First Master Why, what is all this about? His name used to be Cantharus when he was with me. He had long hair, and no beard, and was apprenticed to my trade; I am a fuller, and he was in my shop, dressing cloth.

Philosophy Yes, it is the same; but he has dressed to some purpose this time, and has become a philosopher.

First Master Cantharus a philosopher! I like that. And where do I come in?

Second and Third Masters. Oh well, we shall get them all now. This lady knows all about them, it seems.

Philosophy Heracles, who is this comely person with a lyre?

Hera It is Orpheus. I was on the Argo with him. He was the best of boatswains; it was quite a pleasure to row to his singing. Welcome, my musical friend: you have not forgotten Heracles, I hope?

Orpheus And welcome to all of you, Philosophy, Heracles, Hermes. I should like my reward, please: I can lay my finger on your man.

Hera Then show us the way. It is useless, of course, to offer gold to the gifted son of Calliope?

Orpheus Oh, quite.—I will show you the house, but not the man. His tongue might avenge him; scurrility is his strong point.

Hera Lead on.

Orpheus It is this house close by. And now I shall leave you; I have no wish to set eyes on him.

Hera Hush! Was that a woman’s voice, reciting Homer?

Philosophy It was. Let us listen.

Innkeeper’s Wife More than the gates of Hell I hate that man Who, loving gold, cloaketh his love with lies.

Hera At that rate, madam, you will have to quarrel with Cantharus: He with his kindly host hath dealt amiss.

Innkeeper That’s me. I took him in, and he ran away with my wife.

Innkeeper's WifeWine-witted knave, deer-hearted and dog-eyed,Thersites, babbler loose, that nought availestIn council, nought in arms; most valiant daw,That with thine aimless chatter chidest kings,— First Master. My rascal to a T.

Innkeeper's WifeThe dog in thee—for thou art dog and goatAnd lion—doth a blasting fury breathe.