Chorus.
Hasten, hasten, for, if Chæris sees you, he will come without bidding, he and his flute; and when you see him puffing and panting and out of breath, you will have to give him something.
Trygæus.
Come, seize the basket and take the lustral water and hurry to circle round the altar to the right.
Servant.
There! ’tis done. What is your next bidding?
Trygæus.
Hold! I take this fire-brand first and plunge it into the water.
Servant.
Be quick! be quick! Sprinkle the altar.
Trygæus.
Give me some barley-seed, purify yourself and hand me the basin; then scatter the rest of the barley among the audience.
Servant.
’Tis done.
Trygæus.
You have thrown it?
Servant.
Yes, by Hermes! and all the spectators have had their share.
Trygæus.
But not the women?
Servant.
Oh! their husbands will give it them this evening.[1]
- ↑ An obscene jest. The Greek word, says the Scholiast, means both barley and the male organ.
