EURIPIDES
Jason
I do not propose to go into all the rest of it;
But, if you wish for the children or for yourself 610
In exile to have some of my money to help you,
Say so, for I am prepared to give with open hand,
Or to provide you with introductions to my friends
Who will treat you well. You are a fool if you do not
Accept this. Cease your anger and you will profit. 615
Medea
I shall never accept the favors of friends of yours,
Nor take a thing from you, so you need not offer it.
There is no benefit in the gifts of a bad man.
Jason
Then, in any case, I call the gods to witness that
I wish to help you and the children in every .way, Sio
But you refuse what is good for you. Obstinately
You push away your friends. You are sure to suffer for it.
Medea
Go! No doubt you hanker for your virginal bride,
And are guilty of lingering too long out of her house.
Enjoy your wedding. But perhaps—with the help of
God— 625
You will make the kind of marriage that you will regret.
(Jason goes out with his attendants.)
Chorus
When love is in excess
It brings a man no honor
Nor any worthiness.
But if in moderation Cypris comes, 630
There is no other power at all so gracious.
O goddess, never on me let loose the unerring
Shaft of your bow in the poison of desire.
Let my heart be wise. 635
It is the gods' best gift.
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