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Servant
Ladies of another land, where may I find your mistress, daughter of Erechtheus? For I have searched each nook and corner of this town, and cannot find her.
Ladies of another land, where may I find your mistress, daughter of Erechtheus? For I have searched each nook and corner of this town, and cannot find her.
Chorus
What news, my fellow-thrall? why that hurried gait? what tidings bringest thou?
What news, my fellow-thrall? why that hurried gait? what tidings bringest thou?
Servant
I am pursued; the rulers of this land are seeking her to stone her to death.
I am pursued; the rulers of this land are seeking her to stone her to death.
Chorus
Alas, what is thy tale? say not we are detected in our secret plot for murdering the boy?
Alas, what is thy tale? say not we are detected in our secret plot for murdering the boy?
Servant
Thou hast guessed aright; nor wilt thou be the last to share the trouble.
1115
Thou hast guessed aright; nor wilt thou be the last to share the trouble.
1115
Chorus
How was the hidden scheme laid bare?
How was the hidden scheme laid bare?
Servant
The god found means to master wrong with right, unwilling to see his shrine polluted.
The god found means to master wrong with right, unwilling to see his shrine polluted.
Chorus
How so? I do conjure thee, tell us all.
For if to die or yet to live be ours, ’twere sweeter so, when we know all.
1120
How so? I do conjure thee, tell us all.
For if to die or yet to live be ours, ’twere sweeter so, when we know all.
1120
Servant
Soon as Xuthus, husband of Creusa, had left the god’s prophetic shrine, taking with him his new-found son, to hold the feast and sacrifice that he designed to offer to the gods,
himself departed to the place where leaps the Bacchic flame, with blood of sacrifice to dew the double peaks of Dionysus for the son now offered to his gaze, and thus he spake,
My son, abide thou here, and raise a spacious tent by craftsmen’s toiling skill;
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and if I remain long time away after I have sacrificed to the gods of thy birth, let the feast be spread for all friends present.
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1132
Therewith he took the heifers and went his way. Meantime his stripling son in solemn form set up with upright stays the tent, inclosed but not with walls,
taking good heed to guard it ’gainst the blazing midday sun, nor less against his westering beams, the limit of his course; an oblong space of five score feet he meted out
so that it contained ten thousand feet within that measure’s square, as science phrases it,
1135
intending to invite all
Delphi
to the feast. Then from the temple-treasury tapestry he took and therewith made a shelter, wondrous sight to see. First o’er the roof-tree he threw a canopy of robes, an offering Heracles, the son of Zeus,
1140
had brought unto the god from his Amazonian spoils. On them was broidered many a pictured scene, to wit, Heaven marshalling his host of stars upon the vaulted sky; there was the sun-god urging on his steeds toward his fiery goal, the bright star of evening at his heels.
1145
Night too in sable robes went hurrying by, drawn by a single pair, and the stars did bear her company. Across the zenith a Pleiad sailed, and Orion too with falchion dight was there; above was the bear making his tail to turn upon the golden pole.
1150
Up shot the moon’s full face, that parts the months in twain; there too the Hyades showed their unerring light to mariners; arid Dawn, that brings the morning back, was chasing the stars before her. Next on the sides he hung yet other tapestry;
1155
barbarian ships bearing down on the fleet of
Hellas
; and monsters half-man, half-beast; the capture of the Thracian steeds; the hunting of savage stags and lions fierce; while at the entry Cecrops close to his daughters was wreathing his coils, an offering of some Athenian
1160
votary; and in the midst of the banquet-hall he set goblets of gold, while a herald hasted and invited to the feast all citizens who would come. Then, when the tent was full, they decked themselves with garlands and took their fill
1165
of the rich viands. Anon after they had put from them the pleasure of eating came an old man and stood in the midst, where his officious zeal provoked loud laughter among the guests; for he would draw from the drinking-pitchers water to wash the hands withal and
1170
was wasting as incense the liquid myrrh, and in his charge he took the golden beakers, setting himself unasked to this office.
1175
1177
Now when they were come to the time for the flute-players and the general libation, cried out that aged servitor,
Hence with these tiny cups! bring larger goblets,
that our guests may find a quicker route to joyousness. Thereon came servants bending ’neath the weight of goblets chased with silver and golden chalices; and that old man, as if to do his youthful lord a special service, chose out and offered to him a brimming bumper, when he had cast into the wine
1180
that potent philtre which, men say, his mistress gave to him to end the young man’s days on earth; and no man knew of this; but just as he so lately found held in his hand the drink-offering, the others following suit, some servant there uttered a word of evil import;
1185
whereat the stripling, as one who had been reared within the shrine amid reputed seers, deemed this an omen and bade them fill a fresh goblet, but that first drink-offering to the god he poured upon the ground and bade all others do the like. And silence stole upon them;
1190
while we with water and Phoenician wine were filling high the sacred bowls. While thus we were busied, comes a flight of doves and settles in the tent, for these dwell fearlessly in the courts of Loxias. Soon as the guests had poured away the luscious juice, those thirsty birds did dip their beaks therein,
1195
drawing it up into their feathered throats.
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1201
Now all the rest received no hurt from the god’s libation, but one that settled on the spot where the son newfound had poured his wine, no sooner had tasted thereof, than convulsions seized her feathered form and she went triad, and screaming aloud uttered
strange unwonted cries; and all the feasters gathered there marvelled to see the bird’s cruel agony, for she lay writhing in the toils of death, and her red claws relaxed their hold.
1205
Forthwith the son, vouchsafed by oracles, bared his arm by casting off his cloak and stretched it out across the board
crying
Who was it strove to slay me? Proclaim it, old sirrah, for thine was the officious zeal and thine the hand from which I took the cup. With that he caught the grey-beard by the arm and set to searching him that he might take the old man red-handed in the act.
1210
So was he detected, and under strong constraint declared Creusa’s daring deed and all the trick of the poisoned draught. Forth rushed the young man, whom the oracle of Loxias to his sire assigned, taking with him the banqueters, and standing mid the Delphic nobles made harangue,
1215
O! hallowed soil, a stranger woman, daughter of Erechtheus, seeks to poison me. And the lords of
Delphi
decreed by general vote that my mistress should be hurled from the rock to die, because she strove to slay the priest and compass his death in the temple.
1220
So now is the whole city seeking her, who hath to her sorrow sped a hapless journey; for, coming to crave the boon of offspring from Phoebus, she hath lost her life and children too.
