Stasimon 3
[Episode]
Wards off disease, and nourishes man’s life.
Old Servant
What doth that second drop effect, of which thou madest mention?
Creusa
It kills, for it is venom from the Gorgon’s snakes.
1015
Old Servant
Dost thou carry this charm mixed in one phial, or separate?
Creusa
Separate; for good is no companion for evil.
Old Servant
Daughter dear, thou art fully armed with all thou needest.
Creusa
By this must the boy die, and thou must do the deadly deed.
Old Servant
How and where? thine it is to speak, and mine to dare and do.
1020
Creusa
In Athens, when to my house he comes.
Old Servant
That is not wisely said; I may object to thy plan as thou to mine.
Creusa
How so? Hast thou the same mistrust that I experience?
Old Servant
Thou wilt get the credit of his death, although thou slay him not.
Creusa
True; men say stepdames are jealous of their husband’s children.
1025
Old Servant
Kill him here then, that so thou mayst deny the murder.
Creusa
Well, thus I do anticipate the pleasure.
Old Servant
Yea, and thou wilt from thy husband keep the very secret he would keep from thee.
Creusa
Dost know then what to do? Take from my arm
this golden bracelet, Athena’s gift, some ancient craftsman’s work, and seek the spot where my lord is offering secret sacrifice; then when their feasting is o’er and they are about to pour drink-offering to the gods, take this phial in thy robe and pour it into the young man’s goblet;
1030
not for all, but for him alone, providing a separate draught, who thinks to lord it o’er my house. And if once it pass his lips, never shall he come to glorious Athens, but here abide, of life bereft.
1035
Old Servant
Go thou within the house of our public hosts;
