Cyclops
Euripides
Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. II. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1891.
- Forth from the house its fair lord comes, casting his fair glance round him. We have some one to befriend us.[*](Hermann supplies the lacuna before φιλεῖ with φίλος ὣν, but there is so much corruption in this and the following few lines that little reliance can be placed on any emendation, nor is the sense very clear.) A hostile brand is awaiting thee,
- no tender bride in dewy grot. No single colour will those garlands have, that soon shall cling so close about thy brow.
- (Returning with the wineskin.) Hearken, Cyclops; for I am well versed in the ways of Bacchus,
- whom I have given thee to drink.
- And who is Bacchus? some reputed god?
- The greatest god men know to cheer their life.
- I like his after-taste at any rate.
- This is the kind of god he is; he harmeth no man.
- But how does a god like being housed in a wine-skin?
- Put him where one may, he is content there.
- It is not right that gods should be clad in leather.
- What of that, provided he please thee? does the leather hurt thee?
- I hate the wine-skin, but the liquor we have here I love.
- Stay, then, Cyclops; drink and be merry.
- Must I not give my brethren a share in this liquor?
- No, keep it thyself and thou wilt appear of more honour.
- Give it my friends and I shall appear of more use.
- Revelling is apt to end in blows, abuse, and strife.
- I may be drunk, but no man will lay hands on me for all that.
- Better stay at home, my friend, after a carouse.