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 will about it; but where is the deed to be done?
Old Servant
  1. In the sacred tent, where he is feasting his friends.
Creusa
  1. The murder will be too public, and slaves are poor support.
Old Servant
  1. Ah! thou art turning coward. Devise some scheme thyself.
Creusa
  1. Well, I too have subtle plans that cannot fail.
Old Servant
  1. If both conditions they fulfil, I will assist thee.
Creusa
  1. Hearken then; knowest thou the battle of the earth-born men?
Old Servant
  1. Surely; the fight at Phlegra waged by giants against the gods.
Creusa
  1. There Earth brought Gorgon forth, dreadful prodigy.
Old Servant
  1. To aid her sons maybe, and cause the gods hard toil?
Creusa
  1. Yea, and Pallas, daughter of Zeus, slew the monster.
Old Servant
  1. What savage form had it assumed?
Creusa
  1. A breast-plate of vipers fenced its body.
Old Servant
  1. Is this the tale I heard in days of yore?
Creusa
  1. That Athena wears its skin upon her corslet.
Old Servant
  1. Is it this that Pallas wears, called by men her aegis?
Creusa
  1. This was the name it received, that day she came to do battle for the gods.
Old Servant
  1. How, daughter, can this harm thy enemies?
Creusa
  1. Hast heard of Erichthonius, or no? of course thou hast.
Old Servant
  1. Him whom Earth produced, the founder of thy race?