‘Is this your hospitality, Ægiochus?’ exclaimed Ixion, in a tone of bullying innocence. ‘I shall defend myself.’
‘Seize him, seize him!’ exclaimed Jupiter. ‘What! do you all falter? Are you afraid of a mortal?’
‘And a Thessalian?’ added Ganymede.
No one advanced.
‘Send for Hercules,’ said Jove.
‘I will fetch him in an instant,’ said Ganymede.
‘I protest,’ said the King of Thessaly, ‘against this violation of the most sacred rights.’
‘The marriage tie?’ said Mercury.
‘The dinner-hour?’ said Jove.
‘It is no use talking sentiment to Ixion,’ said Venus; ‘all mortals are callous.’