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ARISTOPHANES.

Now it's a bull—and now a stag—and now
A beautiful woman!
B. (Jumping from behind X., and pushing him back).
Where?—Let me go first!
X. It's not a woman now—it's a great dog!
B. (in great terror, getting behind X. again). Oh!—it's the Empusa![1]
X. (getting frightened). It's got eyes like fire,
And its face all of a blaze!
B. And one brass leg?
X. Lawk-a-mercy, yes!—and a cloven foot on the other
—It has indeed!
B. (looking round in terror). "Where can I get to—tell me?
X. Where can I go ? (runs into a corner.)
B. (makes as if he would run into the arms of the Priest of Bacchus,
who had a seat of honour in the front row.)
Good priest, protect me!—take me home to supper![2]
X. (from his corner). We're lost—we're lost! Hercules, dear master!
B, (in a frightened whisper). Don't call me by that name,
you fool—don't, don't!
X. Well,—Bacchus, must I say?
B. No-o!—that's worse still!
X. (to something in the distance). Avaunt, there! go thy ways!
(Joyfully.) Here, master! here!
B. What is it?
X. Hurrah! take heart! we've had the greatest luck—

We can say now, in our great poet's words,—
  1. ↑ A sort of Night-hag belonging to Hecate, which assumed various shapes to terrify belated travellers at cross-roads.
  2. ↑ The priests of Bacchus had probably (and very naturally) a reputation as bons vivants. At all events, they gave a sumptuous official entertainment at these dramatic festivals.
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