Ion: Why give his son then to another father?
Why say that I was born the son of Xuthus?
Creusa: Not born the son of Xuthus; but he gives thee,
Born from himself as friend to friend may give
His son, and heir adopted to his house.
Ion: True is the god, his tripod else were vain.
Not without cause then is my mind perplex'd.
Creusa: Hear what my thoughts suggest: to work thee good
Apollo placed thee in a noble house.
Acknowledged his, the rich inheritance
Could not be thine, nor could a father's name;
For I conceal'd my nuptials, and had plann'd
To kill thee secretly: for this the god
In kindness gives thee to another father.
Ion: My mind is prompt to entertain such thoughts;
But, entering at his shrine will I inquire
If from a mortal father I am sprung,
Or from Apollo.-Ha! what may this be?
What god above the hallow'd dome unveils
His radiant face that shines another sun?
Haste, let us fly: the presence of the gods
'Tis not for mortals to behold, and live. (Minerva appears from above.)
Studies
