A gift, but mine for all that.IonAm I the first that thou didst meet?XuthusI have met no other, my son.IonWhence came this piece of luck?XuthusTo both of us alike it causes surprise.IonAh I but who was my mother?XuthusI cannot tell.IonDid not Phoebus tell thee that?XuthusI was so pleased with this, I did not ask him that.IonI must have sprung from mother earth.XuthusThe ground brings forth no children.IonHow can I be thine?XuthusI know not; I refer it to the god.IonCome, let us try another theme.XuthusBetter hold to this, my son.IonDidst thou e’er indulge in illicit amours?XuthusYes, in the folly of youth.IonEre thou didst win Erechtheus’ daughter?XuthusNever since.IonCould it be, then, thou didst beget me?