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 heart.

Medea: Now by the fair hopes born upon this wedding day,285

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