Why dost thou shun me, now that thou findest in me thy nearest and dearest? Ion I am not fond of schooling boors and crazy strangers. Xuthus Kill me, burn me, if thou wilt; for, if thou dost, thou wilt be thy father’s murderer. Ion Thou my father, indeed i Oh! is not news like this enough to make me laugh? Xuthus Not so; my tale, as it proceeds, will prove to thee what I assert. Ion Pray, what hast thou to tell me? Xuthus That I am thy own father, and thou my very child. Ion Who says so? Xuthus Loxias, who gave thee nurture, though thou wert my son. Ion Thou art thy own witness.