The Argonauts

ACTUS QUINTUS That Pelias should wander, free to slide His sidelong looks among our courtiers Ripe ever for some mischief. Yet methinks There is a wandering other than this present— Say, by the Stygian waves, unburied corpse !— But, for the means? It ill befits our power And grace—my husband’s honour—to stretch forth The arm of murder o’er the head of age. But surely must be means—— MADNESS. The prophecy! MEDEA. Happy my thought be! I have found it! Ha! “ Athena shall relent not till the king Shall die and live.” Vainly the prophet meant Mere transference of the crown. I'll twist his saying To daze the children—fools they are! So mask Evil beneath the waxen face of Good, Trick out Calamity in robes of Luck— Come, children! Is the sun bright? And your eyes? ALCESTIS. Dear queen, all’s well with us. Such happiness Crowds daylight—even sleep seems sorrowful, Though bright with dainty dreams! FIRST DANAID. But you are sad! M uw