_Medea_ [_not noticing the_ Nurse's _presence_]: For thy hate, poor soul, Dost thou a measure seek? Let it be deep as love. And shall I tamely view the wedding torches's glare? And shall this day go uneventful by, this day, So hardly won, so grudgingly bestowed? Nay, nay, 400 While, poised upon her heights, the central earth shall bear The heavens up; while seasons run their endless round, And sands unnumbered lie; while days, and nights, and sun, And stars in due procession pass; while round the pole The ocean-fearing bears revolve, and tumbling streams Flow downward to the sea; my grief shall never cease 405 To seek revenge, and shall forever grow. What rage Of savage beast can equal mine? What Scylla famed? What sea-engulfing pool? What burning Aetna placed On impious Titan's heaving breast? No torrent stream, 410 Nor storm-tossed sea, nor breath of flame fanned by the gale, Can check or equal my wild storm of rage. My will Is set on limitless revenge! Will Jason say 415 He feared the power of Creon and Acastus' threats? True love is proof against the fear of man. But grant He was compelled to yield, and pledged his hand in fear: He might at least have sought his wife with one last word Of comfort and farewell. But this, though brave in heart, 420 He feared to do. The cruel terms of banishment Could Creon's son-in-law not soften? No. One day Alone was giv'n for last farewell to both my babes. But time's short space I'll not bewail; though brief in hours, In consequence it stretches out eternally. This day shall see a deed that ne'er shall be forgot. But now I'll go and pray the gods, and move high heaven 425 But I shall work my will! _Nurse:_ Thy heart all passion-tossed, I pray thee, mistress, soothe, and calm thy troubled soul. _Medea:_ My troubled soul can never know a time of rest Until it sees all things o'erwhelmed in common doom. All must go down with me! 'Tis sweet such death to die. [_Exit_ Medea.] _Nurse_ [_calling after her_]: Oh, think what perils thou must meet if thou persist! 430 No one with safety may defy a sceptered king. [_Enter_ Jason.]