Aphrodite.
Phœbus offered me the rustic entertainment of gathering wild raspberries. We found some at length, and regaled ourselves. I wished for more, and Phœbus, with his usual gallantry, wandered dreamily away into the forest on the quest. He has evidently lost his way. I sat me down on this tree and waited.
Ares.
Surely it is the first time that you were ever abroad unattended. I am amazed at the carelessness of Phœbus. Aphrodite—without an attendant!
Aphrodite.
That is rather a fatuous remark, and from you of all people in the world. My most agreeable reminiscences are, without exception, connected with occasions on which I had escaped from my body-guard of nymphs. At the present moment you would
do well to face the fact, Ares, that I have but a single maid, and that she has collapsed under the burdens of novelty and exile.
Ares.
Is that my poor friend Cydippe?
Aphrodite.