HERACLES. All the more reason why I wish to strangle him.
PISTHETAERUS. Hand me the cheese-grater; bring me the silphium for sauce; pass me the cheese and watch the coals.[363]
HERACLES. Mortal! we who greet you are three gods.
PISTHETAERUS. Wait a bit till I have prepared my silphium pickle.
HERACLES. What are these meats?[364]
PISTHETAERUS. These are birds that have been punished with death for attacking the people's friends.
HERACLES. And you are seasoning them before answering us?
PISTHETAERUS. Ah! Heracles! welcome, welcome! What's the matter?[365]
HERACLES. The gods have sent us here as ambassadors to treat for peace.
A SERVANT. There's no more oil in the flask.