1225
1229
Soon as Xuthus, husband of Creusa, had left the god’s prophetic shrine, taking with him his new-found son, to hold the feast and sacrifice that he designed to offer to the gods,
himself departed to the place where leaps the Bacchic flame, with blood of sacrifice to dew the double peaks of Dionysus for the son now offered to his gaze, and thus he spake,
My son, abide thou here, and raise a spacious tent by craftsmen’s toiling skill;
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and if I remain long time away after I have sacrificed to the gods of thy birth, let the feast be spread for all friends present.
1130
Therewith he took the heifers and went his way. Meantime his stripling son in solemn form set up with upright stays the tent, inclosed but not with walls,
taking good heed to guard it ’gainst the blazing midday sun, nor less against his westering beams, the limit of his course; an oblong space of five score feet he meted out
so that it contained ten thousand feet within that measure’s square, as science phrases it,
1135
intending to invite all
Delphi
to the feast. Then from the temple-treasury tapestry he took and therewith made a shelter, wondrous sight to see. First o’er the roof-tree he threw a canopy of robes, an offering Heracles, the son of Zeus,
1140
had brought unto the god from his Amazonian spoils. On them was broidered many a pictured scene, to wit, Heaven marshalling his host of stars upon the vaulted sky; there was the sun-god urging on his steeds toward his fiery goal, the bright star of evening at his heels.
1145
Night too in sable robes went hurrying by, drawn by a single pair, and the stars did bear her company. Across the zenith a Pleiad sailed, and Orion too with falchion dight was there; above was the bear making his tail to turn upon the golden pole.
1150
Up shot the moon’s full face, that parts the months in twain; there too the Hyades showed their unerring light to mariners; arid Dawn, that brings the morning back, was chasing the stars before her. Next on the sides he hung yet other tapestry;
1155
barbarian ships bearing down on the fleet of
Hellas
; and monsters half-man, half-beast; the capture of the Thracian steeds; the hunting of savage stags and lions fierce; while at the entry Cecrops close to his daughters was wreathing his coils, an offering of some Athenian
1160
votary; and in the midst of the banquet-hall he set goblets of gold, while a herald hasted and invited to the feast all citizens who would come. Then, when the tent was full, they decked themselves with garlands and took their fill
1165
of the rich viands. Anon after they had put from them the pleasure of eating came an old man and stood in the midst, where his officious zeal provoked loud laughter among the guests; for he would draw from the drinking-pitchers water to wash the hands withal and
1170
was wasting as incense the liquid myrrh, and in his charge he took the golden beakers, setting himself unasked to this office.
1175
Now when they were come to the time for the flute-players and the general libation, cried out that aged servitor,
Hence with these tiny cups! bring larger goblets,
that our guests may find a quicker route to joyousness. Thereon came servants bending ’neath the weight of goblets chased with silver and golden chalices; and that old man, as if to do his youthful lord a special service, chose out and offered to him a brimming bumper, when he had cast into the wine
1180
that potent philtre which, men say, his mistress gave to him to end the young man’s days on earth; and no man knew of this; but just as he so lately found held in his hand the drink-offering, the others following suit, some servant there uttered a word of evil import;
1185
whereat the stripling, as one who had been reared within the shrine amid reputed seers, deemed this an omen and bade them fill a fresh goblet, but that first drink-offering to the god he poured upon the ground and bade all others do the like. And silence stole upon them;
1190
while we with water and Phoenician wine were filling high the sacred bowls. While thus we were busied, comes a flight of doves and settles in the tent, for these dwell fearlessly in the courts of Loxias. Soon as the guests had poured away the luscious juice, those thirsty birds did dip their beaks therein,
1195
drawing it up into their feathered throats.
1200
Now all the rest received no hurt from the god’s libation, but one that settled on the spot where the son newfound had poured his wine, no sooner had tasted thereof, than convulsions seized her feathered form and she went triad, and screaming aloud uttered
strange unwonted cries; and all the feasters gathered there marvelled to see the bird’s cruel agony, for she lay writhing in the toils of death, and her red claws relaxed their hold.
1205
Forthwith the son, vouchsafed by oracles, bared his arm by casting off his cloak and stretched it out across the board
crying
Who was it strove to slay me? Proclaim it, old sirrah, for thine was the officious zeal and thine the hand from which I took the cup. With that he caught the grey-beard by the arm and set to searching him that he might take the old man red-handed in the act.
1210
So was he detected, and under strong constraint declared Creusa’s daring deed and all the trick of the poisoned draught. Forth rushed the young man, whom the oracle of Loxias to his sire assigned, taking with him the banqueters, and standing mid the Delphic nobles made harangue,
1215
O! hallowed soil, a stranger woman, daughter of Erechtheus, seeks to poison me. And the lords of
Delphi
decreed by general vote that my mistress should be hurled from the rock to die, because she strove to slay the priest and compass his death in the temple.
1220
So now is the whole city seeking her, who hath to her sorrow sped a hapless journey; for, coming to crave the boon of offspring from Phoebus, she hath lost her life and children too.
1225
Chorus
Ah me! I see no way at all to turn death’s
hand aside; all, all, ere this, is brought to light owing to that fatal draught of the wine-god’s juice mixed for death with drops of viper’s gore, quick to slay;
1230
detected is our offering to the dead; for me my life must end in woe, while death by stoning waits my mistress. How can I escape? Shall I take wings and fly away, or creep beneath the darksome caverns of the earth,
1235
striving to shun the doom of death by stoning? or shall I mount the car drawn by swiftest steeds, or embark upon a ship?
1240
Ah me! I see no way at all to turn death’s
hand aside; all, all, ere this, is brought to light owing to that fatal draught of the wine-god’s juice mixed for death with drops of viper’s gore, quick to slay;
1230
detected is our offering to the dead; for me my life must end in woe, while death by stoning waits my mistress. How can I escape? Shall I take wings and fly away, or creep beneath the darksome caverns of the earth,
1235
striving to shun the doom of death by stoning? or shall I mount the car drawn by swiftest steeds, or embark upon a ship?
1240
Chorus
No man may hide his guilt, save when some
god of his own will steals him away. Ah! my poor mistress! what suffering now awaits thy soul? Must then our wish to work another harm end in our own discomfiture, as justice doth decree?
