may we pass the threshold of these vaults, with our fair white feet?IonNay, ye must not, stranger ladies.(Tenth) ChorusMay I ask thee about something I have heard?IonWhat wouldst thou ask?(Eleventh) ChorusIs it really true that the temple of Phoebus stands upon the centre of the world?IonAye, there it stands with garlands decked and gorgeous all around.(Twelfth) ChorusE'en so the legend saith.IonIf ye have offered a sacrificial cake before the shrine and have aught ye wish to ask Phoebus, approach the altar; but enter not the inmost sanctuary, save ye have sacrificed sheep.(Thirteenth) ChorusI understand; but we have ho mind to trespass against the god’s law; the pictures here without will amuse us.IonFeast your eyes on all ye may.(Fourteenth) ChorusMy mistress gave me leave to see these vaulted chambers.IonWhose handmaids do ye avow yourselves?(Fifteenth) ChorusThe temple, where Pallas dwells, is the nursing-home of my lords. But lo! here is she of whom thou askest.

IonLady, whosoe’er thou art, I see thou art of noble birth, and thy bearing proves thy gentle breeding. For from his bearing one may mostly judge whether a man is nobly born. Yet am I much amazed to see thee close thine eyes in grief and with tears bedew thy noble face, when thou standest face to face with the holy oracle of Loxias. Why, lady, art thou thus disquieted? Here, where all others show their joy at sight of Phoebus’ sanctuary, thine eye is wet with tears.CreusaMost courteously, sir stranger, dost thou express surprise at these my tears; the sight of this temple of Apollo recalled to me a memory of long ago, and somehow my thoughts went wandering home, though I am here myself. Ah, hapless race of women! ah, ye reckless gods! What shall I say? to what standard shall we refer justice if through the injustice of our lords and masters we are brought to ruin?IonWhy, lady, art thou thus cast down, past all finding out?Creusa’Tis naught; I have shot my bolt; for what remains, I say no more, nor seek thou further to inquire.IonWho art thou and whence? who is the father that begat thee? by what name are we to call thee?CreusaCreusa is my name, the daughter of Erechtheus I; my native land is Athens.IonA glorious city thine, lady, a noble line of ancestry! with what reverence I behold thee!CreusaThus far, no further goes my luck, good sir.IonPray, is the current legend true—CreusaWhat is thy question? I fain would learn.IonWas thy father’s grandsire really sprung from Earth?CreusaYes, Erichthonius was; but my high birth avails me notIonIs it true Athena reared him from the ground?CreusaAye, and into maidens’ hands, though not his mother’s—