MEDEA. Thy mother bids you tarry. Wait, I say!-- When I bethink me how they are my blood, My very flesh, the babes I bore so long In my own womb, and nourished at my breast, When I bethink me 'tis my very self That turns against me, in my inmost soul Fierce anger stabs me knife-like, bloody thoughts Rise fast within me!-- (_To the children._) What hath mother done, To make you flee her sight and run away To hide in strangers' bosoms? BOY. Thou dost seek To steal us both away, and shut us up Within thy boat again, where we were both So sick and dizzy. We would rather stay Here, would we not, my brother? YOUNGER BOY. Yea! MEDEA. Thou, too, Absyrtus? But 'tis better, better so! Come hither! BOY. I'm afraid! MEDEA. Come here, I say! BOY. Nay, thou wilt hurt me! MEDEA. Hurt thee? Thou hast done Naught to deserve it! Boy. Once thou flung'st me down Upon the pavement, hard, because I looked So like my father. But _he_ loves me for it! I'd rather stay with him, and with that good And gentle lady! MEDEA. Thou shalt go to her, E'en to that gentle lady!--How his mien Is like to his, the traitor's! How his words Are syllabled like Jason's!--Patience! Wait! YOUNGER BOY. I'm sleepy! BOY. Let's lie down and go to sleep. It's late. MEDEA. Ye'll have your fill of sleep ere long! Go, lay you down upon those steps to rest, While I take counsel with myself.--Ah, see How watchfully he guides the younger one, Takes off his little mantle, wraps it warm And close about his shoulders, now lies down Beside him, clasping hands!--He never was A naughty child!--O children, children mine! BOY (_starting up_). Dost want us? MEDEA. Nay, lie down, and go to sleep! What would I give, if I could sleep as sound! [_The boy lies down again, and both go to sleep._ MEDEA _seats herself on a bench opposite the children. It grows darker and darker._]