Parodos
[Choral 2]
Thou that art stationed by this fane, to thee I do address me,
(First) Chorus
may we pass the threshold of these vaults, with our fair white feet?
220
Ion
Nay, ye must not, stranger ladies.
(Tenth) Chorus
May I ask thee about something I have heard?
Ion
What wouldst thou ask?
(Eleventh) Chorus
Is it really true that the temple of Phoebus stands upon the centre of the world?
Ion
Aye, there it stands with garlands decked and gorgeous all around.
(Twelfth) Chorus
E'en so the legend saith.
225
Ion
If ye have offered a sacrificial cake before the shrine and have aught ye wish to ask Phoebus, approach the altar; but enter not the inmost sanctuary, save ye have sacrificed sheep.
(Thirteenth) Chorus
I understand; but we have ho mind to trespass against the god’s law; the pictures here without will amuse us.
230
Ion
Feast your eyes on all ye may.
(Fourteenth) Chorus
My mistress gave me leave to see these vaulted chambers.
Ion
Whose handmaids do ye avow yourselves?
(Fifteenth) Chorus
The temple, where Pallas dwells, is the nursing-home of my lords. But lo! here is she of whom thou askest.
235