1245
No man may hide his guilt, save when some
god of his own will steals him away. Ah! my poor mistress! what suffering now awaits thy soul? Must then our wish to work another harm end in our own discomfiture, as justice doth decree?
1245
Creusa
My trusty maids, the men of death are on my track; the vote of
Delphi
goes against me; they give me up to die.
1250
My trusty maids, the men of death are on my track; the vote of
Delphi
goes against me; they give me up to die.
1250
Chorus
Unhappy one! we know thy sad mischance, how thou art placed.
Unhappy one! we know thy sad mischance, how thou art placed.
Creusa
Oh! whither can I fly? for scarce had I the start of my pursuers from the house in my race for life; ’tis by stealth alone that I have thus far escaped my foes.
Oh! whither can I fly? for scarce had I the start of my pursuers from the house in my race for life; ’tis by stealth alone that I have thus far escaped my foes.
Chorus
Where shouldst thou fly except to the altar?
1255
Where shouldst thou fly except to the altar?
1255
Creusa
What good is that to me?
What good is that to me?
Chorus
To slay a suppliant is forbidden.
To slay a suppliant is forbidden.
Creusa
Aye, but the law has given me over to death.
Aye, but the law has given me over to death.
Chorus
Only if thou fall into their hands.
Only if thou fall into their hands.
Creusa
Look! here they come, cruel champions of vengeance, eagerly brandishing their swords.
Look! here they come, cruel champions of vengeance, eagerly brandishing their swords.
Chorus
Sit thee down upon the altar of burnt-offering! for if thou art slain there, thou wilt fix
upon thy murderers the stain of bloodguiltiness; but we must bear our fortune.
1260
Sit thee down upon the altar of burnt-offering! for if thou art slain there, thou wilt fix
upon thy murderers the stain of bloodguiltiness; but we must bear our fortune.
1260
Ion
O father Cephissus, with the bull-shaped head, what a viper is this thy child, or dragon with fiery eyes that dart a murderous gleam, in whose heart is throned incarnate daring,
noxious as those Gorgon drops of venom wherewith she sought to compass my death. Seize her, that the peaks of Parnassus may card the flowing tresses of her hair, for thence shall she be hurled headlong amid the rocks. My lucky star hath kept me
1265
from going to
Athens
, there to fall beneath the power of a step-mother. For I have gauged thy feelings towards me—the full extent of thy bitter hostility—whilst yet amongst my friends; for hadst thou once shut me tip within thy house, my road to Hades’ halls had led direct from thence.
1270
This altar shall not save thee, nor yet Apollo’s courts, for that pity thou implorest cries out more loudly for me and my mother, who, though absent in the flesh, is never in name far from me.
1275
Behold this cursed woman, see the web of trickery she hath woven! yet comes she cowering to Apollo’s altar, thinking to escape the punishment of her misdeeds.
1280
1282
O father Cephissus, with the bull-shaped head, what a viper is this thy child, or dragon with fiery eyes that dart a murderous gleam, in whose heart is throned incarnate daring,
noxious as those Gorgon drops of venom wherewith she sought to compass my death. Seize her, that the peaks of Parnassus may card the flowing tresses of her hair, for thence shall she be hurled headlong amid the rocks. My lucky star hath kept me
1265
from going to
Athens
, there to fall beneath the power of a step-mother. For I have gauged thy feelings towards me—the full extent of thy bitter hostility—whilst yet amongst my friends; for hadst thou once shut me tip within thy house, my road to Hades’ halls had led direct from thence.
1270
This altar shall not save thee, nor yet Apollo’s courts, for that pity thou implorest cries out more loudly for me and my mother, who, though absent in the flesh, is never in name far from me.
1275
Behold this cursed woman, see the web of trickery she hath woven! yet comes she cowering to Apollo’s altar, thinking to escape the punishment of her misdeeds.
1280
Creusa
I warn thee not to slay me, both in my own name and in his at whose altar I am stationed.
I warn thee not to slay me, both in my own name and in his at whose altar I am stationed.
Ion
What hast thou to do with Phoebus?
What hast thou to do with Phoebus?
Creusa
This body I devote unto that god to keep.
1285
This body I devote unto that god to keep.
1285
Ion
And yet thou wert for poisoning his minister?
And yet thou wert for poisoning his minister?
Creusa
But thou wert not Apollo’s any longer, but thy father’s.
But thou wert not Apollo’s any longer, but thy father’s.
Ion
Nay, I was his son, that is, in absence of a real father.
Nay, I was his son, that is, in absence of a real father.
Creusa
Thou wert so then; now ’tis I, not thou, who am Apollo’s.
Thou wert so then; now ’tis I, not thou, who am Apollo’s.
Ion
Well, thou art not guiltless now, whereas I was then.
1290
Well, thou art not guiltless now, whereas I was then.
1290
Creusa
I sought to slay thee as an enemy to my house.
I sought to slay thee as an enemy to my house.
Ion
And yet I never invaded thy country, sword in hand.
And yet I never invaded thy country, sword in hand.
Creusa
Thou didst; and thou it was that wert casting a firebrand into the halls of Erechtheus.
Thou didst; and thou it was that wert casting a firebrand into the halls of Erechtheus.
Ion
What sort of brand or flaming fire was it?
What sort of brand or flaming fire was it?
Creusa
Thou didst design to seize my home against my will, and make it thine.
1295
Thou didst design to seize my home against my will, and make it thine.
1295
Ion
What! when my father offered me a kingdom of his getting.
What! when my father offered me a kingdom of his getting.
Creusa
How had the sons of Aeolus any share in the realm of Pallas?
How had the sons of Aeolus any share in the realm of Pallas?
Ion
Arms, not words, he brought to champion it.
Arms, not words, he brought to champion it.
Creusa
No mere ally could enter into an inheritance in my land.
No mere ally could enter into an inheritance in my land.
Ion
And was it then from fear of consequences that thou didst try to slay me?
1300
And was it then from fear of consequences that thou didst try to slay me?
1300
Creusa
Yes, lest I should myself perish if thou wert spared.
Yes, lest I should myself perish if thou wert spared.
Ion
Doth thy childlessness make thee envious that my father found me?
Doth thy childlessness make thee envious that my father found me?
Creusa
And thou, wilt thou rob the childless of her home?
And thou, wilt thou rob the childless of her home?
Ion
Had I then no share at all in my father’s heritage?
Had I then no share at all in my father’s heritage?
Creusa
All that his sword and shield had won was thine, and thine alone.
