TRYGAEUS 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.
HERMES If that be so, receive Opora here for a wife; take her to the country, live with her, and grow fine grapes together.(1)
f(1) Opora was the goddess of fruits.
TRYGAEUS Come, my dear friend, come and accept my kisses. Tell me, Hermes, my master, do you think it would hurt me to love her a little, after so long an abstinence?
HERMES No, not if you swallow a potion of penny-royal afterwards.(1) But hasten to lead Theoria(2) to the Senate; 'twas there she lodged before.
f(1) The scholiast says fruit may be eaten with impunity in
great quantities if care is taken to drink a decoction of
this herb afterwards.
f(2) Theoria is confided to the care of the Senate, because
it was this body who named the deputies appointed to go and
consult the oracles beyond the Attic borders to be present
at feats and games.
TRYGAEUS Oh! fortunate Senate! Thanks to Theoria, what soups you will swallow for the space of three days!(1) how you will devour meats and cooked tripe! Come, farewell, friend Hermes!
f(1) The great festivals, e.g. the Dionysia, lasted three
days. Those in honour of the return of Peace, which was so
much desired, could not last a shorter time.
HERMES And to you also, my dear sir, may you have much happiness, and don't forget me.
TRYGAEUS Come, beetle, home, home, and let us fly on a swift wing.