The Runaways (26-30)

Hera Very good; and what comes next? How do we hunt our vermin down?

Hera Ah, that is where you come in, Mr. Crier: oblige us by crying them without loss of time.

Hera There is only one objection to that: I do not know what they are called. What names am I to say, Philosophy? and how shall I describe them?

Philosophy I am not sure of their names, as I have never come into contact with them. To judge from their grasping propensities, however, you can hardly go wrong with Cteso, Ctesippus, Ctesicles, Euctemon, Polyctetus[*].

Hera To be sure. But who are these men? They seem to be looking for something too. Why, they are coming up to speak to us.

Innkeeper and Masters Excuse us, madam, and gentlemen, but have you come across a company of three rascals conducting a woman—a very masculine-looking female, with hair cut short in the Spartan fashion?

Philosophy Ha! the very people we are looking for!

Masters Indeed, madam? But these are three runaway slaves. The woman was kidnapped by them, and we want to get her back.

Hera Our business with them I will tell you afterwards, For the present, let us make a joint proclamation.

Disappeared A Paphlagonian slave, formerly of Sinope. Any person giving information as to his whereabouts will be rewarded; the amount of the reward to be fixed by the informant. Description. Name: begins with CTE. Complexion: sallow. Hair: close-cropped, with long beard.

First Master Why, what is all this about? His name used to be Cantharus when he was with me. He had long hair, and no beard, and was apprenticed to my trade; I am a fuller, and he was in my shop, dressing cloth.

Philosophy Yes, it is the same; but he has dressed to some purpose this time, and has become a philosopher.

First Master Cantharus a philosopher! I like that. And where do I come in?

Second and Third Masters. Oh well, we shall get them all now. This lady knows all about them, it seems.

Philosophy Heracles, who is this comely person with a lyre?

Hera It is Orpheus. I was on the Argo with him. He was the best of boatswains; it was quite a pleasure to row to his singing. Welcome, my musical friend: you have not forgotten Heracles, I hope?

Orpheus And welcome to all of you, Philosophy, Heracles, Hermes. I should like my reward, please: I can lay my finger on your man.

Hera Then show us the way. It is useless, of course, to offer gold to the gifted son of Calliope?

Orpheus Oh, quite.—I will show you the house, but not the man. His tongue might avenge him; scurrility is his strong point.

Hera Lead on.

Orpheus It is this house close by. And now I shall leave you; I have no wish to set eyes on him.