1305
All that his sword and shield had won was thine, and thine alone.
1305
Ion
Quit the altar and sanctuary built for gods.
Quit the altar and sanctuary built for gods.
Creusa
Go bid thy own mother, wherever she is, do that.
Go bid thy own mother, wherever she is, do that.
Ion
Shalt thou escape all punishment, after trying to kill me?
Shalt thou escape all punishment, after trying to kill me?
Creusa
Not if thou choose to butcher me within this shrine.
Not if thou choose to butcher me within this shrine.
Ion
What joy can it give thee to be slain amid the sacred wreaths?
1310
What joy can it give thee to be slain amid the sacred wreaths?
1310
Creusa
There is one whom I shall grieve of those who have grieved me.
There is one whom I shall grieve of those who have grieved me.
Ion
Oh! ’tis passing strange how badly the deity hath enacted laws for mortal men, contrary to all sound judgment; for instance, they should ne’er have suffered impious men to sit at their altars,
but should have driven them away; for it was nowise right that hands unclean should touch the altars of the gods, though the righteous deserved to find a refuge there from their oppressors, instead of good and bad alike having recourse to the same divine protection with equal success.
1315
1320
Oh! ’tis passing strange how badly the deity hath enacted laws for mortal men, contrary to all sound judgment; for instance, they should ne’er have suffered impious men to sit at their altars,
but should have driven them away; for it was nowise right that hands unclean should touch the altars of the gods, though the righteous deserved to find a refuge there from their oppressors, instead of good and bad alike having recourse to the same divine protection with equal success.
1315
Pythian Priestess
Refrain thyself, my son; for I, the priestess of Phoebus, chosen from all the maids of
Delphi
in accordance with the tripod’s ancient rite, have left that prophetic seat, and am passing o’er this threshold.
1320
Refrain thyself, my son; for I, the priestess of Phoebus, chosen from all the maids of
Delphi
in accordance with the tripod’s ancient rite, have left that prophetic seat, and am passing o’er this threshold.
1320
Ion
Hail to thee, dear mother mine,—mother, though thou didst not give me birth.
Hail to thee, dear mother mine,—mother, though thou didst not give me birth.
Pythian Priestess
Yes, so have I ever been called, and the title causes me no regret.
1325
Yes, so have I ever been called, and the title causes me no regret.
1325
Ion
Hast heard how this woman plotted my death?
Hast heard how this woman plotted my death?
Pythian Priestess
I have; thou, too, art wrong because of thy harshness.
I have; thou, too, art wrong because of thy harshness.
Ion
Am I not to pay back murderers in their coin?
Am I not to pay back murderers in their coin?
Pythian Priestess
Wives ever hate the children of a former marriage.
Wives ever hate the children of a former marriage.
Ion
As I hate step-dames for their evil treatment of me.
1330
As I hate step-dames for their evil treatment of me.
1330
Pythian Priestess
Do not so; but leaving, as thou art, the shrine, and setting forth for thy country—
Do not so; but leaving, as thou art, the shrine, and setting forth for thy country—
Ion
What then wouldst thou advise me do?
What then wouldst thou advise me do?
Pythian Priestess
With clean hands seek
Athens
, attended by good omens.
With clean hands seek
Athens
, attended by good omens.
Ion
Surely any man hath clean hands who slays his enemies.
Surely any man hath clean hands who slays his enemies.
Pythian Priestess
Do not thou do this; but take the counsel that I have for thee.
1335
Do not thou do this; but take the counsel that I have for thee.
1335
Ion
Say on; whate’er thou say’st will be prompted by thy good will.
Say on; whate’er thou say’st will be prompted by thy good will.
Pythian Priestess
Dost see this basket that I carry in my arms?
Dost see this basket that I carry in my arms?
Ion
An ancient ark with chaplets crowned.
An ancient ark with chaplets crowned.
Pythian Priestess
Herein I found thee long ago, a newborn babe.
Herein I found thee long ago, a newborn babe.
Ion
What sayest thou? there is novelty in the story thou art introducing.
1340
What sayest thou? there is novelty in the story thou art introducing.
1340
Pythian Priestess
Yea, for I was keeping these relics a secret, but now I show them.
Yea, for I was keeping these relics a secret, but now I show them.
Ion
How earnest thou to hide them on that day, now long ago, when thou didst find me?
How earnest thou to hide them on that day, now long ago, when thou didst find me?
Pythian Priestess
The god wished to have thee as his servant in his courts.
The god wished to have thee as his servant in his courts.
Ion
Does he no longer wish it? How am I to know this?
Does he no longer wish it? How am I to know this?
Pythian Priestess
By declaring to thee thy sire, he dismisses thee from this land.
1345
By declaring to thee thy sire, he dismisses thee from this land.
1345
Ion
Is it by his command thou keepest these relics, or why?
Is it by his command thou keepest these relics, or why?
Pythian Priestess
Loxias put in my heart that day—
Loxias put in my heart that day—
Ion
What purpose? Oh! speak, finish thy story.
What purpose? Oh! speak, finish thy story.
Pythian Priestess
To preserve what I had found until the present time.
To preserve what I had found until the present time.
Ion
What weal or woe doth this import to me?
1350
What weal or woe doth this import to me?
1350
Pythian Priestess
Herein were laid the swaddling-clothes in which thou wert enwrapped.
Herein were laid the swaddling-clothes in which thou wert enwrapped.
Ion
These relics thou art producing may help me to find my mother.
These relics thou art producing may help me to find my mother.
Pythian Priestess
Yes, for now the deity so wills it, though not before.
Yes, for now the deity so wills it, though not before.
Ion
Hail! thou day of visions blest to me!
Hail! thou day of visions blest to me!
Pythian Priestess
Take then the relics and seek thy mother diligently.
1355
1
And when thou hast traversed Asia and the bounds of Europe,
thou wilt learn this for thyself; for the god’s sake I reared thee, my child, and now to thee do I entrust these relics, which he willed that I should take
into my safe keeping, without being bidden; why he willed it I cannot tell thee. For no living soul wist that I had them in my possession, nor yet their hiding-place. And now farewell! as a mother might her child, so I greet thee. The starting-point of thy inquiry for thy mother must be this;
1360
first, was it a Delphian maid that gave birth to thee, and exposed thee in this temple; next, was it a daughter of
Hellas
at all? That is all that I and Phoebus, who shares in thy lot, can do for thee.
