HERACLES. Is Iophon[396] dead then?
DIONYSUS. He is the only good one left me, and even of him I don't know quite what to think.
HERACLES. Then there's Sophocles, who is greater than Euripides; if you must absolutely bring someone back from Hades, why not make him live again?
DIONYSUS. No, not until I have taken Iophon by himself and tested him for what he is worth. Besides, Euripides is very artful and won't leave a stone unturned to get away with me, whereas Sophocles is as easy-going with Pluto as he was when on earth.
HERACLES. And Agathon? Where is he?[397]
DIONYSUS. He has left me; 'twas a good poet and his friends regret him.
HERACLES. And whither has the poor fellow gone?
DIONYSUS. To the banquet of the blest.
HERACLES. And Xenocles?[398]
DIONYSUS. May the plague seize him!