Eksodos
Odysseus
(Returning with the wineskin.) Hearken, Cyclops; for I am well versed in the ways of Bacchus,
whom I have given thee to drink.
520
Cyclops
And who is Bacchus? some reputed god?
Odysseus
The greatest god men know to cheer their life.
Cyclops
I like his after-taste at any rate.
Odysseus
This is the kind of god he is; he harmeth no man.
Cyclops
But how does a god like being housed in a wine-skin?
525
Odysseus
Put him where one may, he is content there.
Cyclops
It is not right that gods should be clad in leather.
Odysseus
What of that, provided he please thee? does the leather hurt thee?
Cyclops
I hate the wine-skin, but the liquor we have here I love.
Odysseus
Stay, then, Cyclops; drink and be merry.
530
Cyclops
Must I not give my brethren a share in this liquor?
Odysseus
No, keep it thyself and thou wilt appear of more honour.
Cyclops
Give it my friends and I shall appear of more use.
Odysseus
Revelling is apt to end in blows, abuse, and strife.
Cyclops
I may be drunk, but no man will lay hands on me for all that.
535
Odysseus
Better stay at home, my friend, after a carouse.
Cyclops
Who loves not revelling then is but a simpleton.
Odysseus
But whoso stays at home, when drunk, is wise.
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.
