Aphrodite.
Depend upon it, it is not a temple at all. What Hermes was present at was unquestionably some gathering of local politicians. Poor these barbarians may be, but they could not excuse by poverty such a neglect of the decencies as he describes. No flowers, no bright robes, no music of stringed instruments, no sacrifice—it is quite impossible that the meanest of sentient beings should worship in such a manner. And as for the picture which you saw behind what you took to be the altar, I question not that it is used to keep in memory some ancestor who suffered from the tyranny of his masters. In the belief that he was assisting at a process of rustic worship, our
poor Hermes has doubtless attended a revolutionary meeting.
Circe.
Dreadful! But may its conflicts long keep outside the arcades of this delightful woodland!
Hermes.
And still we know not to which of us the mild barbarians pray!