A brass balance holds a dark pebble and a pale feather against dusky purple.

Original artwork, not a still

Medea

Euripides

I know, indeed, the evil of that I purpose; but my inclination gets the better of my judgment.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker admits fully understanding that the course being planned is wicked, yet says desire is winning out over reasoned judgment. It is a stark confession of acting against one's better knowledge, with inclination overruling conscience even though the harm is clearly seen beforehand.

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