Why dost thou shun me, now that thou findest in me thy nearest and dearest?IonI am not fond of schooling boors and crazy strangers.XuthusKill me, burn me, if thou wilt; for, if thou dost, thou wilt be thy father’s murderer.IonThou my father, indeed i Oh! is not news like this enough to make me laugh?XuthusNot so; my tale, as it proceeds, will prove to thee what I assert.IonPray, what hast thou to tell me?XuthusThat I am thy own father, and thou my very child.IonWho says so?XuthusLoxias, who gave thee nurture, though thou wert my son.IonThou art thy own witness.XuthusNay, I have learnt the answer of the god.IonThou art mistaken in the dark riddle thou hast heard.XuthusIt seems then I do not hear aright.IonWhat said Phoebus?XuthusThat the man who met me—IonWhen and where?XuthusAs I came forth from the god’s temple—IonWell! what should happen to him?XuthusShould be my own true son.IonThy own true son, or a gift from others?