That 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?CreusaEach drop of gore which trickled from the hollow vein—Old ServantWhat purpose does it serve? what virtue does it carry?CreusaWards off disease, and nourishes man’s life.Old ServantWhat doth that second drop effect, of which thou madest mention?CreusaIt kills, for it is venom from the Gorgon’s snakes.Old ServantDost thou carry this charm mixed in one phial, or separate?