what have I done? Why Must I be cast? 22 MEDEA act i Creon. I will tell you frankly: because you nourish rancorous ill will toward persons Whom I intend to protect : I send you out before you’ve time to do harm here. And you are notorious For occult knowledge : sorcery, poisons, magic. Men say you can even sing down the moon from heaven, And make the holy stars to falter and run backward, against the purpose And current of nature. Ha ? As to that I know not : I know you are dangerous. You threaten my daugh- ter : you have to go. Medea. But I wish her well, my lord ! I wish her all happiness. I hope that Jason may be as kind to her As — to me. Creon. That is your wish? Medea. I misspoke. I thought of old days — (She seems to weep.) Creon. I acknowledge, Medea, That you have some cause for grief. I all the more must guard against your dark wisdom and bitter heart. Medea. You misjudge me cruelly. It is true that I have some knowledge of drugs and medicines: I can some- times cure sickness. Is that a crime? These dark rumors, my lord, Are only the noise of popular gratitude. ( Crosses down to one step above him ) You must have observed it often: if any person Knows a little more than ihe common man, the people suspect him. If he brings a new talent, How promptly the hateful whispers begin. But you act i MEDEA 23 are not a common man, lord of Corinth; you Will not fear knowledge. (LIGHT CUE # J 3) Creon. No. Nor change my decision. I am here to see you leave this house and the city : And not much time. Move quickly, gather your things and go. I pity you, Medea, But you must go. (He crosses off steps, with back to her down Right Center.) Medea. You pity me? You — pity me? (She comes close to him, wild with rage) I will endure a dog’s pity or a wart-grown toad’s. May God who hears me — We shall see in the end Who's to be pitied. (Nurse rises, crosses in to steps. Medea crosses doum Left, then up Right between pillar and edge of house, then back to Nurse in her arms ) Creon. Yes, and I’ll keep her safe of your female hatred: therefore I send you Out of this land. (Nurse resumes her sitting position down Left.) Medea. It is not true, I am not jealous. I never hated her. Jealous for the sake of Jason? I am far past wanting Jason, my lord. You took him and gave him to her, And I will say you did well, perhaps wisely. Your daughter is loved by all : she is beautiful : if I were near her I would soon love her. 24 MEDEA ACT I Creon. You can speak sweetly enough, you can make honey in your mouth like a brown bee When it serves your turn. Medea. Not honey: the truth. Creon. Trust Med ° r n °** ^° U 3re out countr y» What I decide is fixed ; (Medea crosses away from him to Center.) is like the firm rocks of Acro- corinth, which neither earthquake can move ■Ncr a flood of tears melt. Make ready quickly: I have a guest in my house. I should return to him. I he Nurse. ( Comes to Left of Medea and speaks to her) What guest? O my lady, ask him Who is the guest? If powerful and friendly ■tie might be a refuge for us — Medea (Pays no attention to her. Crosses; kneels - to Creon) I know that your will is granite. But even on the harsh face of a granite mountain some flowers of mercy May grow in season. Have mercy on my little sons Creon, ’ Though there is none for me. (She reaches to embrace his knees . He steps backward from her.) Creon. ...... _ How long, woman ? This is decided; done; finished. (Nurse crosses back Left and sits down.) act i MEDEA 25 Medea. (Risinq from her knees, turns half away from him) I am not a beggar. I will not trouble you. I shall not live long. (Crosses two steps to Left; turns to him again ) Sire : grant me a few.hours yet, one day to prepare in, one little day Before I go out of Corinth forever. Creon. What? No! I told you. The day is today, Medea, this day. And the hour is now. Medea. There are no flowers on this mountain : not one violet, not one anemone. Your face, my lord, is like flint.— If I could find the right words, if some god would lend me a touch of eloquence, I’d show you my heart. (Crosses to Creon ) I’d lift it out of my breast and turn it over in my hands ; you’d see how pure it is Of any harm or malice toward you or your household. (She holds out her hands to him) Look at it : not a speck : look, my lord. They call mercy The jewel of kings. I am praying To you as to one of the gods: destroy us not utterly. To go out with no refuge, nothing prepared, Is plain death: I would rather kill myself quickly and here. If I had time but to ask the slaves And strolling beggars where to go, how to live: and I must gather some means : one or two jewels And small gold things I have, (Crosses away from Creon to Left ) to trade them for bread and goat’s milk. (Crosses up steps to Center of doorway) Wretched, wretched, wretched I am, I and my boys. 2 6 MEDEA act i ( She kneels again) I beseech you, Creon, By the soft yellow hair and cool smooth forehead and the white knees Of that young girl who is now Jason’s bride : lend me this inch of time: one day — half a day. For this one is now half gone — and I will go my sad course and vanish in the morning quietly as dew That drops on the stones at dawn and is dry at sunrise. You will never again be troubled by any word Or act of mine. And this I pray you for your dear child’s sake. Oh Creon, what is half a day In all the rich years of Corinth? Creon. I will think of it. I am no tyrant. I have been merciful to my own hurt, many times. Even to myself I seem to be foolish If I grant you this thing — No, Medea, I will not grant it. (Three Women rise, cross down Right of Creon, imploringly) Well — We shall watch you : as a hawk does a viper. What harm could she do In the tail of one day? A ruler ought to be ruthless, but I am not. I am a fool In my own eyes, whatever the world may think. I can be gruff with warriors ; a woman weeping (Medea weeps.) Floods me off course. — Take it, then. Make your preparations. But if tomorrow’s sun shines on you here — Medea, you die — (Medea and Women make a gesture of thanks.) Enough words. Thank me not. I want my hands Washed of this business. (He departs quickly up Right, followed by his Men. Medea rises from her knees.) ACT i MEDEA 27 Medea. I will thank you. And the whole world will hear of it. (Medea crosses around to Right of house on top step; makes a violent gesture after him, then sits at pillar Right.) First Woman. (Crosses up Center watching him out then turns to other WomenJ I have seen this man’s arrogance, I watched and heard him. I am of Corinth, and I say that Corinth Is not well ruled. Second Woman. ( Crosses up Center. Three Women join hands at Center on end of this speech) The city where even a woman, even a foreigner. Suffers unjustly the rods of power Is not well ruled. (Three Women take a step to Medea.) First Woman. Unhappy Medea, what haven, what sanctuary, where will you wander? Which of the gods, Medea, Drives you through waves of woe, the mooring broken, the hawsers and the anchor-head, Hopeless from harbor? Medea. — This man — this barking dog — this gulled fool — (Medea rises ) gods of my father's country, You saw me low on my knees before the great dog of Corinth ; humble, holding my heart in my hands For a dog to bite — break this dog’s teeth ! (LIGHT CUE # 14 ) (Women cross down stage of rock Right.) Women: it is a bitter thing to be a woman. A woman is weak for warfare, she must use cunning. 28 MEDEA ACT I Men boast their battles : I tell you this, and we know it : (Starts down steps Center) It is easier to stand in battle three times, in the front line, in the stabbing fury, than to bear one child. And a woman, they say, can do no good but in child- birth. It may be so. She can do evil ; (Women make pleading gesture to her) she can do evil. (She snarls at them and they turn away) I wept before that tall dog, I wept my tears before him, I degraded my knees to him, I gulled and flattered him. O triple fool, he has given me (She crosses up Right Center. First Woman sits on rock Right) all that I needed: a little time, a space of time. (Crosses back to Left Center) Death is dearer to me Than what I am now; and if today by sunset the world has not turned, and turned sharp too — let your dog Creon Send two or three slaves to kill me and a cord to strangle me : I will stretch out My throat to it. But I have a bitter hope, women. I begin to see light Through the dark wood, between the monstrous trunks of the trees, at the end of the tangled forest an eyehole, A pin-point of light: (LIGHT CUE #15; I shall not die perhaps As a pigeon dies. Nor like an innocent lamb, that feels a hand on its head and looks up from the knife To the man's face and dies. — No, like some yellow- eyed beast that has killed its hunters let me lie down On the hounds’ bodies and the broken spears. — Then act 1 MEDEA 29 how to strike them? What means to