_Fausta._ Nay, then, I see 'tis time to look about, Delay is dangerous, and procureth harm: The wanton colt is tamèd in his youth; Wounds must be cur'd when they be fresh and green; And pleurisies, when they begin to breed, With little care are driven away with speed. Had Fausta then, when Amurack begun With spiteful speeches to control and check, Sought to prevent it by her martial force, This banishment had never hapt to me. But the echinus, fearing to be gor'd, Doth keep her younglings in her paunch so long, Till, when their pricks be waxen long and sharp, They put their dam at length to double pain: And I, because I loath'd the broils of Mars, Bridled my thoughts, and pressèd down my rage; In recompense of which my good intent I have receiv'd this woful banishment. Woful, said I? nay, happy I did mean, If that be happy which doth set one free; For by this means I do not doubt ere long But Fausta shall with ease revenge her wrong. Come, daughter, come: my mind foretelleth me That Amurack shall soon requited be. SCENE III.--_A Grove._ FAUSTA _and_ IPHIGENA _discovered; enter_ MEDEA, _meeting them._[46] _Medea._ Fausta, what means this sudden flight of yours? Why do you leave your husband's princely court, And all alone pass through these thickest groves, More fit to harbour brutish savage beasts Than to receive so high a queen as you? Although your credit would not stay your steps From bending them into these darkish dens, Yet should the danger, which is imminent To every one which passeth by these paths, Keep you at home with fair Iphigena. What foolish toy hath tickled you to this? I greatly fear some hap hath hit amiss. _Fausta._ No toy, Medea, tickled Fausta's head, Nor foolish fancy led me to these groves, But earnest business eggs my trembling steps To pass all dangers, whatsoe'er they be. I banish'd am, Medea, I, which erst Was empress over all the triple world, Am banish'd now from palace and from pomp. But if the gods be favourers to me, Ere twenty days I will revengèd be. _Medea._ I thought as much, when first from thickest leaves I saw you trudging in such posting pace. But to the purpose: what may be the cause Of this strange and sudden banishment? _Fausta._ The cause, ask you? A simple cause, God wot; 'Twas neither treason, nor yet felony, But for because I blam'd his foolishness. _Medea._ I hear you say so, but I greatly fear, Ere that your tale be brought unto an end, You'll prove yourself the author of the same. But pray, be brief; what folly did your spouse? And how will you revenge your wrong on him?