Who loves not revelling then is but a simpleton. Odysseus But whoso stays at home, when drunk, is wise. Cyclops What shall we do, Silenus? art minded to stay? Silenus That I am; for what need have we of others to share our drink, Cyclops? Cyclops Well, truly the turf is soft as down with its fresh flowering plants. Silenus (seating himself.) Aye, and ’tis pleasant drinking in the warm sunshine. Cyclops Paley agrees with Kirchhoff in thinking a line has been lost here. Silenus Come, let me see thee stretch thy carcase on the ground. Cyclops (sitting dawn.) There then! Why art thou putting the mixing-bowl behind me? Silenus That no one passing by may come upon it. καταλάβῃ , but one MS. has καταβάλῃ upset, which Kirchhoff prefers. Cyclops 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. Odysseus Noman. What boon shall I receive of thee to earn my thanks? Cyclops I will feast on thee last, after all thy comrades. Odysseus Fair indeed the honour thou bestowest on thy guest, sir Cyclops! Cyclops (turning suddenly to Silenus.) Ho, sirrah! what art thou about? taking a stealthy pull at the wine? Silenus No, but it kissed me for my good looks. Cyclops Thou shalt smart, if thou kiss the wine when it kisses not thee. Silenus Oh! but it did, for it says it is in love with my handsome face. Cyclops (holding out his cup.) Pour in; only give me my cup full. Silenus H’m! how is it mixed? just let me make sure. (Takes another pull.) Cyclops Perdition! give it me at once. Silenus Oh, no! I really cannot, till I see thee with a crown on, and have another taste myself. Cyclops My cup-bearer is a cheat. Silenus No really, but the wine is so luscious. Thou must wipe thy lips, though, to get a draught. Cyclops There! my lips and beard are clean now. Silenus 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.) Cyclops Aha! what next? Silenus I drank it off at a draught with much pleasure. Cyclops Stranger, take the skin thyself and be my cup-bearer.