Where is the Cyclops himself? inside his dwelling? Silenus He is gone hunting wild beasts with hounds on Aetna. Odysseus Dost know then what to do, that we may be gone from the land? Silenus Not I, Odysseus; but I would do anything for thee. Odysseus Sell us food, of which we are in need. Silenus There is nothing but flesh, as I said. Odysseus Well, even that is a pleasant preventive of hunger. Silenus And there is cheese curdled with fig-juice, and the milk of kine. Odysseus Bring them out; a man should see his purchases. Silenus But tell me, how much gold wilt thou give me in exchange? Odysseus No gold bring I, but Dionysus’ drink. Silenus Most welcome words! I have long been wanting that. Odysseus Yes, it was Maron, the god’s son, who gave me a draught. Silenus What! Maron whom once I dandled in these arms? Odysseus The son of the Bacchic god, that thou mayst learn more certainly. Silenus Is it inside the ship, or hast thou it with thee? Odysseus This, as thou seest, is the skin that holds it, old sir. Silenus Why, that would not give me so much as a mouthful. Odysseus This, and twice as much again as will run from the skin. Silenus Fair the rill thou speakest of, delicious to me. Odysseus Shall I let thee taste the wine unmixed, to start with? Silenus A reasonable offer; for of a truth a taste invites the purchase. Odysseus Well, I haul about a cup as well as the skin. Silenus Come, let it gurgle in, that I may revive my memory by a pull at it. Odysseus There then! Silenus Ye gods! what a delicious scent it has! Odysseus What! didst thou see it? Silenus No, i’ faith, but I smell it. Odysseus Taste it then, that thy approval may not stop at words. Silenus Zounds! Bacchus is inviting me to dance; ha! ha!