TUT. Ancient alliances are deserted for new, and he is no friend to this family.
NUR. We perish then, if to the old we shall add a new ill, before the former be exhausted.[[4]]
TUT. But do thou, for it is not seasonable that my mistress should know this, restrain your tongue, and be silent on this report.
NUR. O my children, do you hear what your father is toward you? Yet may he not perish, for he is my master, yet he is found to be treacherous toward his friends.
TUT. And what man is not? dost thou only now know this, that every one loves himself dearer than his neighbor,[[5]] some indeed with justice, but others even for the sake of gain, unless it be that[[6]] their father loves not these at least on account of new nuptials.
NUR. Go within the house, my children, for all will be well. But do thou keep these as much as possible out of the way, and let them not approach their mother, deranged through grief. For but now I saw her looking with wildness in her eyes on these, as about to execute some design, nor will she cease from her fury, I well know, before she overwhelm some one with it; upon her enemies however, and not her friends, may she do some [ill.]
MEDEA. (within) Wretch that I am, and miserable on account of my misfortunes, alas me! would I might perish!
NUR. Thus it is, my children; your mother excites her heart, excites her fury. Hasten as quick as possible within the house, and come not near her sight, nor approach her, but guard against the fierce temper and violent nature of her self-willed mind. Go now, go as quick as possible within. But it is evident that the cloud of grief raised up from the beginning will quickly burst forth with greater fury; what I pray will her soul, great in rage, implacable, irritated by ills, perform!
MED. Alas! alas! I wretched have suffered, have suffered treatment worthy of great lamentation. O ye accursed children of a hated mother, may ye perish with your father, and may the whole house fall.
NUR. Alas! alas! me miserable! but why should your children share their father's error? Why dost thou hate these! Alas me, my children, how beyond measure do I grieve lest ye suffer any evil! Dreadful are the dispositions of tyrants, and somehow in few things controlled, in most absolute, they with difficulty lay aside their passion. The being accustomed then[[7]] to live in mediocrity of life is the better: may it be my lot then to grow old if not in splendor, at least in security. For, in the first place, even to mention the name of moderation carries with it superiority, but to use it is by far the best conduct for men; but excess of fortune brings more power to men than is convenient;[[8]] and has brought greater woes upon families, when the Deity be enraged.