Collected Works (Vol. II)

114 THE ARGONAUTS 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 ! DANAIDES. But this is very difficult to do. MEDEA. For me such miracles are merely play, Serving to while away the idle hours While Jason hunts—— ALCESTIS. Hlow grand it were to see Our aged father rival the strong youths In feats of great agility ! MEDEA. Agreed ! But surely you should work the charm your- selves. For children magic is a blithesome game! DANAIDES. Dear lady ! teach us how to say the spell! MEDEA. Words must be aided by appalling deeds ! ALCESTIS. O! O! you frighten us. MEDEA. Be brave, my child ! I too passed through unutterable things ! ALCESTIS. Let me fetch father ! MEDEA. Nay, consider first. Would he consent? The process is severe ! DANAIDES. We know the sire is not exactly brave, Though very wise and good. MEDEA. Tis clear to me ; Without his knowledge we must do the deed. ALCKSTIS. What is this ‘‘ deed ” ? MEDEA. A caldron is prepared ; And, having hewn your father limb from limb, We seethe him in a broth of magic herbs. ALCESTIS. And then ? MEDEA. The proper incantations said, There rises from the steam a youthful shape More godlike than like man. And he will fall In kind embraces on his children’s necks. ALCESTIS. O queen, this process seems indeed severe. MEDEA. Without his knowledge must the thing be done. DANAIDES. This also seems to us no easy task. MEDEA. He sleeps through noon, while others are abroad. ALCESTIS. Let us make haste! you are | Déar queen, how good