Eksodos
Cyclops
What shall we do, Silenus? art minded to stay?
Silenus
That I am; for what need have we of others to share our drink, Cyclops?
540
Cyclops
Well, truly the turf is soft as down with its fresh flowering plants.
Silenus
(seating himself.) Aye, and ’tis pleasant drinking in the warm sunshine.
Cyclops
Paley agrees with Kirchhoff in thinking a line has been lost here.
Silenus
Come, let me see thee stretch thy carcase on the ground.
Cyclops
(sitting dawn.) There then!
Why art thou putting the mixing-bowl behind me?
545
Silenus
That no one passing by may come upon it.καταλάβῃ, but one MS. has καταβάλῃ upset, which Kirchhoff prefers.
Cyclops
Nay, but thy purpose is to drink upon the sly; set it between us. (To Odysseus.) Now tell me, stranger, by what name to call thee.
Odysseus
Noman. What boon shall I receive of thee to earn my thanks?
Cyclops
I will feast on thee last, after all thy comrades.
550
Odysseus
Fair indeed the honour thou bestowest on thy guest, sir Cyclops!
Cyclops
(turning suddenly to Silenus.) Ho, sirrah! what art thou about? taking a stealthy pull at the wine?
Silenus
No, but it kissed me for my good looks.
Cyclops
Thou shalt smart, if thou kiss the wine when it kisses not thee.
Silenus
Oh! but it did, for it says it is in love with my handsome face.
555
Cyclops
(holding out his cup.) Pour in; only give me my cup full.
Silenus
H’m! how is it mixed? just let me make sure. (Takes another pull.)
Cyclops
Perdition! give it me at once.
