Kreousa
Shh. Quiet now, friend – I can see my husband Xouthos
–he’s the well-born looking man over there. He is finally returning
from the deep caves of Trophonius. But, all that I have said to you… please
do not mention any of it to him. My good reputation would be torn to pieces,
because I have tried to help my friend without anyone knowing. My actions will strike his ears
as scandalous unless I am left to unroll the whole story for him deliberately and carefully.
You know that the male gender is easily upset and makes snap judgements regarding women
If, in the process, a mistake is made and
a woman who is blameless is mixed up with women worthy of scorn
It won’t matter – the whole lot will be condemned without differentiation:
such is the cruel fortune given to women at birth. 400
xxx
Xouthos (Enters from the ‘town entrance’ stage right, voice heard before he is seen)
Before doing anything else — to the great god, I offer the delicious first fruits
Of my voice: “Greetings! Lord, be well and may you be favorable”! Oh, [Notices Kreousa]
and, uh, of course the same to you, my lady.
[He notes her concerned expression and rolls his eyes]
Don’t start with me. Surely, you weren’t struck by some silly terror because I was away for too long.
Kr.
Of course not; though concern was certainly coming close.
But none of that matters now; what response do you bring back from Trophonios?
Did he say how we might join our lines and seeds into one and produce children?
xxx
Xouthos
No. Apparently he is deferring to Apollo —
He did not think it right to preempt the privileges of a greater god
Or his oracle. He did reveal one thing though.
He said: no longer childless…will I return home
(Just remembers.) Oh, and uh…also… that
Nor will you depart from Apollo’s sanctuary without your child.
Kr.
Oh, may it be so! Lady Leto, most powerful queen, mother of Phoebus,
Let it be so! May it be that you have blessed our journey here with favorable omens.
Hear my prayer! Let it be that unlike our other, past … dealings…
With your son, that this encounter will have a happy ending.
Xou.
Indeed — may it be so! Anyway, let’s get a move on.
Who will carry forward my inquiry to the god? Is this our attendant?
Ion.
Apologies, honored guest, I am happy to serve for minor consultations outside
but consultation inside is a privilege given only to a select few:
You seek the sacred interpreters
who the god has selected by lot from the very noblest men of Delphi.
They can be found sitting near to the holy tripod and the Pythia herself.
Xouthos
I have everything that I need then,
so I am heading inside before the line gets too long. I am allowed to enter, yes?
I was told that our preliminary sacrifices were made at the entrance to the sanctuary, earlier in the day
you know, the big communal sacrifice which covers all the visiting dignitaries at the same time.
Anyway, the omens are auspicious according to every indication.
so I am eager to make sure that this is the day I receive my response from the god.
In the meantime, my wife, stay outside here with the laurel-adorned altars and
take up sacred branches in prayer. It cannot hurt to ask the gods that I come out
From the halls of Apollo with both a fortuitous oracle and the promise of a child’s arrival.
Kr.
Of course. I will pray that it will be so. (Xouthos exists. She says the following mostly to herself.)
Oh… please, let it finally be so.
Though even with the best possible outcome… even should twisted Loxias wish
to try and undo the sins of the past by granting us this favor now…
He will not find me welcoming him with open arms, with everything completely forgiven.
But what does that matter?
He is a god. Whatever he wishes to do, whatever oracle he wants to give, good or bad
What can I do except resign myself to it? Where he is concerned, I have never had any choice.
(Kreousa exits.)