He is still in the temple, sir, nor hath he passed this threshold yet. But hark! I hear a footstep at the outlet of the door, and lo! thou mayst see my master this moment coming out.XuthusAll hail! my son; that word suits well as my first greeting to thee.Ion’Tis well with me; do but restrain thyself, and then both of us will be happy.XuthusGive me thy hand to grasp, thy body to embrace.IonArt thou in thy senses, sir, or hath some spiteful god reft thee of them?XuthusI am in my senses, for I have found what I hold most dear, and am eager to show my love.IonCease! touch me not, nor tear these garlands of the god!XuthusI will embrace thee, for I am not seizing what is not my own, but only finding my own that I love full well.IonHands off! or thou shalt feel an arrow pierce thy ribs.XuthusWhy 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.