use? There are so many Doors through which painful death may glide in and catch — Which one, which one? ( She stands meditating down Left. The Nurse comes from behind her and speaks to the First Woman. J The Nurse. Tell me: do you know what guest Is in Creon's house? First Woman. What ? — Oh. An Athenian ship came from the north last night: it is ^Egeus. The lord of Athens. The Nurse. yEgeus! My lady knows him: I believe he will help us. Some god has brought him here. Some savior god. First Woman. He is leaving, I think, today. The Nurse. (Hobbling back toward Medea ) My lady! Lord yEgeus Is here in Corinth, Creon’s guest. TEgeus of Athens. (Medea looks at her silently, without atten- tion.) If you will see him and speak him fairly, We have a refuge. Medea. I have things in my hand to do. Be quiet. The Nurse. Oh, listen to me! You are driven out of Corinth; you must find shelter- jEgeus of Athens is here. (Medea turns from her. The Nurse catches 30 MEDEA ACT I at her clothing, servile hut eager, slave and mother at the same time.) Medea. (Angrily turning on her) What’s that to me? (LIGHT CUE # 16 ) The Nurse. (Kneels at her feet) I lifted you in my arms when you were — this long. I gave you milk from these breasts, that are now dead leaves. I saw the little beautiful body straighten and grow tall: Oh — child — almost my child — how can I Not try to save you? Life is better than death— Medea. rp . T Not now. I he Nurse. Time’s running out! MeDea. T I Have time. Oh, I have time. it would be good to stand here a thousand years and think of nothing But the deaths of three persons. The Nurse. ........ Ai! There’s no hope then. Ai, child, if you could do this red thing you dream of, all Corinth Would pour against you. Medea. After my enemies are punished and I have heard the last broken moan — Corinth? What’s that? I’ll sleep. I’ll sleep well. I am alone against all : and so wearv That it is pitiful. (TRUMPET is heard off Right.) (Medea sits. Nurse rises, wringing her hands. On trumpet call the Three Women cross up Right.) First Woman. Look: who is coming? I see the sunlight glitter on lanceheads. ACT I MEDEA Second Woman. Oh, it is Jason! Third Woman. Jason’s Medea’s worst enemy, who should have been Her dearest protector. (Medea leans wearily against one of the pillars of the doorway, her back to the stage, unconscious of what they are saying. Jason enters in haste up Right, followed by armed Attendants, and speaks angrily.) Jason. (Crossing to Center on end step) What business have you here, you women Clustered like buzzing bees at the hive-door? Where is Medea ? (They do not answer for a moment, but look involuntarily toward Medea, and Jason sees her. She jerks and stiffens at the sound of his voice, but does not turn.) First Woman. (Pointing) There : mourning for what you have done. (Nurse takes a step above Medea, disclosing her to Jason.) Jason. Ha? What she has done. Not I. Not by my will she and my sons are exiled. Medea, (Slowly turns and faces him, her head high, rigid with inner violence ) Is there another dog here? (Three Women sit on steps up Right Center.) 3 2 MEDEA act i Jason. So, Medea, You have once more affronted and insulted the head of Corinth. This is not the first time I’ve seen what a fool anger is. You might have lived here happily, secure and honored — I hoped you would — By being just a little decently respectful toward those in power. Instead you had to go mad with anger And talk yourself into exile. To me it matters little what you say about me, but rulers are sensitive. Time and again I’ve smoothed down Creon’s indigna- tion, then you like a madwoman, like a possessed imbecile. Wag your head and let the words flow again; you never cease From speaking evil against him and his family. So now — Call yourself lucky, Medea, Not to get worse than exile. (Crosses a few steps to Medea on 2nd step) In spite of all this, I have your interest at heart and am here to help you. Exile’s a bitter business. I want to make some pro- vision for you. I wish you no harm, Although you hate me. (He waits former to speak, but she is silent. He continues ) And in particular the children, my sons ; our sons. — You might have been decent enough To have thought of our sons. Medea. (Slowly) Did you consider them When you betrayed this house? Jason. Certainly I considered them. It was my hope that they would grow up here, And I, having married power, could protect and favor them. And if perhaps, after many years, I become act I MEDEA 33 Dynast of Corinth — for that is Creon'* desire, to make me his heir — our sons Would have been a king’s sons — I hope to help them wherever they go : but now of course must look forward To younger children. (Steps down off steps and turns from her.) Medea. (Trembling) Ah — it’s enough. Something might happen. It is — likely that — something might happen To the bride and the marriage. Jason. I’ll guard against it. But evidently Creon is right to be rid of you. (He crosses as if to go off Right. She stops him when he is up Right Center. He gives helmet to Slave; crosses down Right-) Medea. (Rises and crosses to Center) Have you finished now? I thought I would let you speak on and spread out your shamlessness Before these women : the way a Tyrian trader unrolls his rare fabrics : “Do you like it, ladies ?” (LIGHT CUE # 17 ) It is the Dog's daughter’s husband. It is a brave person : it has finally got up its courage — with a guard of spears — • To come and look me in the face. (Jason turns away from her „ Medea makes gestures as if to take him in her arms, then stops) O Jason : how have you pulled me down To this hell of vile thoughts ? I did not use to talk like a common woman. I loved you once : And I am ashamed of it: (Jason sits rock Right. She crosses two steps Left) 54 MEDEA ACT I but there are some things That ought to be remembered by you and me. That blue day when we drove through the Hellespont Into Greek sea, and the great-shouldered heroes were singing at the oars, and those birds flying Through the blown foam : that day was too fine I sup- pose For Creon’s daughter’s man to remember (Jason rises as if to leave.) — but you might remember Whether I cheated my father for you and tamed the fire-breathing Brazen-hoofed bulls; and whether I saved your life in the field of the teeth; and you might remember Whether I poisoned the great serpent and got you the Golden Fleece; and fled with you, and killed my brother When he pursued us, making myself abominable In my own home ; and then in yours I got your enemy Pelias hacked to death By his own daughter’s hands — whatever these fine Corinthian friends of yours May say against my rapid and tricky wisdom : you it has served, You it has served well : (Jason starts to speak.) here are five times, if I counted right — and all’s not counted — That your adventure would have been dusty death If I’d not saved you — but now you think that your adventures are over ; you are safe and high placed in Corinth, And will need me no more. It is a bit of a dog, isn’t if, women? It is well qualified To sleep with the dog's daughter. (Jason makes a gesture of wrath.) But for me, Jason, me driven by the hairy snouts from the quadruped marriage-bed. act i MEDEA 35 What refuge does your prudent kindness advise ? Shall I fly home to Colchis — • To put my neck in the coil of a knotted rope, for the crimes I served you with? Or shall I go and kneel to the daughter of Pelias? They would indeed be happy To lay their hands on my head: holding the very knives and the cleavers That carved their sire. The world is a little closed to me, eh? By the things I have done for you (LIGHT CUE #18) ( Crosses away from him to doivn Center.) The Nurse. I’ll go to the palace And seek ^Egeus. There is no other hope. (She hurries out door Left.) Jason. (Slowly crossing to Center to Right of Medea) I see, Medea, You have been a very careful merchant of benefits. You forget none, you keep a strict reckoning. But — Some little things that I on my side have done for you Ought to be in the books too: as, for example, that I carried you Out of the dirt and superstition of Asiatic Colchis into Hie rational Sunlight of Greece, and the marble music of the Greek temples: is that no benefit? And I have brought you To meet the first minds of our time, and to speak as an equal with the great heroes and the rulers of cities: Is that no benefit? And now — this grievous thing that you hate me for : That I have married Creon’s young daughter, little Creusa : (Medea sits 2nd step.) do you think I did it like a boy or a woman, ACT I ACT I MEDEA 37 36 MEDEA Out of blind passion? I did it to achieve power here; and I’d have used that power to protect You and our sons, but your jealous madness has muddled everything. And finally: (Nurse appears behind house and exits up Right. Jason crosses above Medea to top step ) As to those acts