CREUSA
By her,who 'gainst the giants in her car Fought by the side of Jove,victorious Pallas,No one of mortal race is father to thee,But he who brought thee up,the royal Phoebus.
ION
Why give his son then to another father?
Why say that I was born the son of Xuthus?
CREUSA
Not born the son of Xuthus;but he gives thee,Born from himself (as friend to friend may give His son,and heir adopted to his house.
ION
True is the god,his tripod else were vain.
Not without cause then is my mind perplex'd.
CREUSA
Hear what my thoughts suggest:to work thee good Apollo placed thee in a noble house.
Acknowledged his,the rich inheritance Could not be thine,nor could a father's name;For I conceal'd my nuptials,and had plann'd To kill thee secretly:for this the god In kindness gives thee to another father.
ION
My mind is prompt to entertain such thoughts;But,entering at his shrine will I inquire If from a mortal father I am sprung,Or from Apollo.-Ha!what may this be?
What god above the hallow'd dome unveils His radiant face that shines another sun?
Haste,let us fly:the presence of the gods 'Tis not for mortals to behold,and live.
(MINERVA appears from above.)
MINERVA
Fly not;in me no enemy you fly;