[Exit Pythian Priestess.
1365
1369
Take then the relics and seek thy mother diligently.
1355
1
And when thou hast traversed Asia and the bounds of Europe,
thou wilt learn this for thyself; for the god’s sake I reared thee, my child, and now to thee do I entrust these relics, which he willed that I should take
into my safe keeping, without being bidden; why he willed it I cannot tell thee. For no living soul wist that I had them in my possession, nor yet their hiding-place. And now farewell! as a mother might her child, so I greet thee. The starting-point of thy inquiry for thy mother must be this;
1360
first, was it a Delphian maid that gave birth to thee, and exposed thee in this temple; next, was it a daughter of
Hellas
at all? That is all that I and Phoebus, who shares in thy lot, can do for thee.
[Exit Pythian Priestess.
1365
Ion
Ah me! the tears stream from my eyes
when I think of the day my mother bore me, as the fruit of her secret love, only to smuggle her babe away privily, without suckling it; nameless I led a servant’s life in the courts of the god. His service truly was kindly, yet was my fortune
1370
heavy; for just when I ought to have lain softly in a mother’s arms, tasting somewhat of the joys of life, was I deprived of a fond mother’s fostering care. Nor less is she a prey to sorrow that bare me, seeing she hath suffered the self-same pang in losing all the joy a son might bring.
1375
Now will I take and bear this ark unto the god as an offering, that herein I may discover naught that I would rather not. For if haply my mother proves to be some slave-girl, ’twere worse to find her out than let her rest in silence. O! Phoebus, to thy temple do I dedicate this ark.
1380
Yet why? this is to war against the god’s intention, who saved these tokens of my mother for my sake. I must undo the lid and bear the worst. For that which fate ordains, I may ne’er o’erstep. O! hallowed wreaths and fastenings,
1385
that have kept so safe these relics dear to me; why, ah! why were ye hidden from me? Behold the covering of this rounded ark! No signs of age are here, owing to some miracle; decay hath not touched these chaplets; and yet ’tis long enough since these were stored away.
1390
1395
Ah me! the tears stream from my eyes
when I think of the day my mother bore me, as the fruit of her secret love, only to smuggle her babe away privily, without suckling it; nameless I led a servant’s life in the courts of the god. His service truly was kindly, yet was my fortune
1370
heavy; for just when I ought to have lain softly in a mother’s arms, tasting somewhat of the joys of life, was I deprived of a fond mother’s fostering care. Nor less is she a prey to sorrow that bare me, seeing she hath suffered the self-same pang in losing all the joy a son might bring.
1375
Now will I take and bear this ark unto the god as an offering, that herein I may discover naught that I would rather not. For if haply my mother proves to be some slave-girl, ’twere worse to find her out than let her rest in silence. O! Phoebus, to thy temple do I dedicate this ark.
1380
Yet why? this is to war against the god’s intention, who saved these tokens of my mother for my sake. I must undo the lid and bear the worst. For that which fate ordains, I may ne’er o’erstep. O! hallowed wreaths and fastenings,
1385
that have kept so safe these relics dear to me; why, ah! why were ye hidden from me? Behold the covering of this rounded ark! No signs of age are here, owing to some miracle; decay hath not touched these chaplets; and yet ’tis long enough since these were stored away.
1390
Creusa
Ha! what unlooked-for sight is here?
1395
Ha! what unlooked-for sight is here?
1395
Ion
Peace, woman! now, as erst, thou art my enemy.
Peace, woman! now, as erst, thou art my enemy.
Creusa
Silence is not for me. Bid me not be still; for lo! I see the ark wherein I did expose thee, my child, in days gone by, whilst yet a tender babe
in the cavern of
Cecrops, ’neath the rocky roof of Macrae. So now will I leave this altar, though death await me.
1400
Silence is not for me. Bid me not be still; for lo! I see the ark wherein I did expose thee, my child, in days gone by, whilst yet a tender babe
in the cavern of
Cecrops, ’neath the rocky roof of Macrae. So now will I leave this altar, though death await me.
1400
Ion
Seize her; she is mad, springing thus from the shelter of the carved altar. Bind her arms.
Seize her; she is mad, springing thus from the shelter of the carved altar. Bind her arms.
Creusa
Kill! spare not! for I to thee will cleave,
and to this ark, and all that is within it.
1405
Kill! spare not! for I to thee will cleave,
and to this ark, and all that is within it.
1405
Ion
Is not this monstrous? here am I laid claim to on a specious pretext.
Is not this monstrous? here am I laid claim to on a specious pretext.
Creusa
Nay, nay, but as a friend art thou by friends now found.
Nay, nay, but as a friend art thou by friends now found.
Ion
I a friend of thine! and wouldst thou, then, have slain me privily?
I a friend of thine! and wouldst thou, then, have slain me privily?
Creusa
Thou art my child, if that is what a parent holds most dear.
Thou art my child, if that is what a parent holds most dear.
Ion
An end to thy web of falsehood! Right well will I convict thee.
1410
An end to thy web of falsehood! Right well will I convict thee.
1410
Creusa
My child, that is my aim; God grant I reach it!
My child, that is my aim; God grant I reach it!
Ion
Is this ark empty, or hath it aught within?
Is this ark empty, or hath it aught within?
Creusa
Thy raiment wherein I exposed thee long ago.
Thy raiment wherein I exposed thee long ago.
Ion
Wilt put a name thereto before thou see it?
Wilt put a name thereto before thou see it?
Creusa
Unless I describe it, I offer to die.
1415
Unless I describe it, I offer to die.
1415
Ion
Say on; there is something strange in this thy confidence.
Say on; there is something strange in this thy confidence.
Creusa
Behold the robe my childish fingers wove.
Behold the robe my childish fingers wove.
Ion
Describe it; maidens weave many a pattern.
Describe it; maidens weave many a pattern.
Creusa
’Tis not perfect, but a first lesson, as it were, in weaving.
’Tis not perfect, but a first lesson, as it were, in weaving.
Ion
Describe its form; thou shalt not catch me thus.
1420
Describe its form; thou shalt not catch me thus.
1420
Creusa
A Gorgon figures in the centre of the warp.
A Gorgon figures in the centre of the warp.
Ion
Great Zeus! what fate is this that dogs my steps?
Great Zeus! what fate is this that dogs my steps?
Creusa
’Tis fringed with snakes like an aegis.
’Tis fringed with snakes like an aegis.