of service you so loudly boast — whom do I thank for them? I thank divine Venus, the goddess Who makes girls fall in love. You did them because you had to do them; Venus compelled you; I Enjoyed her favor. (Crosses down two steps to her Left) A man dares things, you know; he makes his adventure In the cold eye of death; and if the gods care for him They appoint an instrument to save him ; if not, he dies. You were that instrument. Medea. Here it is: the lowest. The obscene dregs; the slime and the loathing; the muddy bottom of a mouthed cup: when a scoun- drel begins To invoke the gods Jason. Ha! Medea. You had better go, Jason. Vulgarity Is a contagious disease ; and in a moment what could I do but spit at you like a peasant, or curse you Like a drunken slave? You had better take yourself back to “Little Creusa.” Jason. I came to help you and save you if possible. (Reaches down and touches her arm.) Medea. Your help Is not wanted. Go. Go. Jason. (Crosses below her to Right Center , then stops) If I could see my boys — Medea. Go quickly. Jason. Yours the regret then. (LIGHT CUE #ip) (Exits up Right. Watching him go, Medea strokes her wrist and hand to the tips . of the spread fingers, as if she were scraping off slime.) Medea. This is it. I did not surely know it : loathing is all. This flesh He has touched and fouled. These hands that wrought for him, these knees That ran his errands. This body that took his— what they call love, and made children of it. If I could peel off The flesh, the children, the memory — (Again she scarifies one hand with the other. She looks at her hand) Poor misused hand ; poor defiled arm ; your bones Are not unshapely. If I could tear off the flesh and be bones ; naked bones ; Salt-scoured bones on the shore At home in Colchis. First Woman. (Rises and crosses doivn Right) God keep me from fire and the hunger of the sword, Save me from the hateful sea and the jagged lightning, And the violence of love. Second Woman. (Joins First Woman ) A little love is a joy in the house, A little fire is a jewel against frost and darkness. (During these two speeches Third Woman 38 MEDEA act i goes up Right Center, then returns to Women dcmm Right.) First Woman. A great love is a fire That burns the beams of the roof. The doorposts are flaming and the house falls. (Third Woman hie els.) A great love is a lion in the cattle-pen, The herd goes mad, the heifers run bawling And the claws are in their flanks. Too much love is an armed robber in the treasury. He has killed the guards and he walks in blood. Second Woman. And now I see the black end. The end of great love, and God save me from it: The unburied horror, the unbridled hatred, The vultures tearing a corpse ! God keep me clean of those evil beaks. Third Woman. What is she doing, that woman, Staring like stone, staring? (Medea looks up.) Oh, she has moved now. Medea. Annihilation. The word is pure music : annihilation. To annihilate the past — Is not possible: but its fruit in the present — Can be nipped off. Am I to look in my sons' eyes And see Jason’s forever? How could I endure the end- less defilement, those lives That mix Jason and me ? Better to be clean Bones on the shore. Bones have no eyes at all, how could they weep? White bones On the Black Sea shore — Oh, but that's far. Not yet. Corinth must howl first. FrRST Woman. The holy fountains flow' up from the earth, The smoke of sacrifice flows up from the earth. act i MEDEA 39 The eagle and the wild swan fly up from the earth, Righteousness also Has flown up from the earth to the feet of God. It is not here, but up there; peace and pity are de- parted ; Hatred is here ; hatred is heavy, it clings to the earth. Love blows away, hatred remains. Second Woman. Women hate war, but men will wage it again. Women may hate their husbands, and sons their fathers, But women will never hate their own children. First Woman. But as for me, I will do good to my husband, I will love my sons and daughters, and adore the gods. Medea. If I should go into the house with a sharp knife To the man and his bride — (Medea rises. Third Woman rises.) Or if I could fi!re the room they sleep in, and hear them Wake in the white of the fire, and cry to each other, and howl like dogs. Three Women. Oh!!! (Cringe together.) Medea. And howl and die — But I might fail ; I might be cut down first ; The knife might turn in my hand, or the fire not burn, and my enemies could laugh at me. No: I have subtler means, and more deadly cruel; I have my dark art That fools cal! witchcraft. Not for nothing I have worshipped the wild gray goddess that walks in the dark, the wise one, The terrible one, the sweet huntress, flower of night, Hecate, In my house at my hearth. (She crosses up to pillar Ricjht and sits.) (LIGHT CUE #20) 40 MEDEA ACT I The Nurse. (Hurries in toward Medea, to her Right ) My lady : he was leaving Creon’s door : he is coming. (Medea pays no attention.) ^Egeus is coming? The power of Athens. Medea. (Prays) Ancient Goddess to whom I and my people Make the sacrifice of black lambs and black female hounds, Holy one, haunter of cross-roads, queen of night, Hecate, Help me now : to remember in my mind the use of the venomous fire, the magic song And the sharp gems. (LIGHT CUE # 21 ) (She sits in deep thought. /Egeus comes in tip Right.) The Nurse. He is here, my lady, Athens is here. (Medea pays no attention. Three Women curtsy, then resume their original positions at rock. First Woman sits.) /Egeus. (Crosses down Left and up steps to top step, Left of Medea,) Medea, rejoice ! There is no fairer greeting from friend to friend. (She ignores him. He speaks more loudly) Hail and rejoice! Medea. Medea. (Lifts her head and stares at him) “Rejoice?” It may be so. It may be I shall — rejoice Before the sun sets. ^Egeus. What has happened to you? eyes are cavernous ! And your mouth twitches. Your ACT I MEDEA 41 Medea. Nothing: I am quite well: fools trouble me. — Where are you travelling from, ^Egeus ? ^Egeus. From Delphi, where I went to consult The ancient oracle of Apollo. Medea. (Abstractedly) Oh— Delphi— Did you get a good answer ? ^Egeus. An obscure one. Some god or other has made me unable to beget a child : that is my sorrow : but the oracle Never gives plain responses. (Crosses two steps nearer her) I tell you these things because you are skilled in mysteries, and you might help me To the god’s meaning. Medea. (Wearily) You want a child? What did Apollo Say to you? vEgeus. That T must not unloose the hanging foot of the wine-skin until I return To the hearth of my fathers. Medea. (Without interest, but understanding the anatomical reference) You have never had a child? ^Egeus. No. And it is bitterness. (Turns away from her and takes one step down.) Medea. But when misfortune comes it is 4 2 MEDEA ACT i bitter to have children, and watch their starlike Faces grow dim to endure it. ^Egeus. When death comes, Medea, It is, for a childless man, utter despair, darkness, ex- tinction. One’s children Are the life after death. Medea. (Excited) Do you feel it so? Do you feel it so? Then — if you had a dog-eyed enemy and needed absolute vengeance— you’d kill The man's children first. Unchild him, ha? And then unlife him. ^Egeus. I do not care to think of such horrors. I have no enemy. (Medea rises, making violent movement ; sits again. He stares, and slightly recoils from her. Crosses back up to her) What is it ? What is the matter, Medea? You are trembling; wild fever Flames in your eyes. Medea. I am well enough — Fools trouble me, and dogs ; but not that — Oh — /Egeus. What has hap- pened to you? The Nurse. ( Crouches by her, trying to comfort her) My dear — my love — Medea. (Pushes her gently aside; looks up at jEgeus ) I would not hurt my children. Their father hurts them. JEgeus. What do you mean — Jason? What has Jason done? act t MEDEA 43 Medea. He has betrayed and denied Both me and them. ^Egeus. Jason has done that? Why? Why? Medea. He has cast me off and married Creon’s young daughter. And Creon, this very day, is driving us Into black exile. vEgeus. Jason consents to that? Medea. He is glad of it. ^Egeus. (Crossing down steps to Women down Right) Why — it’s atrocious, it’s past belief. The Nurse. (Says in Medea’s ear) Ask him for refuge ! Ask him to receive you in Athens ! Medea. (Straight and rigid ) Do you not think such men ought to be punished. yEgeus ? ^Egeus. I think it is villainous. They told me nothing of this — Medea. Do you not think such men ought to be punished, vEgeus? ( Crossing down steps to 2d step Center.) vEgeus. Where will you go? Medea. (Solemnly) If there is any rightness on earth or in heaven, they will be punished. vEgeus. Where Will you go to, Medea? Medea. ( Crossing Left , still on 2nd step ) What? To death, of course. 