Medea. My riches, not my spirit, fortune takes.
The hinge creaks,—who is this? Creon himself,
Swelling with Grecian pride. 180
Scene II
Creon with Attendants, Medea.
Creon. What, is Medea of the hated race
Of Colchian Æëtes, not yet gone?
Still she is plotting evil; well I know
Her guile, and well I know her cruel hand.
Whom does she spare, or whom let rest secure? 185
Verily I had thought to cut her off
With the swift sword, but Jason's prayers availed
To spare her life. She may go forth unharmed
If she will set our city free from fear.
Threatening and fierce, she seeks to speak with us; 190
Attendants, keep her off, bid her be still,
And let her learn at last, a king's commands
Must be obeyed. Go, haste, and take her hence.
Medea. What fault is punished by my banishment?
Creon. A woman, innocent, may ask, 'What fault?' 195
Medea. If thou wilt judge, examine.
Creon. Kings command.
Just or unjust, a king must be obeyed.
Medea. An unjust kingdom never long endures.
Creon. Go hence! Seek Colchis!