That Athena wears its skin upon her corslet. Old Servant Is it this that Pallas wears, called by men her aegis? Creusa This was the name it received, that day she came to do battle for the gods. Old Servant How, daughter, can this harm thy enemies? Creusa Hast heard of Erichthonius, or no? of course thou hast. Old Servant Him whom Earth produced, the founder of thy race? Creusa To him whilst yet a babe did Pallas give— Old Servant Ha! what? thou hast something yet to add? Creusa Two drops of Gorgon’s blood. Old Servant What power could they exert on the nature of a human creature? Creusa The one with death is fraught, the other cures disease. Old Servant What held them when she tied them to the child’s body? Creusa With links of gold she fastened them; this to my sire did Erichthonius give. Old Servant And at his death it came to thee? Creusa Yea, and here at my wrist I wear it. Old Servant How works the spell of this double gift of Pallas? Creusa Each drop of gore which trickled from the hollow vein— Old Servant What purpose does it serve? what virtue does it carry? Creusa Wards off disease, and nourishes man’s life. Old Servant What doth that second drop effect, of which thou madest mention? Creusa It kills, for it is venom from the Gorgon’s snakes. Old Servant Dost thou carry this charm mixed in one phial, or separate?