Stasimon 4
[Episode]
Far from me had I banished these hopes. Whence, O whence, lady, didst thou take my babe
Creusa
into thy arms? Who carried him to the courts of Loxias?
1455
Ion
’Tis a miracle! Oh! may we for the rest of our career be happy, as we were hapless heretofore.
Creusa
In tears wert thou brought forth, my child,
and with sorrow to thy mother didst thou leave her arms; but now I breathe again as I press my lips to thy cheek, in full enjoyment of happiness.
1460
Ion
Thy words express our mutual feelings.
Creusa
No more am I of son and heir bereft; my house is stablished and my country hath a prince;
Erechtheus groweth young again; no longer is the house of the earth-born race plunged in gloom, but lifts its eyes unto the radiant sun.
1465
Ion
Mother mine, since my father too is here, let him share the joy I have brought to thee.
Creusa
My child, my child, what sayst thou? How is my sin finding me out!
1470
Creusa
Thou art of a different, for different stock.
Ion
Alas for me! Am I a bastard, then, bom in thy maiden days?
Creusa
Nor nuptial torch nor dance,
my child, ushered in my wedding and thy birth.
1475
Ion
O mother, mother! whence do I draw my base origin?
Creusa
Be witness she who slew the Gorgon,
Creusa
She that on my native rocks
makes the olive-clad hill her seat.
1480
