(_To one of the slaves who has accompanied the _KING.)
Hasten swift
And bring the babes before us!
KING. What is this?
Here they shall stay, ay, both of them!
MEDEA. This gift
That in mine eyes so small is, seemeth it
So great a boon to thee? Hast thou no fear
Of Heaven's fell anger, harsh and violent man?
KING. The gods deal harshly with such wanton crimes
As thou hast done!
MEDEA. Yea, but they see the cause
That drove us to such deeds!
KING. 'Tis wicked thoughts,
Deep in the heart, beget such crimes as thine!
MEDEA. All causes else thou count'st for naught?
KING. With stern
And iron justice mine own self I rule,
And so, with right, judge others.
MEDEA. In the act
Of punishing my crimes, thou dost commit
A worse thyself!