Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/471

441 IDYL XV. THE FESTIVAL OF ADONIS 441

you ; there 's a bogy on horseback, who bites. Cry aa much as you like ; I 'm not going to have you lamed for life. Now we '11 start. Nurse, take the little one and amuse him ; call the dog in, and shut the street-door. (^They go oiit.^ Good heavens ! what a crowd of people ! How on earth are we ever to get through all this ? They are like ants : you can't count them. — My dearest Gorgo, what will become of us ? here are the royal Horse Guards. My good man, don't ride over me ! Look at that bay horse rearing bolt up- right ; what a vicious one ! Eunoe, you mad girl, do take care ! — That horse will certainly be the death of the man on his back. How glad I am now that I left the child safe at home !

Gorgo. All right, Praxinoe, we are safe behind them ; and they have gone on to where they are stationed.

Praxinoe. Well, yes, I begin to revive again. From the time I was a little girl I have had more horror of horses and snakes than of anything in the world. Let us get on ; here 's a great crowd coming this way upon us.

Gorgo (to an old woman). Mother, are you from the palace ?

Old Woman. Yes, my dears.

Gorgo. Has one a tolerable chance of getting there ?

Old Woman. My pretty young lady, the Greeks got to Troy by dint of trying hard ; trying will do anything in this world.

Gorgo. The old creature has delivered herself of an oracle and departed.

Praxinoe. Women can tell you about everything, Jupiter's marriage with Juno not excepted.

Gorgo. Look, Praxinoe, what a squeeze at the palace-gates !