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Now it's a bull—and now a stag—and now
A beautiful woman!
⁠B. (Jumping from behind X., and pushing him back).
⁠Where?—Let me go first!
⁠X. It's not a woman now—it's a great dog!
⁠B. (in great terror, getting behind X. again). Oh!—it's the Empusa!^[1]
⁠X. (getting frightened). It's got eyes like fire,
And its face all of a blaze!
⁠B. ⁠And one brass leg?
⁠X. Lawk-a-mercy, yes!—and a cloven foot on the other
—It has indeed!
⁠B. (looking round in terror). "Where can I get to—tell me?
⁠X. ⁠Where can I go ? (runs into a corner.)
⁠B. (makes as if he would run into the arms of the Priest of Bacchus,
⁠who had a seat of honour in the front row.)
Good priest, protect me!—take me home to supper!^[2]
⁠X. (from his corner). We're lost—we're lost! Hercules, dear master!
B, (in a frightened whisper). Don't call me by that name,
⁠you fool—don't, don't!
X. Well,—Bacchus, must I say?
B. ⁠No-o!—that's worse still!
X. (to something in the distance). Avaunt, there! go thy ways!
⁠(Joyfully.) Here, master! here!
B. What is it?
X. ⁠Hurrah! take heart! we've had the greatest luck—

We can say now, in our great poet's words,—

1. A sort of Night-hag belonging to Hecate, which assumed various shapes to terrify belated travellers at cross-roads.
2. The priests of Bacchus had probably (and very naturally) a reputation as bons vivants. At all events, they gave a sumptuous official entertainment at these dramatic festivals.