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1178 Euripides [1423-1442]
CREUSA
And like an aegis edged with serpents round.
ION
Such is the woof, and such the vest I find.
CREUSA
Thou old embroidery of my virgin hands!
ION
Is there aught else besides this happy proof?
CREUSA
Two dragons, an old work, their jaws of gold.
ION
The gift of Pallas, who thus nurtures children?
CREUSA
Emblems of Erichthonius of old times.
ION
Why? for what use? Explain these works of gold.
CREUSA
For ornaments to grace the infant's neck.
ION
See, here they are; the third I wish to know.
CREUSA
A branch of olive then I wreathed around thee,
Pluck'd from that tree which from Minerva's rock
First sprung; if it be there, it still retains
Its verdure: for the foliage of that olive,
Fresh in immortal beauty, never fades.
ION
0 my dear mother! I with joy behold thee.
With transport 'gainst thy cheek my cheek recline.
(They embrace.)
CREUSA
My son, my son, far dearer to thy mother
Than yon bright orb (the god will pardon me),
Do I then hold thee in my arms, thus found
Beyond my hopes, when in the realms below,
1 thought thy habitation 'mong the dead?