The Argonauts

6 ARGONAUTAE MEDEA, I meditate the ancient prophecy. Thus a foreboding is upon my heart, Seeing some danger follow yet, o’erhang Our heads, poised gaily in incertitude! SECOND DANAID. Nay, grieve not, dear Medea! All men say The prophecy is well fulfilled. MEDEA. Ay me! “Until the king shall die and live again.” ALCESTIS. What means that? MEDEA, I have meditated long. SECOND DANAID. To what sad end? MEDEA. At the full end I see Allusion to my magic—to that spell Whereby an old man may renew his youth. ALCESTIS. Our father! MEDEA. You have guessed aright, my child. Your father must abandon his old age And—by my magic—find sweet youth again!