44 MEDEA ACT I The Nurse. ( Crosses to .Egeus^ Oh— She is all bewildered, sir. In the deep storm and ocean of grief, or she would ask of you Refuge in Athens. Medea. (In bitter mockery, seeing /Egeus hesitate) Ah? So I should. That startled the man. — /Egeus : Will you shelter me in Athens f 2Eg eus. Why — yes. Yes — I will not take you now from Corinth; it would not be right. I want no quarrel with Creon, I am his guest here. (Crossing below Nurse to Center) . yo« by your own means come to Athens I will take care of you. (The Nurse sits on ist step to Right of /EGEUS.) Medea. I could repay you for it. I know the remedies — that would make a dry stick flame into fire and fruit. .Egeus. (Eagerly) You’d cure my sterility? Medea. I could do so. .Egeus. You are famous for profound knowledge Of drugs and charms. ( Eagerly ) You’ll come to Athens? Medea. If I choose. If the gods decide it so. But, .Egeus, Would you protect me if I came? 1 have certain act i MEDEA 4S enemies. If powerful enemies came, baying for my blood, Would you protect me? Egeus. Why — yes. What enemies? — Yes. Athens protects. Medea. I should need peace and a free mind While I prepared the medicines to make you well. /Egeus. You’ll have them, you’ll have them, Medea. You’ve seen the huge stones In the old sacred war-belt of Athens. Come the four ends of the world, they will not break in: you're safe there: I am your pledge. ( Extends arm, which she later takes.) Medea. Will you swear it, /EgeUs? /Egeus. All? Why? I promised. Medea. (She takes his arm) I trust you : the oath is formal : your cure (LIGHT CUE #23) Depends on it. (She crosses below him to down Right and then turns to him, raising her hand) You swear by the fruitful earth and high shining heaven that you will protect me in Athens Against all men. Swear it. /Egeus. ( Raises his hand ) I swear by the fruitful earth and high shining heaven to protect you in Athens Against all men. (Both lower their arms.) 46 MEDEA ACT J Medea. And if you should break this oath? ^Egeus. I will not break it. Medea. If you should break it, the earth Will give you no bread but death, and the sky no light But darkness. .Egeus. (Visibly perturbed) I will not break it. Medea. You must repeat the words, .Egeus. vEgeus, If I break it, the earth Will give me no bread but death, and the sky no light But darkness. (THUNDER) Medea. You have sworn: the gods have heard you. (Crosses below TEgeus to Center. Pause.) TEgeus. (Uneasily) When will you come to Athens? (Turning to her.) Medea. To Athens ? °h, To Athens. Why: — if I come, if I live— it will be soon. The yoke’s On the necks of the horses. (Crosses up to top step at door of house) — I have some things to do That men will talk of afterwards with hushed voices : while I and my children Safe in Athens laugh. Is that it? Farewell, ^Egeus. (She turns abruptly from him ; goes slowly, deep in thought, into the house. The doors close.) ACT 1 M E D E A 47 TEgeus. (Staring after her) May the gods comfort you, Medea. — to you also farewell, Women of Corinth. (Three Women rise.) First Woman. Fair be the gale behind you, sir, and the way ahead. (Exit TEgeus up Right. She turns to Nurse ) What is she plotting in her deep mind? She is juggling with death and life, as a juggler With a black ball and a white ball. (Nurse slowly goes up to 2nd step, looking at door of house.) Second Woman. (Crosses to Left of the First Woman ) No : she is like some distracted city Sharpening its weapons. Embassies visit her: The heads of state come to her door: She receives them darkly. The Nurse. I beseech you, women, Not to speak words against my lady whom I love. You know that wicked injustice she has to suffer. (She prays) O God, protector of exiles, lord of the holy sky, lead us To the high rock that Athens loves, and the olive Garland of Athens. (The Nurse crosses down Left and sits on steps.) First Woman. Athens is beautiful As a lamp on a rock. The temples are marble-shafted ; light shines and lingers there. Honey-color among the carved stones MEDEA ACT I 48 And silver-color on the leaves of the olives. The maidens are crowned with violets : Athens and Corinth Are the two crowns of time. Second Woman. ( Crosses to First Woman and they join hands) Mycenae for spears and armor ; Sparta For the stern men and the tall blonde women; and Thebes I remember, Old Thebes and the seven gates in the gray walls — But rather I praise Athena, the ivory, the golden, The gray-eyed Virgin, her city. And also I praise Corinth of the beautiful fountains. On the fair plain between the two gulfs. First Woman. God-favored cities of the Greek world. Fortunate those that dwell in them, happy that behold them. Second Woman. How can one wish to die? How can that woman Be drowned in sorrow and bewildered with hatred? (LIGHT CUE #24) ( The BOLT on door is heard opening. Medea enters and stands in doorway.) Far only to be alive and to see the light Is beautiful. Only to see the light; To see a blade of young grass, Or the gray face of a stone. First Woman. (Pointing toward MedeaJ Hush. Medea. (Proudly and falsely) As you say. What a marvelous privilege it is Merely to be alive. And how foolish it would be To spend the one day of life that remains to me — at least in Corinth — this tag end of one day On tears and hatred! Rather I should rejoice, and sing, and offer gifts ; and as to my enemies — I will be reconciled with them. First Woman. (Amazed) Reconciled with them ! MEDEA ACT I 49 (Three Women cross a few steps to Medea.) Medea. As you say. Reconciled. Why should they hate me . Surely I can appease those people. . They say that gold will buy anything; even friendship, even love : at least in Greece, , Among you civilized people, you reasonable and civil- ized Hellenes. — In fact, We’ve seen it happen. They bought Jason; Jasons love. Well— I shall buy theirs. I still have two or three of the treasures that I brought from home, things of pure precious gold, which a god (LIGHT CUE #25) Gave to the kings of my ancestors. (The LIGHT darkens , a cloud passing over the sun. HARP effect offstage. The Three Women huddle together.) Is it late? Tt seems t0 me (WARN Curtain.) That the light darkens. (To The Nurse) Is it evening? The Nurse. (Trembling) No — No — A cloud. Medea. I hope for thunder : let the sky rage : my gifts (Enter Two Slaves from door with gift. Kneel on top step.) Will shine the brighter. — Listen, old woman! I want you (The Nurse rises.) To go to Jason and tell him — tell him — Tell him that I am sick of hating and weary of evil ! I wish for peace. f , ~ (Medea crosses and stands between lwo Slaves) I wish to send precious gifts to that pale girl with the yellow hair ACT I SO MEDEA Whom he has married : tell him to come and take them — and to kiss his boys Before we go into exile. Tell him to come speedily. Now run, run, find him. (Medea turns her head away.) The Nurse. (Crossing to Women stage Center) Oh, I’ll go. I’ll run. (Tremulously, to Women] Let me pass, please. (Women make way for The Nurse. Medea stands looking after her. The Nurse turns hack at the limit of the scene, Right, and says, wringing her hands) But I am terrified. I do not know — I am terrified. (START SLOW CURTAIN) Pray to the gods, women, to keep Evil birds from our hearts! (She hurries away up Right.) Medea. (Crossing down two steps) Run ! Run ! Find him ! ! ! ! (Medea goes into the house.) CURTAIN (HOUSE LIGHTS UP.) ACT TWO HOUSE LIGHTS UP LIGHT CUE UP MUSIC CURTAIN LIGHT CUE #/ DOWN SCRIM IN FRONT OF SCENE REST OF LIGHT CUE #/ SPEARS, WITH SNAKES COILED AROUND THEM . AT THE FOOT OF COLUMNS Medea is sitting on the upper doorstep. A cloak of woven gold lies across her knee and down the stone steps. Beside her are two open cases of dark leather. From one she takes a coronet of gold vine leaves, looks at it and replaces it .. Two Serving Women stand in the doorway be- hind her. On the Right, at some distance, the Three Women are huddled, like sheep in a storm. The Scene is darker than it was, and the gold cloth shines. Medea. These are the gifts I am sending to the young bride; this golden wreath And this woven-gold veil. They are not without value ; there is nothing like them in the whole world, or at least The Western world; the God of the Sun gave them to my father’s father, and I have kept them (END MUSIC) In the deep chest for some high occasion; which has now come. I have great ]"oy in giving these jewels to Creep's daughter, for the glory of life consists of being generous 51 ACT II 52 MEDEA To one’s friends, and — merciless to one’s enemies — you know what a friend she has been to me. All Corinth knows. The slaves talk of it. The old stones in the walls Have watched and laughed. (LIGHT CUE #2) (Medea looks at the gold cloth, and strokes it cau- tiously with her hand. It seems to scorch her fingers. Third Woman has come nearer to look; now starts backward.) Medea. See, it is almost alive. Gold is a living thing: such pure gold. (Nurse enters from up