THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

ION
Ye female train, that place yourselves around
This incense-breathing temple's base, your lord
Awaiting, hath he left the sacred tripod
And oracle, or stays he in the shrine,
Making inquiries of his childless state?
LEADER OF THE CHORUS
Yet in the temple, stranger, he remains.
ION
But he comes forth; the sounding doors announce
His near approach; behold, our lord is here.
(XUTHUS enters from the temple. He rushes to greet ION.)
XUTHUS
Health to my son! This first address is proper.
ION
I have my health: be in thy senses thou,
And both are well.
XUTHUS
O let me kiss thy hand,
And throw mine arms around thee.
ION
Art thou, stranger,
Well in thy wits? or hath the god's displeasure
Bereft thee of thy reason?
XUTHUS
Reason bids,
That which is dearest being found, to wish
A fond embrace.
ION
Off, touch me not; thy hands
Will mar the garlands of the god.
XUTHUS
My touch
Asserts no pledge: my own, and that most dear,
I find.