Curculio, or The Forgery (110b-129)

how limited is her thirst?

She’s a moderate person; she swallows eight gallons[*] only.

I’ faith, according to your account, this year’s vintage is not enough for this old woman alone.

But since as yet you, fragrance, alone have penetrated to my nostrils, so in its turn afford some delight to my throat. (Feels for the bowl on the ground, which PALINURUS draws away.) I find you not; where is your own dear self? I’m longing to touch you; do let me pour your liquids into me by sip-sipping. But in this direction it has gone, this way I’ll. follow it.

It really had been more proper for her to be a dog; she has a good nose.

Prithee, whose voice is it that I hear at a distance.

I think that this old hag should be accosted. I’ll approach her. (Aloud.) Come back, Procuress, and look back towards me.

Who is it that gives his commands?

The all-powerful in wine, jolly Bacchus; he who, when you’re hawking, parched, and half asleep, brings you a draught and comes to quench your thirst.

How far is he away from me?

See this light.

Then, prithee, do quicken your pace towards me.

Health to you.

How can I have health, who am parched with thirst?

But you shall drink in a moment.

’Tis long a-coming.

Here’s for you, jolly old dame.

Health to you, gentleman dear as my very eyes.

Come, toss this off quickly into your abyss; scour out your sink right speedily.

Hold your tongue; I won’t have her ill spoken to.

In preference, then, I’ll do her ill.

Venus, of this little, this very little will I give to thee[*]—sore against my will; for all the lovers, in their cups, to propitiate thee, expend their wine upon thee: not such windfalls often fall to me.

Do look at that, please, how greedily the filthy hag swills down the pure wine into herself with distended gullet.

Ha, ha, ha

How is it? Do you like it?

I do like it.

And I, too, should like to goad with a spur as well.

Don’t you—do hold your tongue.

I’ll hold my tongue; (the old woman drinks) but see, the rainbow’s drinking[*]; I’ faith, I do believe it will rain to-day.

Troth now, I’m quite undone; what first to say to her I know not.