Back flow the streams of holy rivers and justice [dika]⁵ 410

and all things [panta]⁶ are being turned back.

For men’s counsels are deceitful, and the pledge taken

in the gods’ name is no longer fixed firm.

Legends will change my life so that it will have glory;

honor [tima]⁷ comes to the female of the species;

the cacophony of rumors will set women free. 420

The Muses will cease from their ancient-born songs

singing of our faithlessness.

For not to our mind has Phoebus, the leader of tunes,

granted the inspired song of the lyre; 425

since then I would sing a song in response

to the race of men. But long life has

a lot to tell of our side and of men's. 430

You sailed from your father's home

with maddened heart between the double rocks of the sea

and you live on foreign soil

desolate without a man in your marriage bed, 435

unhappy one, now an exile from this land

you are driven away without rights.

But the grace [cariV] of oaths has gone, shame [aidwV] no more

abides in vast Hellas, but it has flown to the skies 440

another queen more powerful stands now in the chamber.⁸ 445

5. dika: natural order or justice or both? Return to Medea

6. panta: the universe. Return to Medea

7. tima: recompense or honor or both? Return to Medea

8. Kovacs: "And another princess, greater match than yourself holds sway in the house." Return to Medea