Ion
Lo! ’tis the very robe; how true we find the voice of God!
Lo! ’tis the very robe; how true we find the voice of God!
Creusa
Ah! woven work that erst my virgin shuttle wrought.
1425
Ah! woven work that erst my virgin shuttle wrought.
1425
Ion
Is there aught beside, or stays thy lucky guessing here?
Is there aught beside, or stays thy lucky guessing here?
Creusa
There be serpents, too, with jaws of gold, an old-world symbol.
There be serpents, too, with jaws of gold, an old-world symbol.
Ion
2
Is that Athena’s gift, bidding her race grow up under their guardianship?
2
Is that Athena’s gift, bidding her race grow up under their guardianship?
Creusa
Yes, to copy our ancestor Erichthonius.
Yes, to copy our ancestor Erichthonius.
Ion
What is their object? what the use of these golden gauds? pray, tell.
1430
What is their object? what the use of these golden gauds? pray, tell.
1430
Creusa
Necklaces for the new-born babe to wear, my child.
Necklaces for the new-born babe to wear, my child.
Ion
Lo! here they lie. Yet would I know the third sign.
Lo! here they lie. Yet would I know the third sign.
Creusa
About thy brow I bound an olive-wreath that day, plucked from the tree Athena first made grow on her own rock.
If haply that is there, it hath not lost its verdure yet, but still is fresh, for it came from the stock that grows not old.
1435
1437
About thy brow I bound an olive-wreath that day, plucked from the tree Athena first made grow on her own rock.
If haply that is there, it hath not lost its verdure yet, but still is fresh, for it came from the stock that grows not old.
1435
Ion
Mother, dearest mother, with what rapture I behold thee, as on thy cheeks, that share my joy, I press my lips!
Mother, dearest mother, with what rapture I behold thee, as on thy cheeks, that share my joy, I press my lips!
Creusa
My son, light that in thy mother’s eye outshinest yonder sun,—
I know the god will pardon me,—in my arms I hold thee, whom I never hoped to find, for I thought thy home was in that nether world, among the ghosts with Queen Persephone.
1440
My son, light that in thy mother’s eye outshinest yonder sun,—
I know the god will pardon me,—in my arms I hold thee, whom I never hoped to find, for I thought thy home was in that nether world, among the ghosts with Queen Persephone.
1440
Ion
Ah, dear mother mine! within thy arms I rest, the dead now brought to light, and dead no more.
Ah, dear mother mine! within thy arms I rest, the dead now brought to light, and dead no more.
Creusa
Hail, thou broad expanse of bright blue sky! What words can I find to utter my joy aloud? Whence comes to me such unexpected rapture? To what do I owe this bliss?
1445
Hail, thou broad expanse of bright blue sky! What words can I find to utter my joy aloud? Whence comes to me such unexpected rapture? To what do I owe this bliss?
1445
Ion
This is the last thing that ever would have occurred to me, mother, that I was thy child.
1450
This is the last thing that ever would have occurred to me, mother, that I was thy child.
1450
Creusa
With fear I tremble still.
With fear I tremble still.
Ion
Dost thou doubt my reality?
Dost thou doubt my reality?
Creusa
Far from me had I banished these hopes. Whence, O whence, lady, didst thou take my babe
into thy arms? Who carried him to the courts of Loxias?
1455
Far from me had I banished these hopes. Whence, O whence, lady, didst thou take my babe
into thy arms? Who carried him to the courts of Loxias?
1455
Ion
’Tis a miracle! Oh! may we for the rest of our career be happy, as we were hapless heretofore.
’Tis a miracle! Oh! may we for the rest of our career be happy, as we were hapless heretofore.
Creusa
In tears wert thou brought forth, my child,
and with sorrow to thy mother didst thou leave her arms; but now I breathe again as I press my lips to thy cheek, in full enjoyment of happiness.
1460
In tears wert thou brought forth, my child,
and with sorrow to thy mother didst thou leave her arms; but now I breathe again as I press my lips to thy cheek, in full enjoyment of happiness.
1460
Ion
Thy words express our mutual feelings.
Thy words express our mutual feelings.
Creusa
No more am I of son and heir bereft; my house is stablished and my country hath a prince;
Erechtheus groweth young again; no longer is the house of the earth-born race plunged in gloom, but lifts its eyes unto the radiant sun.
1465
1468
No more am I of son and heir bereft; my house is stablished and my country hath a prince;
Erechtheus groweth young again; no longer is the house of the earth-born race plunged in gloom, but lifts its eyes unto the radiant sun.
1465
Ion
Mother mine, since my father too is here, let him share the joy I have brought to thee.
Mother mine, since my father too is here, let him share the joy I have brought to thee.
Creusa
My child, my child, what sayst thou? How is my sin finding me out!
1470
My child, my child, what sayst thou? How is my sin finding me out!
1470
Ion
What meanest thou?
What meanest thou?
Creusa
Thou art of a different, for different stock.
Thou art of a different, for different stock.
Ion
Alas for me! Am I a bastard, then, bom in thy maiden days?
Alas for me! Am I a bastard, then, bom in thy maiden days?
Creusa
Nor nuptial torch nor dance,
my child, ushered in my wedding and thy birth.
1475
Nor nuptial torch nor dance,
my child, ushered in my wedding and thy birth.
1475
Ion
O mother, mother! whence do I draw my base origin?
O mother, mother! whence do I draw my base origin?
Creusa
Be witness she who slew the Gorgon,
Be witness she who slew the Gorgon,
Ion
What meanest thou?
What meanest thou?
Creusa
She that on my native rocks
makes the olive-clad hill her seat.
1480
She that on my native rocks
makes the olive-clad hill her seat.
1480
Ion
Thy words to me are but as cunning riddles. I cannot read them.
Thy words to me are but as cunning riddles. I cannot read them.
Creusa
Hard by the rock with nightingales melodious, Phoebus,
Hard by the rock with nightingales melodious, Phoebus,
Ion
Why dost thou mention Phoebus?
Why dost thou mention Phoebus?
Creusa
Forced on me his secret love.
Forced on me his secret love.
Ion
Say on; for thy story will crown me with fame and fortune.
1485
Say on; for thy story will crown me with fame and fortune.
1485
Creusa
And as the tenth month came round I bore a child to Phoebus in secret.
And as the tenth month came round I bore a child to Phoebus in secret.
Ion
Oh! thy happy tidings, if thy story is true.
