CREUSA. One told me that these babes were summoned here. What will ye have? What deeds are now afoot? Behold how they do love me, though they were But now brought here to Corinth! 'Tis as if Long years already we had seen and known Each one the other. 'Twas my gentle words That won them; for, poor babes, they were not used To loving treatment; and their sore distress, Their loneliness did straightway win my heart. MEDEA. One of the babes goes with me! CREUSA. What is this? Leaves us? KING. E'en so. It is their father's will! (_To_ MEDEA,_ who stands in deep meditation._) Here are thy children. Let them make their choice! MEDEA (_wildly_). The babes! My children! Ay, 'tis they, in sooth! The one thing left me in this bitter world! Ye gods, forget those dark and wicked thoughts That late I harbored; grant me both my babes, Yea, both, and I'll go forth from out this land Praising your mercy! Yea, I'll e'en forgive My husband there, and her--No! Her I'll not Forgive--nor Jason, either! Come to me, Come here, my babes!--Why stand ye silent there And cling upon the breast of my false foe? Ah, could ye know how she hath humbled me, Ye would arm your tiny hands, curve into claws Those little, weakling fingers, rend and tear That soft and tender form, whereto ye cling So lovingly!--Wouldst hold my children back From coming to me? Let them go! CREUSA. In sooth, Unhappy woman, I restrain them not! MEDEA. Not with thy hand, I know, but with thy glance, Thy false, deceitful face, that seems all love, And holds my husband from me, too! Thou laugh'st? I promise thee thou'lt weep hot tears in days To come! CREUSA. Now may the gods chastise me if I had A thought of laughing! KING. Woman, break not forth In insults and in anger! Do what thou Hast yet to do, or go!