Ion

Euripides

Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. I. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1906.

  1. I bid you hearken; for such was my purpose in yoking my chariot-steeds.
  2. Do thou, Creusa, take this stripling and to Cecrops’ land set forth; and there upon the monarch’s throne establish him, for from Erechtheus’ stock is he sprung, and therefore hath a right to rule that land of mine.
  3. Through Hellas shall his fame extend; for his children,—four branches springing from one root,—shall give their names to the land and to the tribes of folk therein that dwell upon the rock I love. Teleona shall be the first; and next in order shall come
  4. the Hopletes and Argades; and then the Aegicores, called after my aegis, shall form one tribe. And their children again shall in the time appointed found an island home amid the Cyclades and on the sea-coast, thereby strengthening my country;
  5. for they shall dwell upon the shores of two continents, of Europe and of Asia, on either side the strait; and in honour of Ion’s name shall they be called Ionians and win them high renown. From Xuthus too and thee I see a common stock arise;
  6. Dorus, whence the famous Dorian state will spring; and after him Achaeus in the land of Pelops; he shall lord it o’er the seaboard nigh to Rhium, and his folk, that bear his name, shall win the proud distinction of their leader’s title.
  7. Thus in all hath Apollo
    rightly done; first did he deliver thee of thy babe without sickness, so that thy friends knew naught; and after thou didst bear this child and in swaddling-clothes hadst laid him, he bade Hermes carry him in his arms hither,
  8. and did rear him, suffering him not to die. Now therefore hold thy peace as to this thy child’s real parentage, that Xuthus may delight in his fond fancy, and thou, lady, continue to enjoy thy blessing. So fare ye well! for to you I
  9. bring tidings of a happier fate after this respite from affliction.
Ion
  1. O Pallas, daughter of almighty Zeus, in full assurance will we accept thy words; for I am convinced of my parentage from Loxias and this lady; which even before was not incredible.
Creusa
  1. To what I say give ear. My former blame of Phoebus now is turned to praise,
  2. because he now restores to me the babe whom erst he slighted. Now are these portals fair unto mine eyes and this oracle of the god, though before I hated them. With joy now I even cling to the knocker on the door and salute the gates.
Athena
  1. I commend thee for thy sudden change, and thy fair words about the god.
  2. ’Tis ever thus; Heaven’s justice may tarry awhile, yet comes it at the last in no wise weakened.
Creusa
  1. My son, let us set out for home.
Athena
  1. Go; I will follow.
Ion
  1. A guide we well may prize.
Creusa
  1. Aye, and one that holds our city dear.
Athena
  1. Go, sit thee down upon the throne of thy ancestors.
Ion
  1. ’Tis my heritage and I value it.