Oh! thy happy tidings, if thy story is true.
Creusa
And about thee as swaddling-clothes I fastened this my maiden work,
the faulty efforts of my loom. But to my breast I never held thy lips, or suckled or washed thee with a mother’s care; but in a desert cave wert thou cast out
1490
to die, for taloned kites to rend and feast upon.
1495
And about thee as swaddling-clothes I fastened this my maiden work,
the faulty efforts of my loom. But to my breast I never held thy lips, or suckled or washed thee with a mother’s care; but in a desert cave wert thou cast out
1490
to die, for taloned kites to rend and feast upon.
1495
Ion
An awful deed! O mother!
An awful deed! O mother!
Creusa
Fear held me captive, and I cast thy life away, my child;
I would, though loth, have slain thee too.
1500
Fear held me captive, and I cast thy life away, my child;
I would, though loth, have slain thee too.
1500
Ion
Thou too wert all but slain by me most impiously.
Thou too wert all but slain by me most impiously.
Creusa
O the horror of all I suffered then! O the horror of what is to follow now! To and fro
from bad to good we toss, though now the gale is shifting round. May it remain steady! the past brought sorrows enough; but now hath a fair breeze sprung up, my son, to waft us out of woe.
1505
O the horror of all I suffered then! O the horror of what is to follow now! To and fro
from bad to good we toss, though now the gale is shifting round. May it remain steady! the past brought sorrows enough; but now hath a fair breeze sprung up, my son, to waft us out of woe.
1505
Chorus
Let no man ever deem a thing past hoping for, when he turns an eye towards what is happening now.
1510
Let no man ever deem a thing past hoping for, when he turns an eye towards what is happening now.
1510
Ion
O Fortune! who ere now hast changed the lot of countless mortals first to grief, and then to joy again, to what a goal my life had come,
even to staining my hands with a mother’s blood and enduring sufferings ill-deserved! Ah well! may we not learn these truths daily in all that the bright sun embraces? O mother, in thee have I made a happy discovery, and from my point of view there is no fault to find with my birth;
1515
but what remains I fain would speak to thee apart. Come hither, for I would say a word in thine ear, and o’er these matters cast the veil of silence. Bethink thee, mother, carefully; didst thou make the fatal slip, that maidens will, as touching secret amours,
1520
and then upon the god wouldst foist the blame, in thy anxiety to escape the shame of my birth asserting that Phoebus is my sire, albeit the god was not the parent.
1525
O Fortune! who ere now hast changed the lot of countless mortals first to grief, and then to joy again, to what a goal my life had come,
even to staining my hands with a mother’s blood and enduring sufferings ill-deserved! Ah well! may we not learn these truths daily in all that the bright sun embraces? O mother, in thee have I made a happy discovery, and from my point of view there is no fault to find with my birth;
1515
but what remains I fain would speak to thee apart. Come hither, for I would say a word in thine ear, and o’er these matters cast the veil of silence. Bethink thee, mother, carefully; didst thou make the fatal slip, that maidens will, as touching secret amours,
1520
and then upon the god wouldst foist the blame, in thy anxiety to escape the shame of my birth asserting that Phoebus is my sire, albeit the god was not the parent.
1525
Creusa
Nay, by our queen of Victory, Athena, that fought by Zeus, in days gone by, high on his car against the earth-born giants I swear,
no mortal is thy father, my son, but King Loxias himself who brought thee up.
1530
Nay, by our queen of Victory, Athena, that fought by Zeus, in days gone by, high on his car against the earth-born giants I swear,
no mortal is thy father, my son, but King Loxias himself who brought thee up.
1530
Ion
How then is it he gave his own child to another father, declaring that I was begotten of Xuthus?
How then is it he gave his own child to another father, declaring that I was begotten of Xuthus?
Creusa
Begotten he never said, but as a gift he doth bestow thee
his own son on him; for friend might give to friend even his own son to rule his house.
1535
Begotten he never said, but as a gift he doth bestow thee
his own son on him; for friend might give to friend even his own son to rule his house.
1535
Ion
Mother mine, this thought disturbs my breast, as well it may, whether the god speaks truth or gives an idle oracle.
Mother mine, this thought disturbs my breast, as well it may, whether the god speaks truth or gives an idle oracle.
Creusa
Hear, then, my son, the thought that hath occurred to me;
Loxias out of kindness is establishing thee in a noble family, for hadst thou been called the god’s son, thou hadst never inherited a father’s home and name. How couldst thou, when I strove to hide my marriage with him and would have slain thee privily?
1540
But he for thy interest is handing thee over to another father.
1545
Hear, then, my son, the thought that hath occurred to me;
Loxias out of kindness is establishing thee in a noble family, for hadst thou been called the god’s son, thou hadst never inherited a father’s home and name. How couldst thou, when I strove to hide my marriage with him and would have slain thee privily?
1540
But he for thy interest is handing thee over to another father.
1545
Ion
Not thus lightly do I pursue the inquiry; nay, I will enter Apollo’s shrine and question him whether I am the child of a mortal sire or his own son. Ha! who is that hovering o’er the incense-smoking roof,
and showing to our gaze a heavenly face, bright as the sun? Let us fly, mother, that we see not sights divine, unless haply it is right we should.
1550
1553
Not thus lightly do I pursue the inquiry; nay, I will enter Apollo’s shrine and question him whether I am the child of a mortal sire or his own son. Ha! who is that hovering o’er the incense-smoking roof,
and showing to our gaze a heavenly face, bright as the sun? Let us fly, mother, that we see not sights divine, unless haply it is right we should.
1550
Athena
Fly not! I am no foe ye seek to shun, but alike in
Athens
and this place your kindly friend.
’Tis I, Pallas, after whom your land is named, that am here, by Apollo sent in headlong haste; for he thought not fit to appear before you twain, lest his coming might provoke reproaches for the past; but me he sends to proclaim to you his words,
1555
how that this is thy mother, and Apollo thy sire; while thyself he doth bestow, as seems him good, not indeed on him that begat thee, nay, but that he may bring thee to a house of high repute. For when this matter was brought to light, he devised a way of deliverance,
1560
fearing that thou wouldst be slain by thy mother’s wiles and she by thine. Now it was King Apollo’s wish to keep this matter secret awhile, and then in
Athens
to acknowledge this lady as thy mother and thyself as the child of her and Phoebus. But to end the business and discharge his oracles for the god,
1565
I bid you hearken; for such was my purpose in yoking my chariot-steeds.
