Story of Aegeus

From Corinth Medea proceeds to Athens, where she becomes the wife of Aegeus, and attempts to poison his son Theseus: the hero, however, is fortunately recognised by his father, who compels his cruel queen to quit the Athenian territories⁠—In the meantime, Minos, king of Crete, threatens to invade Athens, in order to revenge the murder of his son Androgeus⁠—For this purpose he forms treaties of alliance with the neighbouring states, and endeavours to effect a league with Aeacus, the king of Aegina, who continues faithful to his compact with the Athenians, and entertains their ambassador Cephalus with hospitality and kindness.

From hence to Athens she directs her flight, Where Phineus, so renown’d for doing right, Where Periphas, and Polyphemon’s niece, Soaring with sudden plumes, amazed the towns of Greece.

Here Aegeus so engaging she address’d, That first he treats her like a royal guest, Then takes the sorc’ress for his wedded wife; The only blemish of his prudent life.