Cataplus

Charon And where is he to sit now he is here?_ We are full up, as you may see,

Hermes What do you say to the tyrant’s shoulders?

Clotho A good idea that.

Charon Up with you then; and make the rascal’s back ache. And now, good luck to our voyage!

Cynic Charon, I may as well tell you the plain truth at once. The penny for my fare is not forthcoming; -I have nothing but my wallet, look, and this stick, But if you want a hand at baling, here I am; or I could take an oar; only give me a good stout one, and you shall have no fault to find with me.

Charon To it, then; and I’ll ask no other payment of you.

Cynic Shall I tip them a stave?

Charon To be sure, if you have a sea-song about you.

Cynic I have several. Look here though, an opposition is starting: a song of lamentation. It will throw me out.

Cynic Oh, my lands, my lands!—Ah, my money, my money!— Farewell, my fine palace!—The thousands that fellow will have to squander!—Ah, my helpless children!—To think of the vines I planted last year! Who, ah who, will pluck the grapes?

Hermes Why, Micyllus, have you never an Oh or an Ah? It is

Micyllus Get along with you. What have I to dowith Ohs and Ahs? I’m enjoying the trip!

Hermes Still, just a groan or two. It’s expected.

Micyllus Well, if I must, here goes.—Farewell, leather, farewell! Ah, Soles, old Soles!—Qh, ancient Boots!—Woe’s me! Never again shall I sit empty from morn till night; never again walk up and down, of a winter’s day, naked, unshod, with chattering teeth! My knife, my awl, will be another’s: whose, ah! whose?

Hermes Yes, that will do. We are nearly there.