Right; crosses to foot of steps) But when her body has warmed it, how it will shine! (To the Nurse,) Why doesn’t he come? What keeps him? Nurse. (Evidently terrified) Oh, my lady: presently. I have but now returned from him. He was beyond the gate, watching the races — where a monstrous thing Had happened : a young mare broke from the chariot And tore with her teeth a stallion. Medea. (Stands up, shakes out the golden cloak, which again smoulders. She folds it cautiously, lays it in the leather case. The LIGHT has darkened again. She looks anxiously at the clouded sun) He takes his time, eh? It is intolerable To sit and wait. (To the Serving Women ) Take these into the house. Keep them at hand For when I call. (They take them in. Medea moves restlessly, un- der extreme nervous tension; speaks to the Nurse. MEDEA ACT II 53 Nurse crosses below steps to stage Left, then up two steps) You say that a mare attacked a stallion? The Nurse. She tore him cruelly. I saw him being led away : a black racer : his blood ran down From the throat to the fetlocks. Medea. . You're sure he s coming. You re sure? The Nurse. He said he would. Medea. Let him make haste, then! Second Woman. (She crosses to Left below Nurse; Frightening irrational things . Have happened lately; the face of nature is flawed with omens. . . First Woman. ( Crosses to Left, joining Second Woman,) Yesterday evening a slave Came up to the harbor-gate, carrying a basket Of new-caught fish : one of the fish took fire And burned in the wet basket with a high flame: the thing was witnessed By many persons. Third Woman. (Crosses Left of other Two Women, joining them) And a black leopard was seen Gliding through the market-place — Medea. (Abruptly, approaching the Women; You haven t told me yet : do you not think that Creon’s daughter Will be glad of "those gifts? First Woman. O Medea, too much wealth Is sometimes dreadful. 54 MEDEA ACT II Medea. She’ll be glad, however. She’ll take them and put them on, she’ll wear them, she’ll strut in them, She’ll peacock in them. — I see him coming now. — the (Three Women retire to up Left corner. Nurse sits below Left pillar) whole palace will admire her. — Stand away from me, women, While I make my sick peace. (Medea crosses way down Right as Jason enters up Right to stage Center. Nurse points at Medea. who goes across the scene to meet Jason, but more and more slowly, and stops. Her attitude indicates her aversiofi.) Jason. Well, I have come. I tell you plainly, Not for your sake: the children’s. Your woman says that you have your wits again, and are willing To look beyond your own woes. (Medea is silent. Jason observes her and says) It appears doubtful. (She turns from him) — Where are the children? I have made inquiry: I can find fosterage for them In Epidarurus; or any other of several cities That are Creon’s friends. I’ll visit them from time to time, and watch That they’re well kept. Medea. (With suppressed violence) You mean — take them from me? Be careful, Jason, I am not patient yet. (More quietly) I am the one who labored in pain to bear them, I cannot Smile while I lose them. But I am learning: I am learning. — No, Jason : I will not give up my little ones ACT II MEDEA 55 To the cold care of strangers. Hard faces, harsh hands. It will be far better for them to share My wandering ocean of beggary and bleak exile: I love them, Jason. Only if you would keep them and care for them here in Corinth, I might consent. Jason. Gladly — but they are exiled. Medea. — In your own house. Jason. Gladly I’d do it— but you understand They are exiled, as you are. I asked Creon and he re- fused it. Medea. , a You asked Creon to take my children from me? (She reaches her hands toward him) Forgive me, Jason, As I do you. (Crosses up steps to ms Right) We have had too much wrath, and our acts Are closing on us. On me, I mean. Retribution is from the gods, and it breaks our hearts : but you Feel no guilt, you fear nothing, nothing can touch you. It is wonderful to stand serene above fate While earthlings wince. If it lasts. It does not always last. —Do you love the children, Jason? Tason. Ha? Certainly. The children? Certainly! I am their father. Medea. Oh, but that’s not enough. If I am to give them up to you — be patient with me, I must question you first. And very deeply ; to the quick. If anything happens to them, Would you be grieved? 56 Jason. MEDEA ACT II Nothing will happen to them, Medea, if in my care. Rest your mind on it. Medea. (She crosses up to top step in back of JasonJ You must pardon me : it is not possible to be certain of that. If they were — killed and their blood Ran on the floor of the house or down the deep earth — Would you be grieved? Jason. You have a sick mind. What a weak thing a woman is, always dreaming of evil. Medea. Answer me ! Jason. Yes, after I'd cut their killer into red col- lops — I’d grieve. Medea. That is true: vengeance Makes grief bearable. — But — Creon’s daughter, your wife — no doubt will breed Many other boys. — But, if something should happen to— Creon’s daughter— Jason. Enough, Medea. Too much. Be silent ! Medea. I am to conclude that you love — Creon’s daughter — More than your sons. They’ll have to take the sad journey with me. (To the Nurse) Tell the boys to come out And bid their father farewell. (The Nurse goes into the house.) Jason. (Coming to her and taking her arm) I could take them from you By force, Medea. Medea. ( Violently ) T ry it, you ! ACT II MEDEA 57 (Controlling herself) No, Creon decided otherwise; he said (Jason crosses down Right as if to go) they will share my exile. — Come, Jason, Let’s be friends at last! (The Boys come out with their Tutor, follozved by the Nurse. Jason makes to clasp her arm. She pulls away to Center) I am quite patient now; I have learned. — Come, boys: come, (Boys run straight to Medea.) Speak to your father. (Nurse and Tutor remain on top step at either side of door. They shrink back) No, no, we’re friends again. We’re not angry any more. Jason. (Has gone eagerly to meet them on the steps. He drops to one knee to be more nearly level with them, but they are shy and reluctant) Big boys. Tall fellows, ha? You’ve grown up since I saw you. Medea. Smile for him, children. Give him (She turns, and stands rigidly turned away, her face sharp with pain) your hands. The Nurse. (To Jason,) I think he’s afraid of you, sir. Jason. (To the Younger BoyJ J What? What? You’ll learn, my man, (During this speech Elder Boy crosses to him. He picks him up) Not to fear me. You’ll make your enemies run away from you When you grow up. (To the Elder BoyJ And you, Captain, 58 MEDEA Act II How would you like a horn-tipped bow to hunt rabbits with? Wolves, I mean. (Takes ELDER BOY by the hand and crosses with him to rock Right. He sits YOUNGER BOY on his lap. ELDER BOY sits on floor. He plays with the BOYS. They are less shy of him now.) FIRST WOMAN. ( Coming close to MEDEA) Don’t give them to him, Medea. If you do it will ache forever. SECOND WOMAN. You have refuge; take them there. Athens is beautiful — MEDEA. (Fiercely) Be silent! Look at him: he loves them— ah? Therefore his dear children Are not going to that city but a darker city, where no games are played, no music is heard. — Do you think I am a cow lowing after the calf'? Or a bitch with pups licking The hand that struck her? Watch and see. Watch this man, women: he is going to weep. I think He is going to weep blood, and quite soon, and much more Than I have wept. Watch and keep silence. (She goes toward the. GROUP on the steps) Jason, Are the boys dear to you? I think I am satisfied that you love them, These two young heroes. ( JASON stands up and turns to her, one of the BOYS clinging to each of his hands. He has made friends with them.) MEDEA. ( She weeps) Oh— Oh— Oh! JASON. — God’s hand, Medea, what is it? ACT II MEDEA 59 What is the matter? Medea. (Makes with both hands a gesture of push- ing down something, flings her head back proudly) Nothing. It is hard to let them go. — This I have thought of: You shall take them to— Creon’s daughter, your wiffr— and make them kneel to her, and ask her To ask her father to let them stay here in Corinth. Hell grant it, he is growing old, he denies her nothing. Even that hard king loves his only child. What she asks is done.