Hast heard how this woman plotted my death?Pythian PriestessI have; thou, too, art wrong because of thy harshness.IonAm I not to pay back murderers in their coin?Pythian PriestessWives ever hate the children of a former marriage.IonAs I hate step-dames for their evil treatment of me.Pythian PriestessDo not so; but leaving, as thou art, the shrine, and setting forth for thy country—IonWhat then wouldst thou advise me do?Pythian PriestessWith clean hands seek Athens, attended by good omens.IonSurely any man hath clean hands who slays his enemies.Pythian PriestessDo not thou do this; but take the counsel that I have for thee.IonSay on; whate’er thou say’st will be prompted by thy good will.Pythian PriestessDost see this basket that I carry in my arms?IonAn ancient ark with chaplets crowned.Pythian PriestessHerein I found thee long ago, a newborn babe.IonWhat sayest thou? there is novelty in the story thou art introducing.Pythian PriestessYea, for I was keeping these relics a secret, but now I show them.IonHow earnest thou to hide them on that day, now long ago, when thou didst find me?Pythian PriestessThe god wished to have thee as his servant in his courts.IonDoes he no longer wish it? How am I to know this?Pythian PriestessBy declaring to thee thy sire, he dismisses thee from this land.