CINESIAS. And Aphrodite, whose mysteries you have not celebrated for so long? Oh! won't you come back home?
MYRRHINÉ. No, at least, not till a sound Treaty put an end to the War.
CINESIAS. Well, if you wish it so much, why, we'll make it, your Treaty.
MYRRHINÉ. Well and good! When that's done, I will come home. Till then, I am bound by an oath.
CINESIAS. At any rate, let's have a short time together.
MYRRHINÉ. No, no, no! ... all the same I cannot say I don't love you.
CINESIAS. You love me? Then why refuse what I ask, my little girl, my sweet Myrrhiné.
MYRRHINÉ. You must be joking! What, before the child!
CINESIAS. Manes, carry the lad home. There, you see, the child is gone; there's nothing to hinder us; let us to work!
MYRRHINÉ. But, miserable man, where, where are we to do it?
CINESIAS. In the cave of Pan; nothing could be better.
MYRRHINÉ. But how to purify myself, before going back into the citadel?
CINESIAS. Nothing easier! you can wash at the Clepsydra.[448]
MYRRHINÉ. But my oath? Do you want me to perjure myself?
CINESIAS. I take all responsibility; never make yourself anxious.
MYRRHINÉ. Well, I'll be off, then, and find a bed for us.
CINESIAS. Oh! 'tis not worth while; we can lie on the ground surely.
MYRRHINÉ. No, no! bad man as you are, I don't like your lying on the bare earth.
CINESIAS. Ah! how the dear girl loves me!
MYRRHINÉ (_coming back with a bed_). Come, get to bed quick; I am going to undress. But, plague take it, we must get a mattress.
CINESIAS. A mattress! Oh! no, never mind!
MYRRHINÉ. No, by Artemis! lie on the bare sacking, never! That were too squalid.
CINESIAS. Oh! by the great gods, be quick back!
MYRRHINÉ (_coming back with a mattress_). Here is a mattress. Lie down, I am just going to undress. But, but you've got no pillow.
CINESIAS. Oh! dear, oh, dear! they treat my poor penis for all the world like Heracles.[449]
MYRRHINÉ (_coming back with a pillow_). There, lift your head, dear!
MYRRHINÉ. I am just unfastening my girdle. But remember what you promised me about making Peace; mind you keep your word.
CINESIAS. Great Zeus! what matter of that? 'tis you I want to fuck.
MYRRHINÉ Never fear--directly, directly! I'll be back in no time.
CINESIAS. The woman will kill me with her blankets!