All Greece had been o'erwhelmed; then this thy son-in-law Had felt the bull's consuming breath, and perished there. Nay, nay, let Fortune when she will my doom decree; I glory still that kings have owed their lives to me. But what reward I reap for all my glorious deeds Is in thy hands. Convict me, if thou wilt, of sin, But give him back for whom I sinned. O Creon, see, I own that I am guilty. This much thou didst know, When first I clasped thy knees, a humble suppliant, And sought the shelter of thy royal clemency. Some little corner of thy kingdom now I ask In which to hide my grief. If I must flee again, O let some nook remote within thy broad domain Be found for me! Creon claims to have been merciful in having shielded Jason and Medea all these years from the just resentment of the king of Thessaly. Jason's cause would be easy enough to defend, for he has been innocent of guilt; but it is impossible longer to shield Medea, who has committed so many bloody deeds in the past, and is capable of doing the like again. _Creon._ Then go thou hence and purge our kingdom of its stain; Bear with thee in thy flight thy fatal poisons; free The state from fear; abiding in some other land, Outwear the patience of the gods. _Medea._ Thou bidst me flee? Then give me back my bark in which to flee. Restore The partner of my flight. Why should I flee alone? I came not thus. Or if avenging war thou fear'st, Then banish both the culprits; why distinguish me From Jason? 'Twas for him old Pelias was o'ercome; For him the flight, the plunder of my father's realm, My sire forsaken and my infant brother slain, And all the guilt that love suggests; 'twas all for him. Deep-dyed in sin am I, but on my guilty soul The sin of profit lieth not. _Creon._ Why seek delay By speech? Too long thou tarriest. _Medea._ I go, but grant This last request: let not the mother's fall o'erwhelm her hapless babes. _Creon._ Then go in peace; for I to them A father's place will fill, and take them to my breast. _Medea._ Now by the fair hopes born upon this wedding day, And by thy hopes of lasting sovereignty secure From changeful fate's assault, I pray thee grant from flight A respite brief, while I upon my children's lips A mother's kiss imprint, perchance the last.