22–23
MICYLLUS
Heracles, how dark it is! Where now is handsome Megillus, and who can tell here that Simiche is not more beautiful than Phryne? All things are alike and of the same colour, and nothing is either beautiful or more beautiful; indeed, even my short cloak, which till now I thought ugly, is as good as the purple mantle of the king, for both are invisible and submerged in the same darkness. Cyniscus, where in the world are you?
CYNISCUS
Here I am, talking to you, Micyllus. Come, let’s walk together, if you like.
MICYLLUS
Good! Give me your hand. Tell me—for of course you have been through the Eleusinian Mysteries, Cyniscus—don’t you think this is like them?
CYNISCUS
Right you are; indeed, here comes a woman with a torch, who looks very fierce and threatening. Do you suppose it is an Erinys?The Erinyes, or Furies, were Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone. The torch of Tisiphone enhances the resemblance to the Mysteries, which were carried on by torch-light.
MICYLLUS
Probably, to judge from her appearance.
5
HERMES
Take these people in charge, Tisiphone, a thousand and four.
TISIPHONE
Indeed, Rhadamanthus here has been awaiting you this long time.
RHADAMANTHUS
Bring them before me, Erinys. Be crier, Hermes, and summon them by name.
CYNISCUS
Rhadamanthus, in the name of Zeus your father I beseech you to have me up first and judge me.
RHADAMANTHUS
For what reason?
5
