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.
- 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!
- (turning suddenly to Silenus.) Ho, sirrah! what art thou about? taking a stealthy pull at the wine?
- No, but it kissed me for my good looks.
- Thou shalt smart, if thou kiss the wine when it kisses not thee.
- Oh! but it did, for it says it is in love with my handsome face.
- (holding out his cup.) Pour in; only give me my cup full.
- H’m! how is it mixed? just let me make sure. (Takes another pull.)
- Perdition! give it me at once.
- Oh, no! I really cannot, till I see thee with a crown on, and have another taste myself.
- My cup-bearer is a cheat.
- No really, but the wine is so luscious. Thou must wipe thy lips, though, to get a draught.
- There! my lips and beard are clean now.
- Bend thine elbow gracefully, and then quaff thy cup, as thou seest me do, and as now thou seest me not. (Burying his face in his cup.)
- Aha! what next?
- I drank it off at a draught with much pleasure.