— You will go with the boys, Jason, and speak for them, — they are not skillful yet . In supplication — and I’ll send gifts. I’ll put gifts in their hands. People say that gifts Will persuade even the gods. — Is it well thought of . Will she listen to us? Jason. Why, if I ask it! She’d hardly refuse me anything. And I believe that you re right, She can rule Creon. Medea. (To the Tutor J Bring me those gold things. (Tutor exits main door.) (She extends hands to Boys. Sits on step. They cross to her) Dear ones, brave little falcons — little pawns of my agony — Go, ask that proud breastless girl of her bitter charity Whether she will let you nest here until your wings fledge, while far your mother Flies the dark storm — (She weeps again.) Jason. . ■ i j I’m sorry for you. Parting is hard. (He crosses down Right off steps.) Medea. bear it. I can MEDEA ACT II 6o And worse too. (The Tutor and Serving Women bring the gifts) Oh, here : here are the things : take them, darlings, Into your little hands. ( Giving them to the Boys. Crown goes to Younger Boy. Cloak to Elder Boy. Each show them to Tutor and Nurse, then sit on the yd step. Serving Women exit as soon as gifts are taken from them) Hold carefully by the cases: don’t touch the gold, Or it might — tarnish. Jason. Why! These are king’s treasures. You shouldn’t, Medea: it’s too much. Creon's house lias gold enough of its own. Medea. Oh— if she’ll wear them. What should I want with woven gold vanities — Black is my wear. The woman ought to be very happy (Throws wedding ring in box with cloak) With such jewels — and such a husband — ah? Her sun is rising, (Medea crosses Left) mine going down — I hope To a red sunset. — The little gold wreath is pretty, isn't it ? (Younger Boy holds it up to Jason.J Jason. (Doubtfully) It looks like firt Medea. Vine leaves : the flashing Arrow-sharp leaves. They have weight, though. (Boys put doum boxes) Gold is too heavy a burden for little hands. Carry them, you, ACT II MEDEA 61 Until you come to the palace. (Nurse takes gold wreath; exits up Right, followed by Tutor with cloak. Jason follows with Boys by the hand) — Farewell, sweet boys ; brave little trudging pilgrims from the black wave To the white desert : take the stuff in, be sure you lay (LIGHT CUE # 4 ) it in her own hands. Come back and tell me what happens. ( Crosses up to front of pillar Right and waves goodbye to them as they leave. She turns ab- ruptly away from them ) Tell me what happens. (The Boys go out reluctantly, Jason holding their hands.) Rejoice, women, The gifts are given; the bait is laid. The gods roll their great eyes over Creon’s house and quietly smile ; That robe of bright-flowing gold, that bride-veil, that fish-net To catch a young slender salmon — not mute, she’ll sing: her delicate body writhes in the meshes, The golden wreath binds her bright head with light: she’ll dance, she’ll sing loudly: Would I were there to hear it, that proud one howling. (She crosses to Center between pillars) — Look, the sun’s out again, the clouds are gone, All’s gay and clear. Ai ! I wish the deep earth would open and swallow us — Before I do what comes next. I wish all life would perish, (Crosses down to yd step and sits) and the holy gods in high heaven die, before my little ones Come home to my hands. First Woman. (Going to Medea,) It would be better for you, Medea, if the earth Opened her jaws and took you down into darkness. 62 MEDEA act n But one thing you will not do, for you cannot, You will not hurt your own children, though wrath like plague-boils Aches, your mind in a fire-haze Bites the purple apples of pain — no blood-lapping Beast of the field, she-bear nor lioness, Nor the lean wolf-bitch, Hurts her own tender whelps, nor the yellow-eyed. Scythe-beaked and storm-shouldered Eagle that tears the lambs has ever made prey Of the fruit of her own tree — Medea. How could that girl’s death slake me? Third Woman. ( Coming forward from the Others j I am sick with terror. I'll run to the palace, I’ll warn them. Medea. Will you? — Go. Go if you will. God and my vengeful goddess are doing these things: you cannot prevent them, but you could easily fall In the same fire. Third Woman. (Retreating) I am afraid to go. Medea. You are wise. Anyone Running between me and my justice will reap What no man wants. First Woman. Not justice; vengeance. You have suffered evil, you wish to inflict evil. Medea. I do according to nature what I have to do. First Woman. I have heard evil Answering evil as thunder answers the lightning. A great .waste voice in the hollow sky, And all that they say is death. I have heard vengeance Like an echo under a hill answering vengeance. Great hollow voices : all that they say is death. ACT II MEDEA 63 Second Woman. The sword speaks And the spear answers: the city is desolate. The nations remember old wrongs and destroy each other. And no man binds up their wounds. First Woman. But justice Builds a firm house. Medea. The doors of her house are vengeance. Second Woman. , . I dreamed that someone Gave good for evil, and the world was amazed. Medea. (Rises. Crosses up between pillar and col- umn Right) . , , .. n . A Only a coward or a madman gives good for evil.— Did you hear a thin music _ . Like a girl screaming? Or did I perhaps imagine it. Hark, it is music. ^ ^ Third Woman. (Crossing towards Center below steps ) Let me go, Medea! I’ll be mute, I’ll speak to no one. I cannot bear— Let me go to my house ! Medea. You will stay here, And watch the end. (The Women are beginning to mill like scared cattle, huddled and circular) You will be quiet, you women. You came to see (Offstage HARP EFFECT) How the barbarian woman endures betrayal: watch and you’ll know. Second Woman. (Kneels) My heart is a shaken cup Of terror: the thin black wine Spills over all my flesh down to my feet. 64 MEDEA ACT II First Woman. She fled from her father’s house in a storm of blood, In a blood-storm she flew up from Thessaly, Now here and dark over Corinth she widens Wings to ride up the twisted whirlwind And talons to hold with — Let me flee this dark place and the pillared doorway Second Woman. I hear the man-wolf on the snow hill Howl to the soaring moon — Third Woman. The demon comes in through the locked door And strangles the child — Second Woman. Blood is the seed of blood, hundredfold the harvest I he gleaners that follow it, their feet are crimson— First Woman. I see the whirlwind hanging from the black sky. Like a twisted rope, Like an erect serpent, its tail tears the earth, It is braided of dust and lightning, Who will fly in it? Let me hide myself From these night-shoring pillars and the dark door Mk 0EA . (UGHT CUE # 6 > „ . Have patienc women. Be quiet. I am quite sure something has happened; present CAm someone Will bring us news. Third Woman. Look! The children are coming. Second Woman. (Rises) They have bright things in their hands: their faces an clear and joyous; was all that fear A dream, a dream ? (Medea crosses to pillar Left. The Turo* enters up _ Right with the Boys. The Elder Boy carries a decorated bow and arrows; ACT II MEDEA 65 the Younger Boy has a doll, a brightly painted wooden warrior. Medea, gazing at the Boys, retreats slowly backward from them.) The Tutor. ( Crossing up to Medea on top step; Boys stand behind him on 2nd and 3rd steps) Rejoice, Medea, I bring good news. The princess graciously Received your presents and smiled : it is peace between you. She has welcomed the little boys, they are safe from exile. They’ll be kept here. Their father is joyful. Medea. (Coldly, her hands clenched in the effort of self control) Yes? The Tutor. All Creon’s house is well pleased. When we first went in The serving-women came and fondled the children; it was rumored through all the household that you and Jason Were at peace again ; like word of a victory Running through a wide city, when people gather in the streets to be glad together: and we brought the boys Into the hall; we put those costly gifts in their hands; then Jason Led them before the Princess. At first she looked angrily at them and turned away, but Jason said, “Don’t be angry at your friends. You ought to love Those whom I love. Look what they’ve brought you, dear,” and she looked and saw In the dark boxes the brilliant gold : she smiled then, And marveled at it. (He turns to them and Younger Boy crosses up to him) Afterwards she caressed the children; she even said that this little one’s Hair was like fine-spun gold. Then Jason gave them these toys and we came away. 66 MEDEA act ii Medea. Yes. — If this Were all. If this were all, old man — I’d have your bony loins beaten to a blood-froth For the good news you bring. Tutor. My lady — ! Medea. There’s more, however. It will corr_ *ooh. (The Boys shyly approach her and show their toys. She, with violent self -constraint, looks at them; but folds her hands in her cloak, not to touch them.) Elder Boy. (Crosses to her. Drawing the little bow) Look, Mother. Medea. (Suddenly iveeping) Take them away from me ! I cannot bear. I cannot bear. (LIGHT CUE #7) The Tutor. Children, come quickly. (He shepherds them up the steps, and disap - pears in the house.) First Woman. If there is any mercy or forbearance in heaven Let it reach down and touch that dark mind To save it from what it dreams — The Slave. (A young Slave dashes in up Right, panting and distraught. He has run from Creon's house) Where is Medea? ( Slave crosses to base of steps Right, throw- ing himself across them.) Second Woman, What has happened ? What horror drives you? Are spears hunting behind you? act ii MEDEA 67 The Slave. (He sees Medea on the steps) Flee for your life, Medea! I am Jason’s man, but you were good to me While I was here in the house. Can you hear me? Escape, Medea! Medea. I hear you. Draw breath; say quietly What you have seen. It must have been something notable, the way your eyes Bulge in the whites. The Slave. If you have horses, Medea, drive! Or a boat on the shore. Sail! (Rises and crosses down stage Right) Medea. But first you must tell me about the beautiful girl who was lately married: Slave. Ooh ! Medea. your great man’s daughter : Slave. Ooh! Medea. Are they all quite well ? Slave. My ears ring with the crying, my eyes are scalded. She put on the gold gar- ments — Did you do it, Medea? Medea. I did it Slave. Ooooh ! ! ! Medea. Speak quietly. The Slave. You are avenged. 