Pelias the usurper, was desirous of following so pleasant an example, and
his daughters persuaded by Medea, who was anxious to avenge her husband's
wrongs, destroyed him with their own hands. Their credulity met with a
severe punishment, for Medea refused to restore him to life.
Meanwhile Pelias with his guards lay bound
In magic sleep, scarce that of death so sound:
The daughters now are by the Sorceress led,
Into his chamber and surround his bed,
'Your fathers health's concerned and can ye stay?
Unnatural nymphs, why this unkind delay?
Unsheath your swords, dismiss his lifeless blood,
And I'll recruit it with a vital flood:
Your father's life and health are in your hand,
And can ye thus, like idle gazers stand?
Unless you are of common sense bereft,
If yet one spark of piety is left,
Dispatch a father's cure, and disengage
The monarch from his loathsome load of age.
Thus urged, the poor deluded maids proceed
Betrayed by zeal to an inhuman deed,
And in compassion, make a father bleed.
Yes, she who has the kindest, tenderest heart,
Is foremost to perform the bloody part.
Yet, though to act the butchery betrayed,
They could not bear to see the wounds they made,
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With stern regard she eyed the traitor king,
And felt ingratitude, the keenest sting;
"Nor Heaven" she cried, "nor earth, nor Hell can hold
A heart abandoned to the thirst of gold!
Stamped with wild foot and shook her torrent brow,
And called the furies from their dens below!"