I think that this old hag should be accosted. I’ll approach her. (Aloud.) Come back, Procuress, and look back towards me. PROCURESS Who is it that gives his commands? PHAEDROMUS 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. PROCURESS How far is he away from me? PHAEDROMUS (holding up the torch.) See this light. PROCURESS Then, prithee, do quicken your pace towards me. PHAEDROMUS Health to you. PROCURESS How can I have health, who am parched with thirst? PHAEDROMUS But you shall drink in a moment. PROCURESS ’Tis long a-coming. PHAEDROMUS (extending the bowl.) Here’s for you, jolly old dame. PROCURESS Health to you, gentleman dear as my very eyes. PALINURUS Come, toss this off quickly into your abyss; scour out your sink right speedily. PHAEDROMUS Hold your tongue; I won’t have her ill spoken to. PALINURUS (aside.) In preference, then, I’ll do her ill. PROCURESS (pouring some of the residue on the altar.) Venus, of this little, this very little will I give to thee Will I give to thee : As a libation. It was the custom to pour out wine or other liquors, as libations in honor of the Gods, either upon an altar, on the ground, into the sea, or on a table, according to the circumstances of the case. —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. (Drinks again.) PALINURUS Do look at that, please, how greedily the filthy hag swills down the pure wine into herself with distended gullet. PROCURESS (patting her stomach and chuckling.) Ha, ha, ha