Pr. Nay, I grudge thee not this gift.

Pr.

Io. Why then delayest thou to utter the whole?

Io.

Pr. 'Tis not reluctance, but I am loth to shock thy feelings.

Pr.

Io. Do not be more anxious on my account than is agreeable to me.50

Io.

Pr. Since thou art eager, I must needs tell thee: attend thou.

Pr.

Ch. Not yet, however; but grant me also a share of the pleasure. Let us first learn the malady of this maiden, from her own tale of her destructive51 fortunes; but, for the sequel of her afflictions let her be informed by thee.

Ch.

Pr. It is thy part, Io, to minister to the gratification of these now before thee, both for all other reasons, and that they are the sisters of thy father. Since to weep and lament over misfortunes, when one is sure to win a tear from the listeners, is well worth the while.

Pr.

Io. I know not how I should disobey you; and in a plain tale ye shall learn everything that ye desire; and yet I am pained even to speak of the tempest that hath been sent upon me from heaven, and the utter marring of my person, whence it suddenly came upon me, a wretched creature! For nightly visions thronging to my maiden chamber, would entice me 37with smooth words: "O damsel, greatly fortunate, why dost thou live long time in maidenhood, when it is in thy power to achieve a match the very noblest? for Jupiter is fired by thy charms with the shaft of passion, and longs with thee to share in love. But do not, my child, spurn away from thee the couch of Jupiter; but go forth to Lerna's 

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