68 MEDEA act ii You are horribly avenged. It is too much. The gods will hate you. (Collapses on podium.) Medea. (Avid, but still sitting) That is my care. Did anyone die with her? The Slave. Creon ! Three Women. Oooh !!! ! Medea. ( S olemnly ) Where is pride now? Tell me all that you saw. Speak slowly. The Slave. He tried to save her — (TRUMPETS off stage Right. Slave rises) he died! Corinth is masterless. All’s in amazed confusion, and some are looting, but they'll avenge him — (He hears someone coming behind him) I'm going on ! Someone is going to die. (LIGHT CUE #8) (He runs Left to the far side of the scene, and exits while Medea speaks. Meanwhile the light has been changing, and soon the sun will set.) Medea. Here comes a more stable witness. (The Nurse enters from up Right) Old friend : Catch your breath ; take your time. I want the whole tale, every gesture and cry. I have labored for this. The Nurse. Death is turned loose! I’ve hobbled and run, and fallen — (Crosses to 4th step and sits.) Medea. act ii MEDEA 69 Nurse: I am very happy : go slowly. (Medea sits and puts her head in Nurse’s lap) Tell me these things in order from the beginning. As when you used to dress me, when I was little, in my father's house : you used to say “One thing at a time ; one thing and then the next.” (The LIGHT has changed to a flare of sunset) (Three Women have assembled themselves after Nurse’s entrance in following fashion: First sitting first step Center, Second stand- ing to her Left, Third standing to Left of SecondJ The Nurse. My eyes are blistered, My throat’s like a dry straw — There was a long mirror on the wall, and when her eyes saw it — After the children had gone with Jason — she put her hands in the case and took those gold things — and I Watched, for I feared something might happen to her, but I never thought So horribly — she placed on her little head the bright golden wreath, she gathered the flowing gold robe Around her white shoulders, And slender flanks, — (Medea rises; crosses to below rock down Right) And gazed at the girl in the metal mirror, going back and forth On tiptoe almost; But suddenly horror began. I — Oh, oh — Medea. ( Crosses up to Right of Nurse, shaking her . by the shoulders) You are not suffering. You saw it, you did not feel it. Speak plainly. The Nurse. Her face went white; She staggered a few steps, bending over, and fell Please, MEDEA act n 70 Into the great throne-chair ; then a serving woman Began to call for water thinking she had fainted, but saw the foam Start on her lips, and the eyes rolling, and screamed instead. Then some of them Ran after Jason, others ran to fetch Creon: and that doomed girl Frightfully crying started up from the chair; she ran, she was like a torch, and the gold crown (Medea races up to door of house writhing) Like a comet streamed fire; she tore at it but it clung to her head; the golden cloak Was white-hot, flaying the flesh from the living bones: blood mixed with fire ran down, she fell, she burned On the floor, writhing. Then Creon came and flung himself on her, hoping to choke That rage of flame, but it ran through him, his own agony Made him forget his daughter’s. The fire stuck to the flesh, it glued him to her; he tried to stand up, He tore her body and his own. The burnt flesh broke In lumps from the bones. (She covers her eyes with her hands) I have finished. They lie there. Eyeless, disfaced, untouchable; middens of smoking flesh— (Nearly a scream) No! I have no more. Medea. (Crossing down to Nurse; takes her arms) I want all. Had they died when you came away? The Nurse. I am not able — have mercy — No, the breath Still whistled in the black mouths. No one could touch them. Jason stood in their smoke, and his hands tore His unhelmeted hair. act II MEDEA 71 (LIGHT CUE #pj Medea. You have told good news well : I'll reward you. As for those people, they will soon die. Their woes are over too soon. (Medea crosses down, then paces up Right and back down Right; sees Women at end of speech and crosses to them ) Mine are not. Jason’s are not. (She turns abruptly from them , toward the Boys, who have been standing by the doorway, fascinated, not comprehending but watching) My little falcons !— Listen to me! Laugh and be glad : we have accomplished it. Our enemies were great and powerful, they were full of cold pride, they ruled all this country— they are down in the ashes. (Sitting on steps with BoysJ Crying like dogs, cowering in the ashes, in their own ashes. They went down with the sun, and the sun will rise And not see them again. He will think i Perhaps they are sleeping, they feasted late. At noon they will walk in the garden.” Oh, no, oh, no . They will not walk in the garden. No one has ever injured me but suffered more Than I had suffered. (She turns from the BoysJ Therefore this final sacrifice I intended glares in my eyes Like a lion on a ridge. (Turning back to the BoysJ We still hate, you know ; — a person nearer than these, more vile, more contemptible, Whom I— I cannot. If he were my own hands I would cut him off, or my eyes, I would gouge him out — But not you : that was madness. (She turns from them) 72 MEDEA ACT II , So Jason will be able to say, I have lost much, But not all : I have children : My sons are well.” (She stands staring , agonised, one hand pick- ing at the other) Noll want him crushed, boneless, crawling— I have no choice. & (Resolutely, to the Three Women. She rises and crosses down Left to Women ) (LIGHT CUE #10) You there! You thought me soft and submissive like a common woman — who takes a blow And cries a little, and she wipes her face And runs about the housework, loving her master? X am not such a woman. First Woman. Awake, Medea ! Awake from the evil dream. Catch up your children and nee, Farther than Athens, farther than Thrace or Spain flee to the world's end. ' Fire and death have done your bidding Are you not fed full with evil ? Is it not enough ? Medea. tt . • , No > Loathing is endless, hiate is a bottomless cup, I will pour and pour. ' (She turns fiercely to the BoysJ Children— (Suddenly melting) , — O my little ones 1 What was I dreaming?— My babes, my own! (She kneels to them, taking their hands) Never, never, never, never bhall my own babes be hurt. Not if every war-hound and spear-slave in headless Corinth Were on the track. ( Still kneelina ; to WomenJ ACT II MEDEA 73 Look, their sweet lips are trembling: look, women, the little mouths: I frightened them With those wild words : they stood and faced me, they never flinched. Look at their proud young eyes ! My eaglets, my golden ones ! (She kisses them, then holds them off and gases at them ) 0 sweet small faces — like the pale wild-roses That blossom where the cliff breaks toward the brilliant sea : the delicate form and color, the dear, dear fragrance Of your sweet breath — - (She continues gazing at them; her face changes ) (TRUMPETS off Right.) M The Nurse. (Sits up) My lady, make haste, haste! Take them and flee. Flee away from here! Someone will come soon. (Medea still gazes at the BoysJ Oh — listen to me. Spears will come, death will come. All Corinth is in confusion and headless anarchy, unkinged and amazed Around that horror you made: therefore they linger: yet in a moment Its avengers come ! (Medea looks up from staring at the Boys. Her face has changed; the love has gone out of it. She speaks in a colorless, tired voice) Medea. I have a sword in the house. 