Chorus

Hey you –you, attendant beside the temple— (Ion points to himself)

Yes, you: does the sacred law here permit us to enter

the temple interior? Bare-footed, of course.

 

Ion

Apologies, guests, this is not allowed.

 

Chorus

Oh. Is it alright if we ask you some things then?

 

Ion

Of course. What can I help you with?

 

Chorus

Is it really true that we can see the ‘omphalos’ – the center

of the Earth, Gaia’s very bellybutton – right there inside Apollo’s temple?

 

Ion

Of course –

“With garlands, crowned and Gorgons, encircled.”

 

Chorus

Just like everyone says!

[Some chorus members start to move forward, others trying to peek inside the temple]

 

Ion

[Excuse me, guests. Let me explain the rules:]

You must first pay the sacrifice fee

If you seek to ask a question of Phoebus

– there is a box beside the temple where you can place your coins–

In that case (and only that case) you may go further, approaching the altar outside and wait.

but until a priest has come to collect and goats have been formally sacrificed,

there can be no entrance into the temple’s inner sanctum.

 

Chorus:

Of course. I understand. This is the god’s edict –

We would not dare cross such a line.

Besides, all this outside is already a treat for my eyes.

 

Ion

Then please feel free to take your time and wander the grounds, take a look at whatever you like

– so long as you do not violate any rules and you look with your eyes only.

 

Chorus

Sadly, we are not free to wander. Our master

Has only permitted us to look around here, outside of the god’s inner sanctuary.

 

Ion

Oh, I did not realize that you were domestic slaves. In whose house do you serve?

 

Chorus

Pallas Athena’s, originally. She owns and lives in the palatial halls where

The line of our masters also resides. [Creousa enters]

But here is the very mistress whose house you were asking about. 237