Who loves not revelling then is but a simpleton.OdysseusBut whoso stays at home, when drunk, is wise.CyclopsWhat shall we do, Silenus? art minded to stay?SilenusThat I am; for what need have we of others to share our drink, Cyclops?CyclopsWell, truly the turf is soft as down with its fresh flowering plants.Silenus(seating himself.) Aye, and ’tis pleasant drinking in the warm sunshine.CyclopsPaley agrees with Kirchhoff in thinking a line has been lost here.SilenusCome, let me see thee stretch thy carcase on the ground.Cyclops(sitting dawn.)There then!Why art thou putting the mixing-bowl behind me?SilenusThat no one passing by may come upon it.καταλάβῃ, but one MS. has καταβάλῃupset, which Kirchhoff prefers.CyclopsNay, 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.OdysseusNoman. What boon shall I receive of thee to earn my thanks?CyclopsI will feast on thee last, after all thy comrades.OdysseusFair 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?SilenusNo, but it kissed me for my good looks.CyclopsThou shalt smart, if thou kiss the wine when it kisses not thee.SilenusOh! 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.SilenusH’m! how is it mixed? just let me make sure. (Takes another pull.) CyclopsPerdition! give it me at once.SilenusOh, no! I really cannot, till I see thee with a crown on, and have another taste myself.CyclopsMy cup-bearer is a cheat.SilenusNo really, but the wine is so luscious. Thou must wipe thy lips, though, to get a draught.CyclopsThere! my lips and beard are clean now.SilenusBend 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.) CyclopsAha! what next?SilenusI drank it off at a draught with much pleasure.CyclopsStranger, take the skin thyself and be my cup-bearer.