Stasimon 5
[Episode]
Oft ere now have I pursued subtler themes and have faced graver issues than woman’s sex should seek to probe;
Chorus
but then e’en we aspire to culture, which dwells with us to teach us wisdom; I say not all; for small is the class amongst women—(one maybe shalt thou find ’mid many)— that is not incapable of culture.
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And amongst mortals I do assert that they who are wholly without experience and have never had children far surpass in happiness those who are parents. The childless, because they have never proved
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whether children grow up to be a blessing or curse to men are removed from all share in many troubles; whilst those who have a sweet race of children growing up in their houses do wear away, as I perceive,
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their whole life through; first with the thought how they may train them up in virtue, next how they shall leave their sons the means to live; and after all this ’tis far from clear whether on good or bad children they bestow their toil.
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But one last crowning woe for every mortal man I now will name; suppose that they have found sufficient means to live, and seen their children grow to man’s estate and walk in virtue’s path, still if
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fortune so befall,Reading κυρήσει (Ald. et. Schol.). The MSS. vary between κυρήσας, σαι, σει. comes Death and bears the children’s bodies off to Hades. Can it be any profit to the gods to heap upon us mortal men beside our other woes this further grief for children lost,
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a grief surpassing all?
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Medea
Kind friends, long have I waited expectantly to know how things would at the palace chance. And lo! I see one of Jason’s servants coming hither, whose hurried gasps for breath
proclaim him the bearer of some fresh tidings.
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Messenger
Fly, fly, Medea! who hast wrought an awful deed, transgressing every law; nor leave behind or sea-borne bark or car that scours the plain.
Medea
Why, what hath chanced that calls for such a flight of mine?
Messenger
The princess is dead, a moment gone, and Creon too, her sire, slain by those drugs of thine.
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Medea
Tidings most fair are thine! Henceforth shalt thou be ranked amongst my friends and benefactors.
Messenger
Ha! What? Art sane? Art not distraught, lady,
who hearest with joy the outrage to our royal house done, and art not at the horrid tale afraid?
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Medea
Somewhat have I, too, to say in answer to thy words. Be not so hasty, friend, but tell the manner of their death, for thou wouldst give me double joy,
if so they perished miserably.
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Messenger
When the children twain whom thou didst bear came with their father and entered the palace of the bride, right glad were we thralls who had shared thy griefs, for instantly from ear to ear a rumour spread
that thou and thy lord had made up your former quarrel. One kissed thy children’s hands, another their golden hair, while I for very joy went with them in person to the women’s chambers. Our mistress, whom now we do revere in thy room,
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