MEDEA. Naught! I did but think On happy days long vanished, and forgot All that hath happened since.--Was this the cause That brought thee here, or hast thou aught to say Besides? KING. Nay, I forgot one other word, But I will speak it now. Thy husband brought Much treasure when he fled to Corinth here From far Iolcos, when his uncle died. MEDEA. There in the house it lies, still guarded safe; Go in and take it! KING. And that trinket fair Of dazzling gold, the Fleece--the gleaming prize The Argo brought--is that within, as well? Why turnest thou away, and wouldst depart? Give answer! Is it there? MEDEA. No! KING. Where, then? Where? MEDEA. I know not. KING. Yet thyself didst bear it forth From Pelias' chamber--so the Herald said. MEDEA. Nay, if he said so, it must needs be true! KING. Where is it? MEDEA. Nay, I know not. KING. Never think To cheat us thus! MEDEA. If thou wouldst give it me, I would requite thee even with my life; For, if I had it here, thou shouldst not stand Before me, shouting threats! KING. Didst thou not seize And bear it with thee from Iolcos? MEDEA. Yea! KING. And now--? MEDEA. I have it not. KING. Who hath it, then? MEDEA. The earth doth hold it. KING. Ha! I understand! So it was there, in sooth? [_He turns to his attendants._] Go, fetch me here That which I bade you. What I mean, ye know! [_The attendants go out._] Ha! Didst thou think to cheat us with thy words Of double meaning? Earth doth hold it! Now I understand thee! Nay, look not away! Look here at me, and harken!--Yonder there Upon the seashore, where last night ye lay, I gave command to raise a sacred fane To Pelias' shades; and, as my henchmen toiled, They found--thou palest!--freshly buried there An ebon casket, marked with curious signs. [_The attendants bring in the chest._] Look! Is it thine? MEDEA (_rushing eagerly to the chest_). Yea, mine! KING. And is the Fleece Therein? MEDEA. It is. KING. Then give it me! MEDEA. I will! KING. Almost I do regret I pitied thee, Since thou hast sought to cozen us! MEDEA. Fear not! For thou shalt have thy due! Once more I am Medea! Thanks to thee, kind gods! KING. Unlock Thy casket, quick, and give the Fleece to me! MEDEA. Not yet! KING. But when? MEDEA. Right soon, ay, all too soon!