Page:The Eleven Comedies (1912) Vol 1.djvu/198

194

Very well; but something very strange has happened to him.

What then?

He has turned from Sophocles into Simonides.

Into Simonides? How so?

Because, though old and broken-down as he is, he would put to sea on a hurdle to gain an obolus.

And wise Cratinus, is he still alive?

He died about the time of the Laconian invasion.

.

How?

Of a swoon. He could not bear the shock of seeing one of his casks full of wine broken. Ah! what a number of other misfortunes our city has suffered! So, dearest mistress, nothing can now separate us from thee.

If that be so, receive Opora here for a wife; take her to the country, live with her, and grow fine grapes together.