JASON. Give her one chance. Then, if she stay not quiet, hound her forth, Hunt her, and slay her, me, and these my babes. Yet, till that time, I pray thee let her try If she can live at peace with this thy folk. This boon I crave of thee by mightiest Zeus, The god of strangers--ay, and call upon The ancient bond of friendship that, long since, Our fathers formed, mine in Iolcos, thine In Corinth here. On that long-vanished day They dreamed there might fall need of such a tie. And, now that need is here, do thou thy part And succor me, lest in like evil pass Thou make the same request, and meet denial. KING. 'Tis the gods' will; I yield, against my judgment, And she shall stay. But, look you, if she show One sign that those wild ways are not forgot, I drive her forth from out this city straight And yield her up to those who seek her life! Here in this meadow, where I found thee first, A sacred altar shall be raised, to Zeus, The god of strangers, consecrate and to Thy murdered uncle Pelias' bloody shades. Here will we kneel together and pray the gods To send their blessing on thy coming here, And turn to mercy that which bodes us ill.-- Now to my royal city follow swift. [_He turns to his attendants, who approach._] See my behests are faithfully obeyed. [_As they turn to depart, the curtain falls._] ACT II _A chamber in_ CREON'S _royal palace at Corinth_. CREUSA _is discovered seated, while_ MEDEA _occupies a low stool before her, and holds a lyre in her arm. She is clad in the Greek fashion._ CREUSA. Now pluck this string--the second--this one here. MEDEA. So, this way? CREUSA. Nay, thy fingers more relaxed. MEDEA. I cannot. CREUSA. 'Tis not hard, if thou'lt but try. MEDEA. I have tried, patiently; but 'tis no use! [_She lays the lyre aside and rises._] Were it a spear-haft, or the weapons fierce Of the bloody hunt, these hands were quick enough. [_She raises her right hand and gazes at it reproachfully._] Rebellious fingers! I would punish them! CREUSA. Perverse one! When my heart was filled with joy At thinking how 'twould gladden Jason's heart To hear this song from thee! MEDEA. Ay, thou art right. I had forgot that. Let me try once more. The song will please him, think'st thou, truly please him?