Page:Acharnians and two other plays (1909).djvu/76

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What joy is this!

What ecstasy! do give me a kiss!

There coax me, and hug me close, and sympathise;

I've swigged the gallon off; I've won the prize. Lam. Ο what a consummation of my woes,

What throbs and throes! Dic. Eh there! my little Lamachus! How goes? Lam. I'm in distress. Dic. I'm in no less. Lam. Mock not at my misery. Dic. Accuse me not of mockery. Lam. Twas at the final charge; I'd paid before

A number of the rogues; at least a score. Dic. It was a most expensive charge you bore:

Poor Lamachus! he was forced to pay the score! Lam. Ο mercy, mighty Apollo! Dic. What, do ye holloh

A'ter Apollo? it an't his feast to-day. Lam. (to his bearers).

Don't press me,

Dear friends!

But place me

Gently and tenderly. Dic. (to the women).

Caress me,

Dear girls!

Embrace me

Gently and tenderly. Lam. Strip off the incumbrance of this warlike gear,

And take me to my bed Dic. Strip off incumbrances, my pretty dear,

And take me off to bed. Lam. Or bear me to the public hospital

With care. Dic. Bring me before the judges; one and all

Look there!

I've won the prize;

As this true gallon measure testifies.

I've drunk it off. "I triumph great and glorious." Chorus. And well you may; triumph away, good fellow;

you're victorious.