Penny Dreadfuls, 1912 · page 46 of 118
The Medea — page 46: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Page Analysis This is a page of running prose—specifically, dramatic verse from what appears to be a Victorian translation of Euripides' *Medea* (the page header confirms "EURIPIDES"). The text shows a character addressing another, discussing gratitude for help received, the benefits of Greek civilization, and the importance of glorious deeds. The speaker then shifts to defending their own actions regarding a quest and an alliance with a king, while addressing concerns about passion and their children. This is classical dramatic dialogue rendered in English verse, not a penny dreadful at all—the OCR identification appears erroneous.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
30 EURIPIDES To all my crew and quest I know but one Saviour, of Gods or mortals one alone, | The Cyprian. Oh, thou hast both brain and wit, Yet underneath. . . nay, all the tale of it Were graceless telling; how sheer love, a fire Of poison-shafts, compelled thee with desire To save me. But enough. I will not score That count too close. *I'was good help: and therefor I give thee thanks, howe’er the help was wrought. Howbeit, in my deliverance, thou hast got Far more than given. A good Greek land hath been Thy lasting home, not barbary. Thou hast seen Our ordered life, and justice, and the long Still grasp of law not changing with the strong Man’s pleasure. Then, all Hellas far and near Hath learned thy wisdom, and in every ear Thy fame is. Had thy days run by unseen On that last edge of the world, where then had been The story of great Medea? Thouand!... | What worth to us were treasures heaped high In rich kings’ rooms; what worth a voice of gold More sweet than ever rang from Orpheus old, Unless our deeds have glory : | Speak I so, Touching the Quest I wrought, thyself did throw The challenge down. Next for thy cavilling Of wrath at mine alliance with a king, Here thou shalt see I both was wise, and free From touch of passion, and a friend to thee Most potent, and my children . . . Nay, be still! When first I stood in Corinth, clogged with ill Gomicbooks.com