Lectures on Dramatic Art and Literature

by August Wilhelm von Schlegel

DIKAIOPOLIS.
"For thee. my blessing; for Telephus, my thoughts." [7]
'Tis well; already, words flow thick and fast.
Oh! I had near forgot—A beggar's staff, I pray.

EURIPIDES.
Here, take one, and thyself too from these doors.

DIKAIOPOLIS.
(Aside.) See'st thou, my soul,—he'd drive thee from his door
Still lacking many things. Become at once
A supple, oily beggar. (Aloud.) Good Euripides,
Lend me a basket, pray;—though the bottom's
Scorch'd, 'twill do.

EURIPIDES.
Poor wretch! A basket? What's thy need on't?

DIKAIOPOLIS.
No need beyond the simple wish to have it.

EURIPIDES.
You're getting troublesome. Come pack—be off.

DIKAIOPOLIS. (Aside.) Faugh! Faugh! (Aloud.) May heaven prosper thee as—thy good mother. [8]

EURIPIDES.
Be off, I say!

DIKAIOPOLIS.
Not till thou grant'st my prayer.
Only a little cup with broken rim.

EURIPIDES.
Take it and go; for know you're quite a plague.