1 can defend you. (She stands up stiffly and takes the Boys by their shoulders; holds the Elder in front of her, toward Women: speaks with cold in- tensity) Would you say that this child (LIGHT CUE #ii) MEDEA ACT II 74 Has Jason’s eyes? (The Women are silent, in terror gazing at They are his cubs. They have his blood. As long as they live I shall be mixed with him (Crosses to pillar up Right. She looks down at the Boys; speaks tenderly but hopelessly.) r* • 0 . Children : It is evening. See, evening has come. Come, little ones. Into the house. (Boys cross to her; arms about her waist) Evening brings all things home. It brings the bird to the bough and the lamb to the fold And the child to the mother. (She pushes Boys gently into house) We must not think too much : people go mad If they think too much. .. ? , (LIGHT CUE #7 2) (in the doorway, behind Boys, she flings up her hands as if to tear her hair out by the roots; then quietly goes in. The great door closes; the iron noise of the BOLT is driven home.) The Nurse. No! (She rushes toward the door, helpless, her hand reaching up and beating feebly against the foot of the door.) First Woman. What is going to happen? Second Woman. That crown of horrors — (They speak like somnambulists, and stand frozen. There is a moment of silence.) Child’s Voice. (In the house, shrill, broken off ) Mother At — ! (The Women press toward the door , crying more or less simultaneously ) act n MEDEA 75 The Women. Medea, nol Prevent her ! Save them ! Open the door — (They listen for an answer.) Third Woman. A god is here, Medea, he calls to you, he forbids you— (Nurse has risen, and beats feebly on the door, stooping and bent over. First Woman stands beside her, very erect, with her back against the door, covering her ears with her hands. They are silent.) Elder Boy’s Voice. (Clear, but as if hypnotized) Mother — • Mother — ai! Medea. Aaahh!!!! ( Lamentation — keening — is heard in the house. It rises and falls, and continues to the end, but often nearly inaudible. It is now twi- light.) The Nurse. (Limps down the steps and says) There is no hope in heaven or earth. It is done. It was destined when she was born, now it is done. (IV ailing.) (LIGHT CUE #t 3 ) (TRUMPETS off Right) Oh, oh, oh. Third Woman. (With terror, looking into the shad- ows) Who is coming ?_ Someone is running at us ! First Woman. (Quietly) The accursed man. Jason. Second Woman. He has a sword. MEDEA ACT II 76 First Woman. I am more afraid of the clinging contagion of his misfortunes. A man the gods are destroying. Jason. (Enters rapidly up Right, disheveled and shaking , a drawn sword in his hand. Crosses in to Right at foot of steps) Where is that murderess ? Here in the house? Or has she fled? She’ll have to hide in the heavy metal darkness and caves of the earth — and there I’ll crawl and find her. (No answer. The Three Women draw away from him as he moves toward the door. He stops and turns on them, drawing his left hand across his face, as if his eyes were bewil- dered.) Jason. Are you struck dumb ? Are you shielding her ? Where is Medea? First Woman. You caused these things. She was faithful to you and you broke faith. Horror is here. Jason. Uncaused. There was no reason — Tell me at once — Whether she took my boys with her? Creon’s people would kill them for what she has done : I’d rather save them Than punish her. Help me in this. The Nurse. (Wailing, sinks to ground down Left) Oh, oh, oh — Jason. (Looking sharply at Nurse J So she has killed herself. Good. She never lacked courage — I’ll take my sons away to the far end of the earth, and never Speak of these things again. The Nurse. (Wailing) Oh, oh, oh — ACT Jl MEDEA 77 ( Lamentation from the house answers.) Jason. (With a queer slyness, for he is trying to cheat himself out of believing what he dreads. He glances at the door , furtively, over his shoulder) Is she lying in there? Honorable at least in her death.— I might have known it. (They remain silent) Well, answer! First Woman. ( Pointing toward Creon’s house) Death is there; death is here. But you are both blind and deaf : how can I tell you ? Tason. (Is silent, then says slowly) J ' But— the— children are well? First Woman. I do not know Whether Medea lives or is dead. Jason. (Flings down the sword and sets hts shoulder against the door; pushes in vain) Open! Open! Open! (Returns halfway down the steps, and says pitiably) Women, I am alone. Help me. Help me to break the bolt. Go and find help — _ (LIGHT CUE # 14 ) (Jason runs down Right as door opens. This stops him and he turns. It is now fairly dark; the interior of the house is lighted. Women draw back in fear; Jason stands on the steps, bewildered. Medea comes into the doorway; her hand and clothing are blood-marked. The door closes.) Medea. . What feeble night-bird overcome by misfortune beats at my door? 78 MEDEA ACT II (Jason takes two steps up to her) Can this be that great adventurer. The famous lord of the seas and delight of women, the heir of rich Corinth — this crying drunkard On the dark doorstep? — Yet you’ve not had enough. You have come to drink the last bitter drops. I’ll pour them for you. (. She displays her hand which is covered with blood.) Jason. What’s that stain on your hands? Medea. The wine I was pouring for you spilled on my hand — Dear were the little grapes that were crushed to make it; dear were the vineyards. Jason. I came to kill you, Medea, Like a caught beast, like a crawling viper. Give me my sons, that I may save them from Creon’s men, I’ll go quietly away. Medea. Hush, they are sleeping. Perhaps I will let you look at them : you cannot have them. But the hour is late, you ought to go home to that high- born bride ; the night has fallen, surely she longs for you. Surely her flesh is not crusted black, nor her forehead burned bald, nor her mouth a horror. (Jason kneels on the steps, painfully groping for his sword ) She 13 very young. But surely she loves and desires you — Surely she will be fruitful. — Your sword you want? There it is. Not that step, the next lower. No, the next higher. Jason. ( Stands erect. Goes up two steps to her) I’ll kill you first and then find my sons. ACT II MEDEA n Medea. , , T You must be careful, Jason. Do you see the two fire-snakes That guard this door ? (Indicating the two snakes ) Here and here: one on each side: two serpents. Their throats are swollen with poison, Their eyes are burning coals and their tongues are fire. They are coiled ready to strike: if you come near They’ll make you what Creon is. But stand there very quietly. I’ll let you Look at your sons. (M EDEA crow to t* ar (L LeJt) T ^ Open the doors that he may see them. (The doors open revealing the Two Boys soaked in blood.) Jason. (Flinging his hands to his temples and cross- ing up to pillar Right) I knew it already. . . . I knew it before I saw it. No wild beast could have done it. MEDEA - I have done it: because I loathed you more Than I loved them. jA Did you feel nothing, no pity, are you pure evil? I should have killed you The day I saw you. M I tore my own heart and laughed: I was tearing Jason. Will you laugh while I strangle you? Medea. I would still laugh. 8o MEDEA ACT II (Jason lunges at her but is sent back by snakes ) — Beware my door holders, Jason ! these eager serpents.— I’d still be joyful to know that every bone of your life is broken: you are left helpless, friendless, mateless, childless, Avoided by gods and men, unclean with awful excess of grief — childless T (LIGHT CUE #16) Jason. ' It is no matter now Who lives, or who dies. (As next speech is said Jason starts slowly dozvn steps to Right.) Medea. You had love and betrayed it : now of all men You are utterly the most miserable. As I of women. But I, as woman, despised, a foreigner, alone Against you and the might of Corinth, Have met you, throat for throat, evil for evil, vengeance for vengeance. Jason. (Turning to her on bottom step) What does it matter now? Only give me my boys : the little pitiful violated bodies : that I may bury them In some kind place. (WARN Curtain.) Medea. To you?— Y ou would betray even the little bodies: coin them for silver. Sell them for power. No ! Jason. (Crawling up two more steps at her feet) . Let me touch their dear flesh, let me touch their hair! Medea. No. They are mine. ^ . . (HARP EFFECT off Right) Ihey are going with me: the chariot is at the gate (LIGHT CUE #/ 7) (During this speech Jason rises and goes slowly down Right ) MEDEA ACT II 8l Go down to your ship Argo and weep beside it, that rotting hulk on the harbor-beach Drawn dry astrand, never to be launched again — even the weeds and barnacles on the warped keel Are dead and stink : — that’s your last companion — _ And only hope : for some time one of the rotting tim- bers Will fall on your head and kill you— meanwhile sit there and mourn, remembering the infinite evil, and the good That you made evil. (LIGHT CUE #18) (THUNDER CUE) (MUSIC CUE) Now I go forth Under the cold eyes of heaven — those weakness-despis- ing stars : — not me they scorn. (LIGHT CUE #19) (CRESCENDO MUSIC CUE) (SCRIM SLOW CLOSING CUE, then) (LIGHT CUE #20) (Medea goes into the house — Jason starts after her but the door is bolted in his face. He collapses to the ground in front of doors. Medea is seen com- ing out Left door bearing the Two Boys. Then as final fanfare of MUSIC comes slow CURTAIN