2–1
Eros
Oh, in that case, don’t fall in love. Nothing could be simpler.
5
Zeus
I dare say; but I like being in love, only I don’t like all this fuss. Now mind; if I let you off, it is on this understanding.
Hermes, you know Inachus’s beautiful daughter?
Hermes
I do. Io, you mean?
Zeus
Yes; she is not a girl now, but a heifer.
Hermes
Magic at work! how did that come about?
Zeus
Hera had a jealous fit, and transformed her. But that is not all; she has thought of a new punishment for the poor thing. She has put a cowherd in charge, who is all over eyes; this Argus, as he is called, pastures the heifer, and never goes to sleep.
5
Hermes
Well, what am I to do?
Zeus
Fly down to Nemea, where the pasture is, kill Argus, take Io across the sea to Egypt, and convert her into Isis. She shall be henceforth an Egyptian Goddess, flood the Nile, regulate the winds, and rescue mariners,
Hera
Zeus! What is your opinion of this man Ixion?
Zeus
Why, my dear, I think he is a very good sort of man; and the best of company. Indeed, if he were unworthy of our company, he would not be here.
Hera
He is unworthy! He is a villain! Discard him!
Zeus
Eh? What has he been after? I must know about this.
Hera
Certainly you must; though I scarce know how to tell you. The wretch!
5
Zeus
Oh, oh; if he is a ‘wretch,’ you must certainly tell me all about it. I know what ‘wretch’ means, on your discreet tongue. What, he has been making love?
