MEDEA. I gaze on thee, and gaze on thee again, And cannot have my fill of thy sweet face. Thou gentle, virtuous maid, as fair in soul As body, with a heart as white and pure As are thy snowy draperies! Like a dove, A pure, white dove with shining, outspread wings, Thou hoverest o'er this life, nor yet so much As dipp'st thy wing in this vile, noisome slough Wherein we wallow, struggling to get free, Each from himself. Send down one kindly beam From out thy shining heaven, to fall in pity Upon my bleeding breast, distraught with pain; And all those ugly scars that grief and hate And evil fortune e'er have written there, Oh, cleanse thou these away with thy soft hands, And leave thine own dear picture in their place! That strength, that ever was my proudest boast From youth, once tested, proved but craven weakness. Oh, teach me how to make my weakness strong! [_She seats herself on the low stool at CREUSA's feet._] Here to thy feet for refuge will I fly, And pour my tale of suffering in thine ear; And thou shalt teach me all that I must do. Like some meek handmaid will I follow thee, Will pace before the loom from early morn, Nay, set my hand to all those lowly tasks Which maids of noble blood would scorn to touch In Colchis, as but fit for toiling serfs, Yet here they grace a queen. Oh, I'll forget My sire was Colchis' king, and I'll forget My ancestors were gods, and I'll forget The past, and all that threatens still! [_She springs up and leaves _CREUSA's _side._] But no! That can I not forget! CREUSA (_following her_). Why so distressed? Men have forgotten many an evil deed That chanced long since, ay, even the gods themselves Remember not past sorrows. MEDEA (_embracing her_). Say'st thou so? Oh, that I could believe it, could believe it! JASON _enters._ CREUSA (_turning to him_). Here is thy wife. See, Jason, we are friends! JASON. 'Tis well. MEDEA. Greetings, my lord.--She is so good, Medea's friend and teacher she would be. JASON. Heaven speed her task! CREUSA. But why these sober looks? We shall enjoy here many happy days! I, sharing 'twixt my sire and you my love And tender care, while thou and she, Medea,-- JASON. Medea! MEDEA. What are thy commands, my lord? JASON. Hast seen the children late? MEDEA. A moment since; They are well and happy. JASON. Look to them again!