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.
- 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.
- Who loves not revelling then is but a simpleton.
- But whoso stays at home, when drunk, is wise.
- What shall we do, Silenus? art minded to stay?
- That I am; for what need have we of others to share our drink, Cyclops?
- Well, truly the turf is soft as down with its fresh flowering plants.
- (seating himself.) Aye, and ’tis pleasant drinking in the warm sunshine.
- ---[*](Paley agrees with Kirchhoff in thinking a line has been lost here.)
- Come, let me see thee stretch thy carcase on the ground.
- (sitting dawn.)There then!
- Why art thou putting the mixing-bowl behind me?
- That no one passing by may come upon it.[*](καταλάβῃ, but one MS. has καταβάλῃupset, which Kirchhoff prefers.)
- 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.
- Noman. What boon shall I receive of thee to earn my thanks?
- I will feast on thee last, after all thy comrades.
- Fair indeed the honour thou bestowest on thy guest, sir Cyclops!