1570
1571
Do thou, Creusa, take this stripling and to Cecrops’ land set forth; and there upon the monarch’s throne establish him, for from Erechtheus’ stock is he sprung, and therefore hath a right to rule that land of mine.
Through
Hellas
shall his fame extend; for his children,—four branches springing from one root,—shall give their names to the land and to the tribes of folk therein that dwell upon the rock I love. Teleona shall be the first; and next in order shall come
1575
the Hopletes and Argades; and then the Aegicores, called after my aegis, shall form one tribe. And their children again shall in the time appointed found an island home amid the Cyclades and on the sea-coast, thereby strengthening my country;
1580
for they shall dwell upon the shores of two continents, of Europe and of Asia, on either side the strait; and in honour of Ion’s name shall they be called Ionians and win them high renown. From Xuthus too and thee I see a common stock arise;
1585
Dorus, whence the famous Dorian state will spring; and after him Achaeus in the land of Pelops; he shall lord it o’er the seaboard nigh to Rhium, and his folk, that bear his name, shall win the proud distinction of their leader’s title.
1590
Thus in all hath Apollo rightly done; first did he deliver thee of thy babe without sickness, so that thy friends knew naught; and after thou didst bear this child and in swaddling-clothes hadst laid him, he bade Hermes carry him in his arms hither,
1595
and did rear him, suffering him not to die. Now therefore hold thy peace as to this thy child’s real parentage, that Xuthus may delight in his fond fancy, and thou, lady, continue to enjoy thy blessing. So fare ye well! for to you I
1600
bring tidings of a happier fate after this respite from affliction.
1605
Fly not! I am no foe ye seek to shun, but alike in
Athens
and this place your kindly friend.
’Tis I, Pallas, after whom your land is named, that am here, by Apollo sent in headlong haste; for he thought not fit to appear before you twain, lest his coming might provoke reproaches for the past; but me he sends to proclaim to you his words,
1555
how that this is thy mother, and Apollo thy sire; while thyself he doth bestow, as seems him good, not indeed on him that begat thee, nay, but that he may bring thee to a house of high repute. For when this matter was brought to light, he devised a way of deliverance,
1560
fearing that thou wouldst be slain by thy mother’s wiles and she by thine. Now it was King Apollo’s wish to keep this matter secret awhile, and then in
Athens
to acknowledge this lady as thy mother and thyself as the child of her and Phoebus. But to end the business and discharge his oracles for the god,
1565
I bid you hearken; for such was my purpose in yoking my chariot-steeds.
1570
Do thou, Creusa, take this stripling and to Cecrops’ land set forth; and there upon the monarch’s throne establish him, for from Erechtheus’ stock is he sprung, and therefore hath a right to rule that land of mine.
Through
Hellas
shall his fame extend; for his children,—four branches springing from one root,—shall give their names to the land and to the tribes of folk therein that dwell upon the rock I love. Teleona shall be the first; and next in order shall come
1575
the Hopletes and Argades; and then the Aegicores, called after my aegis, shall form one tribe. And their children again shall in the time appointed found an island home amid the Cyclades and on the sea-coast, thereby strengthening my country;
1580
for they shall dwell upon the shores of two continents, of Europe and of Asia, on either side the strait; and in honour of Ion’s name shall they be called Ionians and win them high renown. From Xuthus too and thee I see a common stock arise;
1585
Dorus, whence the famous Dorian state will spring; and after him Achaeus in the land of Pelops; he shall lord it o’er the seaboard nigh to Rhium, and his folk, that bear his name, shall win the proud distinction of their leader’s title.
1590
Thus in all hath Apollo rightly done; first did he deliver thee of thy babe without sickness, so that thy friends knew naught; and after thou didst bear this child and in swaddling-clothes hadst laid him, he bade Hermes carry him in his arms hither,
1595
and did rear him, suffering him not to die. Now therefore hold thy peace as to this thy child’s real parentage, that Xuthus may delight in his fond fancy, and thou, lady, continue to enjoy thy blessing. So fare ye well! for to you I
1600
bring tidings of a happier fate after this respite from affliction.
1605
Ion
O Pallas, daughter of almighty Zeus, in full assurance will we accept thy words; for I am convinced of my parentage from Loxias and this lady; which even before was not incredible.
O Pallas, daughter of almighty Zeus, in full assurance will we accept thy words; for I am convinced of my parentage from Loxias and this lady; which even before was not incredible.
Creusa
To what I say give ear. My former blame of Phoebus now is turned to praise,
because he now restores to me the babe whom erst he slighted. Now are these portals fair unto mine eyes and this oracle of the god, though before I hated them. With joy now I even cling to the knocker on the door and salute the gates.
1610
To what I say give ear. My former blame of Phoebus now is turned to praise,
because he now restores to me the babe whom erst he slighted. Now are these portals fair unto mine eyes and this oracle of the god, though before I hated them. With joy now I even cling to the knocker on the door and salute the gates.
1610
Athena
I commend thee for thy sudden change, and thy fair words about the god.
’Tis ever thus; Heaven’s justice may tarry awhile, yet comes it at the last in no wise weakened.
1615
I commend thee for thy sudden change, and thy fair words about the god.
’Tis ever thus; Heaven’s justice may tarry awhile, yet comes it at the last in no wise weakened.
1615
Creusa
My son, let us set out for home.
My son, let us set out for home.
Athena
Go; I will follow.
Go; I will follow.
Ion
A guide we well may prize.
A guide we well may prize.
Creusa
Aye, and one that holds our city dear.
Aye, and one that holds our city dear.
Athena
Go, sit thee down upon the throne of thy ancestors.
Go, sit thee down upon the throne of thy ancestors.
Ion
’Tis my heritage and I value it.
’Tis my heritage and I value it.
Chorus
All hail, Apollo, son of Zeus and Latona! ’Tis only right that he,
whose house is sore beset with trouble, should reverence God and keep good heart; for at the last the righteous find their just reward, but the wicked, as their nature is, will never prosper.
1620
All hail, Apollo, son of Zeus and Latona! ’Tis only right that he,
whose house is sore beset with trouble, should reverence God and keep good heart; for at the last the righteous find their just reward, but the wicked, as their nature is, will never prosper.
1620
Ion. Euripides. Edward P. Coleridge (Translator). London. 1906.
Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.