SEVENTH WOMAN. Oh! the thrice cursed rascal! how he lies! By the goddesses, 'tis ten years since Proteas[629] died.
EURIPIDES. "What is this shore whither the wind has driven our boat?"
MNESILOCHUS. "It's Egypt."
EURIPIDES. "Alas! how far we are from our own country!"
SEVENTH WOMAN. But don't believe that cursed fool. This is Demeter's
Temple.
EURIPIDES. "Is Proteus in these parts?"
SEVENTH WOMAN. Ah, now, stranger, it must be sea-sickness that makes you so distraught! You have been told that Proteas is dead, and yet you ask if he is in these parts.
EURIPIDES. "He is no more! Oh! woe! where lie his ashes?"
MNESILOCHUS. 'Tis on his tomb you see me sitting.
SEVENTH WOMAN. You call an altar a tomb! Beware of the rope!