Dialogi Marini
Lucian of Samosata
The Works of Lucian of Samosata, complete, with exceptions specified in thepreface, Vol. 1. Fowler, H. W. and Fowlere, F.G., translators. Oxford at the Clarendon Press, 1905.
Posidon What is the meaning of this, Alpheus? unlike others, when you take your plunge you do not mingle with the brine as a river should; you do not put an end to your labours by dispersing; you hold together through the sea, keep your current fresh, and hurry along in all your original purity; you dive down to strange depths like a gull or a heron; I suppose you will come to the top again and show yourself somewhere or other.
Alpheus Do not press me, Posidon; a love affair; and many is the time you have been in love yourself.
Posidon Woman, nymph, or Nereid?
Alpheus All wrong; she is a fountain.
Posidon A fountain? and where does she flow?
Alpheus She is an islander—in Sicily. Her name is Arethusa,
Posidon Ah, I commend your taste. She is pellucid, and bubbles up in perfect purity; the water as bright over her pebbles as if it were a mass of silver,
Alpheus You know my fountain, Posidon, and no mistake. It is to her that I go.
Posidon Go, then; and may the course of love run smooth! But pray where did you meet her? Arcadia and Syracuse, you know!:
Alpheus I am in a hurry; you are detaining me, with these superfluous questions.
Posidon Ah, so I am. Be off to your beloved, rise from the sea, mingle your channels and be one water.