Stasimon 3
[Episode]
By being kept therefrom he suffered grievous wrong from me.
Old Servant
How earnest thou to think of casting forth thy babe?
Creusa
Methought the god would save his own begotten child.
965
Old Servant
Ah me! what storms assail thy family’s prosperity!
Creusa
Why weepest thou, old man, with head close-veiled?
Old Servant
To see the sorrows of thy sire and thee.
Creusa
Such is our mortal life; naught abideth in one stay.
Old Servant
Daughter, let us cease to dwell on themes of woe.
970
Creusa
What must I do? Misfortune leaves us helpless.
Old Servant
Avenge thee on the god who first did injure thee.
Creusa
How can I, weak mortal as I am, outrun those mightier powers?
Old Servant
Set fire to Apollo’s awful sanctuary.
Creusa
I am afraid; my present sorrows are enough for me.
975
Old Servant
Then what thou canst, that dare—thy husband’s death.
Creusa
Nay, I do respect his former love in the days when he was good and true.
Old Servant
At least, then, slay the boy who hath appeared to supplant thee.
Creusa
How can I? would it were possible! how I wish it were!
Old Servant
Arm thy followers with daggers.
980
Creusa
I will about it; but where is the deed to be done?
Old Servant
In the sacred tent, where he is feasting his friends.
Creusa
The murder will be too public, and slaves are poor support.
Old Servant
Ah! thou art turning coward. Devise some scheme thyself.
Creusa
Well, I too have subtle plans that cannot fail.
985
Old Servant
If both conditions they fulfil, I will assist thee.
Creusa
Hearken then; knowest thou the battle of the earth-born men?
Old Servant
Surely; the fight at Phlegra waged by giants against the gods.
Creusa
There Earth brought Gorgon forth, dreadful prodigy.
Old Servant
To aid her sons maybe, and cause the gods hard toil?
990
Creusa
Yea, and Pallas, daughter of Zeus, slew the monster.
Old Servant
What savage form had it assumed?
