2
Charon
That’s neither here nor there. I must have my penny; it’s only right.
Menippus
Well, you had better take me back again to life.
Charon
Yes, and get a thrashing from Aeacus for my pains! I like that.
Menippus
Well, don’t bother me.
Charon
Let me see what you have got in that wallet.
Menippus
Beans: have some?—and a Hecate’s supper.
5
Charon
Where did you pick up this Cynic, Hermes? The noise he made on the crossing, too! laughing and jeering at all the rest, and singing, when every one else was at his lamentations.
Hermes
Ah, Charon, you little know your passenger! Independence, every inch of him: he cares for noone. 'Tis Menippus.
Charon
Wait till I catch you——
Menippus
Precisely; I'll wait—till you catch me again.
Protesilaus. Pluto. Persephone
Protesilaus
Lord, King, our Zeus! and thou, daughter of Demeter! grant a lover’s boon!
Pluto
What do you want? who are you?
Protesilaus
Protesilaus, son of Iphiclus, of Phylace, one of the Achaean host, the first that died at Troy. And the boon I ask is release and one day’s life.
Pluto
Ah, friend, that is the love that all these dead men love, and none shall ever win.
Protesilaus
Nay, dread lord, ’tis not life I love, but the bride that I left new wedded in my chamber that day I sailed away—ah me, to be slain by Hector as my foot touched land! My lord, that yearning gives me no peace. I return content, if she might look on me but for an hour.
5
Pluto
Did you miss your dose of Lethe, man?
Protesilaus
Nay, lord; but this prevailed against it.
Pluto
Oh, well, wait a little; she will come to you dne day; it is so simple; no need for you to be going up.
