5–1
HERA
Oh, so now you complain that Hephaestus is lame, and his fingers aren’t good enough for your cup, and he is all sooty, and that the sight of him turns your stomach? You’ve been like that ever since Ida produced this long-haired darling. In the old days, you didn’t notice these things. The sparks and the forge didn’t stop you from taking your wine from him.
ZEUS
You’re only making yourself miserable, my dear, and me fonder of him, by being jealous. If you don’t like taking your drink from a lovely boy, you can have your own son serve you, and I’ll have you, Ganymede, all to myself, waiting on me, and giving me two kisses with each cup, one when you hold it out to me full, and a second when I give you it back. Hullo, not crying, are you? Don’t be afraid. Anyone that chooses to hurt you will regret it.
HERA
This Ixion, Zeus, what sort of a fellow do you think he is?
ZEUS
Why, an honest man, my dear, and grand company. He wouldn’t be our guest, if he were unworthy of our table.
HERA
But he isn’t worthy, for his behaviour’s outrageous. So don’t invite him again.
ZEUS
How’s it been outrageous? I think I should be in the know too.
HERA
Of course you should. But I’m ashamed to mention it. Such a thing to dare!
5
ZEUS
But if he’s tried to do anything shameful, that’s all the more reason for telling me about it. He’s not been making attempts on anyone, has he? I think I can guess the sort of shameful thing you wouldn’t like to mention.
