I implore thee by the blessed gods, by thyself and by thy parents, not to see them destroyed by an evil doom piteously; or else may I die with my dear sons and come back hereafter from Hades an avenging Fury to haunt thee." (ll.

705-710) Thus she spake, and straightway a torrent of tears gushed forth and low down she clasped her sister's knees with both hands and let her head sink on to her breast.

Then they both made piteous lamentation over each other, and through the halls rose the faint sound of women weeping in anguish.

Medea, sore troubled, first addressed her sister: (ll.

711-717) "God help thee, what healing can I bring thee for what thou speakest of, horrible curses and Furies?
Would that it were firmly in my power to save thy sons! Be witness that mighty oath of the Colchians by which thou urgest me to swear, the great Heaven, and Earth beneath, mother of the gods, that as far as strength lies in me, never shalt thou fail of help, if only thy prayers can be accomplished." (ll.