465] Vilest of knaves--for that is the worst insult my tongue can speak against your lack of manly worth--have you really come to see me when you have made yourself my worst enemy [to the gods, to me, and to the whole human race]? This is not boldness or courage-- [470] to wrong your loved ones and then look them in the face--but the worst of all mortal vices, shamelessness. But you did well to come, for it will relieve my feelings to tell you how wicked you are, and you will be stung by what I have to say.[475] I shall begin my speech from the beginning. I saved your life--as witness all the Greeks who went on board the Argo with you--when you were sent to master the fire-breathing bulls with a yoke and to sow the field of death. [480] The dragon who kept watch over the Golden Fleece, sleeplessly guarding it with his sinuous coils, I killed, and I raised aloft for you the fair light of escape from death. Of my own accord I abandoned my father and my home and came with you to Iolcus under Pelion, [485] showing more love than sense. I murdered Pelias by the most horrible of deaths--at the hand of his own daughters--and I destroyed his whole house. And after such benefits from me, o basest of men, you have betrayed me and have taken a new marriage, [490] though we had children. For if you were still childless, your desire for this marriage would be understandable.ChorusLoves that come to us in excess bring no good name or goodness to men. [630] If Aphrodite comes in moderation, no other goddess brings such happiness. Never, o goddess, may you smear with desire one of your ineluctable arrows and let it fly against my heart [635] from your golden bow!Enter by Eisodos A Aegeus, the aged king of Athens, in travelling costume. AegeusMedea, I wish you joy: no one knows a better way than this to address a friend.Medea[665] Joy to you as well, Aegeus, son of wise Pandion! Where have you come from to be visiting the soil of this land?Aege...
