"Why shameful, if the
spectators
do not think so?
Aristophanes
DIONYSUS. Yes, "my tongue has sworn. "[534] . . . But I choose Aeschylus.
EURIPIDES. What have you done, you wretch?
DIONYSUS. I? I have decided that Aeschylus is the victor. What then?
EURIPIDES. And you dare to look me in the face after such a shameful
deed?
DIONYSUS.
"Why shameful, if the spectators do not think so? "[535]
EURIPIDES. Cruel wretch, will you leave me pitilessly among the dead?
DIONYSUS. "Who knows if living be not dying,[536] if breathing be not
feasting, if sleep be not a fleece? "[537]
PLUTO. Enter my halls. Come, Dionysus.
DIONYSUS. What shall we do there?
PLUTO. I want to entertain my guests before they leave.
DIONYSUS. Well said, by Zeus; 'tis the very thing to please me best.
CHORUS. Blessed the man who has perfected wisdom!
