Odysseus
Hear me, Cyclops, since I am acquainted
[520]
with the Dionysus whom I gave you to drink.
Cyclops
Who is this Dionysus? Is he worshipped as a god?
Odysseus
Yes, the best source of joy in life for mortals.
Cyclops
At any rate, I belch him out with pleasure.
Odysseus
Such is this god. No mortal will he harm.
Cyclops
[525]
But how can a god love to dwell in a wine-skin?
Odysseus
Wherever you put him, there he is at ease.
Cyclops
The gods ought not to clothe themselves in skins.
Odysseus
Why, if he gives delight? Do you mind the skin?
Cyclops
I hate the wine-skin. But this drink I love.
Odysseus
[530]
Stay here and drink then, Cyclops. Take your cheer.
Cyclops
Shall I not give my brothers some to drink?
Odysseus
Keep it yourself and you will be more honored.
Cyclops
By giving it I'm more helpful to my kin.
Odysseus
Revelling often ends in fists and quarrelling.
Cyclops
[535]
Besotted though I am, no man shall touch me!
Odysseus
Good friend, it's best when drunk to stay at home.
Cyclops
Foolish the man who drinks and does not revel.
Odysseus
But he who's drunk and stays at home is wise.
Cyclops
What shall we do, Silenus? Shall we stay?
Silenus
[540]
Yes, stay: what need of other banqueters?
Odysseus
What's more, the ground is soft with flowery boscage.
Silenus
What's more, it's nice to drink when the sun's so hot. Please lie down, then, recline upon the ground.
Cyclops
The Cyclops lies down. Silenus puts the mixing-bowl behind him.
Done!
[545]
Why are you putting the bowl behind me?
Silenus
So no one passing by may knock it over.
Cyclops
No, you mean to steal some and drink it. Put it down between us. But you, stranger, tell me what name I must call you.
Odysseus
Noman. What favor shall I get and thank you for?
Cyclops
[550]
Of all your company I shall eat you last.
Silenus
Fine present, Cyclops, you have given your guest!
Cyclops
You! What are you doing? Drinking on the sly?
Silenus
No, the wine kissed me for my handsome looks.
Cyclops
You'll regret you loved the wine which loves not you.
Silenus
[555]
No, by Zeus, for it says it has fallen for my beauty.
Cyclops
Just pour, give me the cup when you have filled it!
Silenus
How is the mixture? Let me have a look.
Cyclops
You'll be the death of me! Just hand it over!
Silenus
Not until I see you crowned
He gives him a garland to put on
and I've had a little taste.He takes a large gulp.
Cyclops
[560]
This wine-pourer's a crook.
Silenus
Yes, but the wine is sweet. But time to wipe your mouth: here comes a drink.
Cyclops
I've wiped it off: my lips and beard are clean.
Silenus
Lie gracefully on your elbow and drink it off, just as you see me drink—or see me not!
He tips the wine-cup up so as to be invisible behind it.
Cyclops
[565]
Hey, what are you up to?
Silenus
Nicely down the hatch!
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Euripides. Euripides, with an English translation by David Kovacs. Cambridge. Harvard University Press. forthcoming.
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