Euripides, Ion
Robert Potter, Ed.

Tutor
Alas, how storms have buffeted the prosperity of your house!

Creusa
Why do you cover your head and weep, old man?

Tutor
I see you and your father unfortunate.

Creusa
This is the state of man; nothing stands firm.

Tutor
[970] Let us no longer cling to sorrow, my daughter.

Creusa
What should I do? There is no way out of misfortune.

Tutor
First be avenged on the god that wronged you.

Creusa
And how, being mortal, shall I outrun those who are stronger?

Tutor
Burn the holy oracle of Loxias.

Creusa
[975] I am afraid; I have enough ills even now.

Tutor
Dare what may be done then; kill your husband.

Creusa
I revere our marriage, to which he was faithful once.

Tutor
Then kill the son who has appeared against you.

Creusa
How? If only it could be; how I would wish it!

Tutor
[980] Arm your servants with swords.

Creusa
I will go; but where shall it be done?

Tutor
In the holy tent, where he is now feasting his friends.

Creusa
The murder is evident, and slaves are powerless.

Tutor
Ah, you are being cowardly; come, you form a plan now.

Creusa
[985] Indeed, I have one, treacherous and effective.

Tutor
I would be your servant in both these respects.

Creusa
Listen, then; you know the battle of the giants?

Tutor
Yes, the battle the giants fought against the gods in Phlegra.

Creusa
There the earth brought forth the Gorgon, a dreadful monster.

Tutor
[990] As an ally for her children and trouble for the gods?

Creusa
Yes; and Pallas, the daughter of Zeus, killed it.

Tutor
[What fierce shape did it have?

Creusa
A breastplate armed with coils of a viper.]

Tutor
Is this the story which I have heard before?

Creusa
[995] That Athena wore the hide on her breast.

Tutor
And they call it the aegis, Pallas' armor?

Creusa
It has this name from when she darted to the gods' battle.