I will about it; but where is the deed to be done?Old ServantIn the sacred tent, where he is feasting his friends.CreusaThe murder will be too public, and slaves are poor support.Old ServantAh! thou art turning coward. Devise some scheme thyself.CreusaWell, I too have subtle plans that cannot fail.Old Servant If both conditions they fulfil, I will assist thee.CreusaHearken then; knowest thou the battle of the earth-born men?Old ServantSurely; the fight at Phlegra waged by giants against the gods.CreusaThere Earth brought Gorgon forth, dreadful prodigy.Old ServantTo aid her sons maybe, and cause the gods hard toil?CreusaYea, and Pallas, daughter of Zeus, slew the monster.Old ServantWhat savage form had it assumed?CreusaA breast-plate of vipers fenced its body.Old ServantIs this the tale I heard in days of yore?CreusaThat Athena wears its skin upon her corslet.Old ServantIs it this that Pallas wears, called by men her aegis?CreusaThis was the name it received, that day she came to do battle for the gods.Old ServantHow, daughter, can this harm thy enemies?CreusaHast heard of Erichthonius, or no? of course thou hast.Old ServantHim whom Earth produced, the founder of thy race?CreusaTo him whilst yet a babe did Pallas give—Old ServantHa! what? thou hast something yet to add?CreusaTwo drops of Gorgon’s blood.Old ServantWhat power could they exert on the nature of a human creature?CreusaThe one with death is fraught, the other cures disease.Old ServantWhat held them when she tied them to the child’s body?CreusaWith links of gold she fastened them; this to my sire did Erichthonius give.Old ServantAnd at his death it came to thee?CreusaYea, and here at my wrist I wear it.Old ServantHow works the spell of this double gift of Pallas?