18–20
CLOTHO
No, no! Come, let’s row up and take him in. Hermes, lend a hand to pull him in.
5
CHARON
Where shall he sit? The boat’s full, as you see.
HERMES
On the shoulders of the tyrant, if you like.
CLOTHO
A happy thought, that of Hermes!
CHARON
Climb up, then, and set your feet on the sinner's neck. Let’s go on while the wind is fair.
CYNISCUS
Charon, I may as well tell you the truth here and now. I shan’t be able to pay you your obol when we come to land, for I have nothing more than the wallet which you see, and this club here. However, I am ready either to bale, if you like, or to row; you will have no fault to find if you only give me a stout, well-balanced oar.
5
CHARON
Pull an oar; that will be enough to exact of you.
CYNISCUS
Shall I strike up a song, too?
CHARON
Yes, by all means, if you know any of the sailors’ chanties,
CYNISCUS
I know plenty of them, Charon; but as you see, these people are competing with our music by crying, so that we shall be put out of tune in our song.
THE DEAD
(one) Alas, my wealth! (anoTuer) Alas, my farms! (aNoTHER) Alackaday, what a house I left behind me! (anotuer) To think of all the thousands my heir will come into and squander! (aNoruer) Ah, my new-born babes! (anorner) Who will get the vintage of the vines I set out last year?
HERMES
Micyllus, you are not lamenting at all, are you? Nobody may cross without a tear.
MICYLLUS
Get out with you! I have no reason to lament while the wind is fair.
HERMES
Do cry, however, even if only a little, for custom’s sake,
