Cyclops
Is that so? To a servant You there, go on the double and sharpen my carving-knives and start a big bundle of wood blazing on the hearth. The servant goes into the cave. They shall be slaughtered at once and fill my belly,
[245]
presenting the server with a feast hot from the coals and the rest boiled and tender from the cauldron. I have had my fill of mountain fare: I have dined enough on lions and deer and have gone far too long without a meal of man's-flesh.
Silenus
[250]
Novelty, good master, is all the pleasanter after the usual. It has been some time since strangers arrived at your house.
Odysseus
Cyclops, listen in turn to us strangers as well. We came from our ship
[255]
to the neighborhood of your cave wishing to buy food. And this fellow, since he had got something to drink, sold and tendered us these sheep for a cup of wine, willingly and to willing customers: there was no violence in this business. But now every word this fellow says is a lie
[260]
since he has been caught selling your goods behind your back.
Silenus
What, me? Damnation take you!
Odysseus
Yes, if I'm lying.
Silenus
By your father Poseidon, Cyclops, by great Triton and Nereus, by Calypso and the daughters of Nereus,
[265]
by the holy sea-swell and the whole tribe of fishes, I swear—O my handsome, O my dear Cyclops, O sweet master—that I was not trying to sell your property to the strangers. If I am lying, may utter damnation take these sons of mine, the apple of my eye!
Chorus-Leader
[270]
On your head, rather! I saw you selling the goods to these strangers. If I am lying, then damnation take my father! But do no wrong to the strangers.