X
_Iris. Posidon_
_Ir_. Posidon: you know that floating island, that was torn away from
Sicily, and is still drifting about under water; you are to bring it to
the surface, Zeus says, and fix it well in view in the middle of the
Aegean; and mind it is properly secured; he has a use for it.
_Pos_. Very good. And when I have got it up, and anchored it, what is
he going to do with it?
_Ir_. Leto is to lie in there; her time is near.
_Pos_. And is there no room in Heaven? Or is Earth too small to hold
her children?
_Ir_. Ah, you see, Hera has bound the Earth by a great oath not to give
shelter to Leto in her travail. This island, however, being out of
sight, has not committed itself.
_Pos_. I see.—Island, be still! Rise once more from the depths; and
this time there must be no sinking. Henceforth you are _terra firma_;
it will be your happiness to receive my brother's twin children,
fairest of the Gods.—Tritons, you will have to convey Leto across. Let
all be calm.—As to that serpent who is frightening her out of her
senses, wait till these children are born; they will soon avenge their
mother.—You can tell Zeus that all is ready. Delos stands firm: Leto
has only to come.