28
ARISTOPHANES' FROGS
Dionysus.
(running forward and addressing the Priest of Dionysus in his seat of state in the centre of the front row of the audience).
My Priest, protect me and we'll sup together!
Xanthias.
We're done for, O Lord Heracles.
Dionysus (cowering again).
Oh, don't!
Don't shout like that, man, and don't breathe that name.
Xanthias.
Dionysus, then!
Dionysus.
No, no. That's worse than the other. . . .
Keep on the way you're going.
Xanthias (after searching about).
Come along, sir.
Dionysus.
What is it?
Xanthias.
Don't be afraid, sir. All goes well.
And we can say as said Hegelochus,
"Beyond these storms I catch a piece of tail!"
Empusa's gone.
Dionysus.
Swear it.
Xanthias.
By Zeus, she's gone!
