Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/469

439 IDYL XV. THE FESTIVAL OF ADONIS 439

palace of King Ptolemy Phlladelphus. to see the image of Adonis, which the Queen Avsinoe, Ptolemy's vife, had had decorated with peculiar magnificence. A hymn, by a cele- brated performer, was to be recited over the image. The names of the two women are Gorgo and Praxinoe ; their maids, who are mentioned in the poem, are called Eunoe and Eutychis. Gorgo comes by appointment to Praxinoe's bouse to fetch her, and there the dialogue begins."

(Matthew Aknold.)

Gorgo. Is Praxinoe at home ?

Praxinoe. My clear Gorge, at last I Yes, here I am. Eunoe, find a chair, — get a cushion for it.

Gorgo. It will do beautifully as it is.

Praxinoe. Do sit down.

Gorgo. O, this gad-about spirit! I could hardly get to you, Praxinoe, through all the crowd and all the carriages. Nothing but heavy boots, nothing but men in uniform. And what a journey it is ! My dear child, you really live too far off.

Praxinoe. It is all that insane husband of mine. He has chosen to come out here to the end of the world, and take a hole of a place, — for a house it is not, — on purpose that you and I might not be neigh- bors. He is always just the same; — anything to quarrel with one ! anything for spite !

Gorgo. My dear, don't talk so of your husband before the little fellow. Just see how astonished he looks at you. Never mind, Zopyrio, my pet, she is not talking about papa.

Praxinoe. Good heavens ! the child does really understand.

Gorgo. Pretty papa I

Praxinoe. That pretty papa of his the other day (though I told him beforehand to mind what he was