THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

CREUSA
At Athens, when he comes beneath my roof.
TUTOR
I like not this; what I proposed displeased.
CREUSA
Dcst thou surmise what enters now my thoughts?
TUTOR
Suspicion waits thee, though thou kill him not.
CREUSA
Thou hast judged well: a stepdame's hate is proverb'd.
TUTOR
Then kill him here; thou mayst disown the deed.
CREUSA
My mind ev'n now anticipates the pleasure.
TUTOR
Thus shalt thou meet thy husband's wiles with wiles.
CREUSA
This shalt thou do: this little golden casket
Take from my hand, Minerva's gift of old;
To where my husband secretly prepares
The sacrifice, bear this beneath thy vest.
That supper ended, when they are to pour
Libations to the gods, thou mayst infuse
In the youth's goblet this: but take good heed,
Let none observe thee; drug his cup alone
Who thinks to lord it in my house: if once
It pass his lips, his foot shall never reach
Illustrious Athens: death awaits him here.
(She gives him the casket.)
TUTOR
Go thou then to the hospitable house
Prepared for thy reception: be it mine,
Obedient to thy word to do this deed.
Come then, my aged foot, be once more young
In act, though not in years, for past recall
That time is fled: kill him, and bear him forth.
Well may the prosperous harbour virtuous thought;