DIONYSUS. Come, take courage; only …
XANTHIAS. Only what?
DIONYSUS. … don't start saying as you shift your package from shoulder to shoulder, "Ah! that's a relief!"
XANTHIAS. May I not at least say, that unless I am relieved of this cursed load I shall let wind?
DIONYSUS. Oh! for pity's sake, no! you don't want to make me spew.
XANTHIAS. What need then had I to take this luggage, if I must not copy the porters that Phrynichus, Lycis and Amipsias[382] never fail to put on the stage?
DIONYSUS. Do nothing of the kind. Whenever I chance to see one of these stage tricks, I always leave the theatre feeling a good year older.
XANTHIAS. Oh! my poor back! you are broken and I am not allowed to make a single joke.
DIONYSUS. Just mark the insolence of this Sybarite! I, Dionysus, the son of a … wine-jar,[383] I walk, I tire myself, and I set yonder rascal upon an ass, that he may not have the burden of carrying his load.
XANTHIAS. But am I not carrying it?