Ah me! my fate, it seems, has doomed me to a childless life, and all forlorn am I to dwell in ray halls, without an heir.Old ServantTo whom did the oracle refer? whom did our poor lady’s husband meet? how and where did he see him?ChorusDear mistress mine, dost know that youth that was sweeping yonder shrine? He is that son.CreusaOh! for wings to cleave the liquid air beyond the land of Hellas, away to the western stars, so keen the anguish of my soul, my friends!Old ServantDost know the name his father gave to him, or is that left as yet unsettled and unsaid?ChorusHe called him Ion, because he was the first to cross his path.Old ServantWho is his mother?ChorusThat I cannot say. But,—to tell thee all I know, old sir,—