MEDEA. I unjust! Thou dost not seek her, then, to wife? Say no! JASON. I do but seek a place to lay me down And rest. What else will come, I do not know! MEDEA. Ay, but I know full well, and it shall be My task to thwart thee, with the help of heaven! JASON. Thou canst not speak with calmness, so, farewell! [_He takes a step toward the door._] MEDEA. Jason! JASON (_turning back_). What wouldst thou? MEDEA. 'Tis, perchance, the last, Last time that we shall speak together! JASON. True; Then let us without hate or rancor part. MEDEA. Thou mad'st me love thee deeply. Wouldst thou now Flee from my face? JASON. I must! MEDEA. Hast robbed me, too, Of my dear father; and wouldst steal away Mine husband? JASON. I am helpless! MEDEA. At thy hands My brother met his death untimely. Him Thou hast taken from me, too, and now wouldst fly And leave me? JASON. He was innocent; he fell. And I am blameless, too; but I must flee thee. MEDEA. I left my fatherland to follow thee! JASON. Thou didst but follow thine own will, not me. Gladly would I, if thou hadst rued thy deed, Have sent thee back again. MEDEA. I am accurst, And damned by all the world,--and all for thee! And, for thy sake, I even hate myself! Wilt thou forsake me still? JASON. 'Tis not my will, Nay; but a higher bidding tells me plain That I must leave thy side. Thy fate seems hard, But what of mine? And yet, I pity thee, If that be any comfort! MEDEA (_falling upon her knees to him_). Jason! JASON. Well? What wouldst thou further? MEDEA (_rising suddenly_). Nothing! It is past And done with! O proud sires, O mighty gods Of Colchis, grant forgiveness to thy child Who hath so humbled and dishonored you, (Ay, and herself as well)--for I was pressed And needs must do it. Now, receive me back! [JASON _turns to leave her._] Jason! JASON. Hope not that thou canst soften me! MEDEA. Nay, never think I wished it! Give me back My babes! JASON. Thy children? Never! MEDEA (_wildly_). They are mine! JASON. Men call them by their father's name; and that Shall never grace barbarians! Here in Greece I'll rear them, to be Greeks! MEDEA. To be despised And scorned by offspring of thy later bed? I tell thee, they are mine!